A Commoner's Lament

It would take thousands of volumes of essays, studies and books to attempt to explain. And, with due respect to the social professors, writers and philosophers, they could not conclude it as concise and succinctly as the ordinary folk at the coffee shop, neighborhood bar and other similar places where straight talk and common sense prevail.

I offer only a cursory explanation to define how our nation has evolved from its 1930's, World War II and post WW II mindset of self sacrifice, national dedication and unselfishness to the current prevailing attitudes of instant gratification and success, entitlement and celebrity and youth obsession.

Some of these unsavory and selfish characteristics had their beginning before the Viet Nam War, but much of contemporary societal dysfunction evolved from the chaos and the turmoil of the 1960's. Assassinations of several national figures and the war left people with little faith in our political institutions and it flowed over into social upheaval. A diminishing of morality and faith resulted during this grievous decade. Corruption among our political leaders, business executives and a falling away from churches has compounded the problem.

Many Americans today fail to distinguish between freedom and license. Freedom carries many responsibilities. As the popular expression goes "Freedom is not free" where many confuse freedom with license as exemplified by the feeling of entitlement prevalent among too many. The privileges and benefits that it took our grandparents and previous generations' years to achieve are almost demanded by many in the present generation of young people. We demand instant success or at least a short cut - the easy and fun way to an education. Many confuse training with education - there is a vast difference. It takes long hours, months, and years to become an astute and professionally skilled person. But it is very gratifying.

Civility is going the way of the Dodo. "Don't interrupt my fun or pleasure or my path on the roadway". "Please" and "Thank you" are regarded as humbling oneself. Where do these ideas come from? Lack of parental supervision and mentoring? Too much absorbing of garbage programs on TV? Just plain stupidity? Parents, schools, churches, and other institutions are struggling against a culture of indifference, disrespect, sloth and just plain meanness perpetuated by Rap artists, TV programs that promote sexuality to a ridiculous level and Madison Avenue that uses dubious methods to market a multitude of products.

Of course there is a myriad of examples of noble and magnanimous endeavors all over America today. We are still the most giving and charitable nation in the world. And we should be, given that we are the richest and enjoy such freedom.

There are tens of thousands of Americans dedicating their lives to the safety, health and betterment of people here at home and all over the world. Frequently, we hear or read of some unfortunate child or person from a lesser part of the world receiving medical help to save or improve his/her life.

Recently, Bill Cosby chastised those young black people for their failure to speak properly or to try to gain a viable education. He, in turn was criticized by some Black people for "ganging up" on poor Blacks. Enablers in the Black community are not doing their own any favors. There are similar problems with White people. How many will spend several hundred dollars to send their sons and daughters to summer sports camps, but would be reluctant to spend a similar sum on "Hooked on Phonics" or an Academic workshop? Yes, it is their money to do with as they wish. But, it does speak loudly to our unfortunate priorities. The geeky science student only becomes appreciated when 10-15 years later he/she save the sports nuts kid's life on the operating table.

The vicious political partisanship that exists today hinders the advance of programs that could benefit various groups in our population. If a politician breaks with his party on an issue, he/she is censored.

An example is Illinois Senator Peter Fitzgerald who was courageous enough to be independent in several instances. He was criticized for not being a "team player." Examples among Democrats exist also. I'm sure, "know it all" Liberals are a dangerous breed.

Profiles in Courage are very rare in our contemporary political arena. It's all about re-election and less about serving the constituents among many politicos. Sad-sad indeed!

As good and noble a nation as America still is it has an element that is corrupt and decadent and threatens the very existence of our nation as we know it today.

The popular philosopher, Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy and it be us."

Moderation and keep the faith.