The Americans?

[HerbS]

After being a teacher of History for 35yrs.I would say to the students that there were many great civilizations-Greeks-Romans-Egyptians-Etc,that are no longer as great as they were.We have over time read about all of them.When will we read-"There were the Americans"? In light of everthing has happened over the years[Civil War] and now Boston.What are your thoughts?

[Laurie Verge]

These are my own personal thoughts/worries, and I hope I don't offend anyone. However, I may be one of the senior members on this forum age-wise; and I have been concerned since the Viet Nam era over the degree of political radicalism that has grown up within the U.S. -- and has been allowed to fester and expand. The flag burnings of the 60s may well have become the bombings of today.

I would like to think that things like yesterday's bombings were the work of non-U.S. citizens, but I'm not so sure anymore. Even if they are conducted by non-citizens, I am concerned that we have opened up the flood-gates to such elements.

My mother died four years ago at the age of 94. She used to look at her only great-grandchild and say, "I don't want to think of the world you are going to inherit, my love." I have those same fears. I'm not sure that our modern age breeds honor, respect, and integrity.

[LincolnMan]

Herb: sad to say that I believe we are living in decline of our great country. I don't want to see it end (you and served our country to "protect & defend it")-but even Lincoln once remarked something to the effect that the nation would perish not from the outside but from within. I'm not a pessimist, but I'm am a realist. I don't like to think what my grandchildren will be facing in just a few short years.

[Gene C]

From my study of history, ususally a civilization goes into decline when there moral values go into decline, and it is partly because of the leaders who have limited or no moral values. The govenment becomes corupt the economy goes kaput. When they turn back to God, things improve. This is one of the lessons taught in the book of Judges and Isaiah in the Bible.

History repeats itself. Ashley posted in April 15, 2003 thread part of a quote by President Lincoln, and Roger posted the whole thing. ".....we know how to save the Union....." It's a simple answer. For some people it's to simple an answer to complicated issues. We saw the answer in Boston when people rushed in, overcoming there concern for their own personal safety, to help family and even strangers. "Love your neighbor as yourself" Jesus said this was the second most important commandment. The first was to love God with all your heart and mind. The Bible is not hard to understand. What you understand can be hard. You see some of these thoughts progressing in President Lincoln's writing as the years go by.

[Jim Page]

What bothers me are those who pander, for money or votes or whatever reason, to those who most need moral uplift.

Downplaying love of family or country is wrong. Disregarding the rights of others is wrong. Having children out of wedlock is wrong. Not taking education seriously is wrong. Depending upon the government for your livelihood, if you are fully able to work, is wrong. Not doing something to lessen unemployment in this country is wrong. Mincing around the truth or the obvious in the name of political correctness is wrong. Allowing petty issues to divide us is wrong.

The horrors of Boston yesterday were beyond belief. Yet, at the same time, there were those who didn't hesitate to jump in to assist others. Not a moment of hesitation. As long as that type of person-- and I'm specifically thinking now of Costa Rican immigrant Carlos Arredondo, whose Marine son died in action in Iraq in 2004-- chooses to live in this country, I have hope.

--Jim

[Laurie Verge]

With all of the craziness this week, I am happy to report that there are still some wonderful Americans out there. As I type this, we are working with 37 members of the U.S. Army's Old Guard based at Ft. Myer here in D.C. These are part of the elite unit that guards the Tomb of the Unknowns and conducts the military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. What a wonderful and respectful group. As part of their training, they are taking the tour over the Booth escape route.

And, just for the ladies on this forum, 90% of these guys are GORGEOUS, even out of uniform. Oh to be in my twenties again! Ask Lindsey (who is in her 20s) - she was one of our guides. Her comment to me afterwards was, "Oh, to be able to start my day like that every day!"