State of The Union

“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.”

Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, February 12, 1779

While attempting to resolve myself to the actions of the current administration and the declining morality exhibited by leaders such as SC Governor Sanford, I reflect on how it is we find ourselves in the current situation.  While it is evident that we have had erosions in our foundation over the years, I find myself increasingly returning to the era of the Vietnam War.  With few exceptions, it was indeed one of the most turbulent times in this Republic’s history.  There were violent anti-war protests and racial strife following the assassination of Dr. King.  Significant as these actions were, there were other issues from that era which I believe helped set the stage for our current situation.

In my view, the single largest factor contributing to our current predicament was the emergence of the so called “Counter Culture”.  This mindset has given rise to many of the problems we are grappling to resolve.  Whether it be the relaxation of morals through the sexual revolution or the advocacy of the use of illicit drugs, it has had a profound effect.  Prior to this philosophy’s increased acceptance, things were viewed through an entirely different set of values.  We respected others.  Our parents would not tolerate disrespect of our elders under any circumstance.  If there were issues to be dealt with, they were dealt with privately, so as not to undercut the discipline they were teaching us.  We also never thought of “talking back” to our parents without expecting some sort of punishment to follow; we learned to choose our words carefully.  And the underlying principle of it all was that respect was extended to all adults whether they were our teachers, neighbors or relatives.  This appears to have gone the way of the horse and buggy!  This Counter Culture taught conflict with the “older generation” as a rite of passage.

Along with the loss of basic respect came a “me first” attitude.  The philosophy became one of “it’s none of your business if I’m not hurting someone else.”  This I simply regard as youthful innocence that comes with a lack of maturity.  As we have all learned in our own lives, there are very few behaviors that we indulge in that do not affect others in some manner.  While I believe that most people understand this, it is clear that many do not.  I think we need to reevaluate  ourselves constantly in order to reach our full potential as human beings.

When you take the above changes in personal attitudes and interject an overreaching federal government, you have a recipe for disaster.  Think about the changes that were instituted during this era.  We had many Federal programs that were either started or expanded during this time – affirmative action, the creation of the welfare state and the establishment of a federal medical program to name just a few.  Throw into the mix an activist Federal Judiciary with the Roe v Wade decision and you have the disarray we find ourselves in today.  I firmly believe that all of these programs would have been implemented in one manner or another in the states had the Federal government not usurped their rights.

As a result of the growth of this Counter Culture it seems we have lost many of the virtues that contributed mightily to our Nation’s greatness.  The Capital Virtues I am speaking of are Humility, Tolerance, Brotherly Love, Meekness, Chastity, Temperance and Diligence.  They have been replaced with the corresponding Sins of Pride, Avarice, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony and, Sloth.  I am confident that until we find our way back to the virtues, it will matter little who we put in office!

Tags: Gregg

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