It may have begun somewhere in the 1970’s.  We were winding down a seemingly endless war in Viet Nam.  Women fought for equal rights.  Segregation was still an issue.  We had a national scandal and saw a president impeached.  The comedians of the day were Phyllis Diller and Don Rickles who spent their monologues ragging on everyone.  Movies now had “R” ratings.  The sexual revolution was well underway.  It seemed that the days of “Father Knows Best” were over and replaced with dysfunctional families with dads like Archie Bunker.

Folks became numbed with illicit drugs.  The three martini lunch was the menu of the day to cinch a deal.  Space exploration was still in the news, but now people were becoming more concerned about the state of our own planet and focusing on ways they could control things like climate change.

Somehow the basics of religion were tossed aside in favor of self-reliance.  The Ten Commandments became outdated.  The Bible was just a book of myths and stories. In fifty years, this would lead to a nation who no longer felt the need to go to church – a population that didn’t trust government officials – a land where family was a thing of the past – a country that no longer put their trust in God.

Today we see more “me” oriented behavior.  The idea of helping others is considered second to fulfilling our own needs.  We strive for multiple vehicles, numerous luxuries, outstanding homes that are rarely lived in – because folks are too busy working to pay for them.

America is the land of opportunity, but not for everyone.  We have become inclusive, self centered and corrupt.  We need good leadership.  I think we need to give our new president a chance to show us what he can do, instead of slinging mud at him.  It’s time for common sense.  This mess we’re in didn’t occur overnight.  The devil is anxious for company in hell, and he’s willing to wait for it.  Let’s prove to him that he won’t get a hold of us.

Have faith, be strong and courageous and trust in God’s mighty hand.  He has a plan!

“The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin’
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’.”

BOB DYLAN