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“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity…to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” James Madison – 1778

The Fourth of July was instituted as a national holiday by Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 – just a year before I was born. The day would commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, In looking at the past 80 years, I have fond memories of spending this special day attending parades, decorating bikes, scooters and other wheeled objects with red, white and blue crepe paper. If by chance there was rain, we could count on that paper bleeding onto our hands. The day was a reminder of the cost of our nation’s freedom. We would sing patriotic songs – place our hand over our heart as we pledged allegiance to America – spend time with family at reunions laden with potato salad, ice cream, hot dogs and lots of homemade baked items. We might spend time swimming, boating, going to band concerts, or just plain relaxing, but the thought of God and country were foremost in our thoughts. A sense of patriotism was always at the forefront.

Those days have gone and past. I’ve seen many changes in the appreciation for being able to live in this great land of ours. As many cultures mix and blend to create an even more diverse culture, some of that patriotism has gone by the wayside. I am still so proud of my country – our flag – our morals and principles – our “American Dreams,” our hope for a future that would include all of those things. Honoring those who gave their lives in various battles over the years has somehow lessened. We have special days for that, but they aren’t treated in the same honorable way.

I have thoughts about where our country is going and how mixed up everything has become, but I still have hope for the future. I pray that my grandchildren and their children will also feel that way when they begin to raise their families. America was founded with the greatest of intentions. Those of us who truly love this county are committed to her governing – her future – her sense of hope – her citizens – and remembering that we are a country of independent individuals who have freedoms beyond our wildest dreams. Yet we must remain responisbile, accountable, and caring of all people who live here.

I’m sure my descendants will wonder about the future as I do today. I’m sure they will be concerned for the direction we are taking. One thing will remain the same for those of us who conside her a nation under God. As Ronald Reagan said, “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be one nation gone under.”

Most of the younger generation won’t get this joke, but for me it was the begining of the end for the respect I normally had for our presidents. In this post from 2018, it seems that not much has changed in this regard. If nothing else it’s worsened and the popularity of wanting to become a presidential candidate can only be obtained by one who is not really designed to be a president. It takes one with a strong ego – someone who isn’t immune to criminal activity or deal making – one who will sell his or her soul to the devil, for the eventual job. Since it’s TBT, I thought I”d share it agin. Let’s see if things have gotten better or worse.

I’m old enough to remember the scandal of Watergate and realize that our government was not as pure as I thought it was.  I was in early adulthood and a first time voter for a man who turned conspiracy, secrecy and betrayal into an every day occurrence in the United States.  Today it has grown into a standard for those in politics.  It seems the more scandal there is, the more popular the one who is creating it. It’s really sad to an old woman like me to see the destruction of what we once held to be epitome of public office – the president of this great country.  I won’t stand still for what has turned into an ugly, corrupt state of affairs.  None of us should.  I believe that America is worth fighting for and right now we are in the fight of the century.

In the movie, “Mr.Smith Goes to Washington,” Jimmy Stewart became an overnight success.  The story was a slam dunk against the Senate and an undermining of an innocent man.  Joseph Kennedy, Sr. stated that the movie would “damage America’s prestige in England.”  The film actually showed the effects of one man standing against a broken system.

There are plenty of us grass roots Americans that are sick and tired of politics as usual and the seeming Mafia type tactics that have overtaken our politicians during the past several years.  Each election has us engaged in a political circus that has two very different, but equally corrupt people running for office.  On the other hand, we have two political parties that are desperately broken and our country is suffering because of poor leadership.  Have we become so apathetic that we cannot be bothered by the silliness of politics? Have we given up easily because it’s out of our realm to be involved?

We need another Mr. Smith to go to Washington and stand up to the powers that be.  We need to return to our core values as a nation.  We need to stand up for those values and not cave to politic al correctness.  By doing so, we are allowing our country to be flushed down the toilet.We’re told to pray for our leaders and trust that God has instituted government for our benefit.  One person cannot change what’s happening in our political arena today, but one person has made it possible for us to realize that in the end, God wins  Our salvation was won at a great price  Our country can be won back by the people, only if they let their voices be heard.

GOD, PLEASE BLESS AMERICA  – AGAIN!

Does becoming a senior citizen mean that our days of usefulness are over? I hope not. So far I’ve been blessed with a sound mind, except when I’m dreaming or creating a new piece of work; and I’m physically sound, except for the extra 20 pounds I’m lugging around.

God has words concerning the elderly throughout the Bible. Some of the wisest men lived well into their hundreds. I think that age is not looked on with the same respect that it was in ancient times or with certain cultures today. In these times of unrest and uncertainty, we need the wisdom that the older generation has to offer. Being mentors to the young – sharing our life experiences – lending words encouragement and inspiration – lifting up those who feel they’ve failed – are all ways in which we can still be useful in our senior years.

When we retire from the work force, we tend to feel useless. Part of our identity has been eliminated. Our lifestyle changes and our dreams of a work-free life have fizzled into having no purpose. When that happens to us, all other sorts of problems arise We feel a little sorry for ourselves and dwell on our health issues more. We give up doing things with friends. We isolate. We begin to forget things. Without that purpose for living we lose another twenty years or so without actually living them. The truth is we have a lifetime of experiences, learning and knowledge that we can share with the younger generation.

I am hopeful that by example we can teach others in our age bracket that our lives don’t end with each trip around the sun. Each day is a new beginning and we need to make the most of every one of them. Join a class on something you never had time to do when you were working. Volunteer as an older big brother. Share your stories with youngsters. Grandparents are often separated from the grandchildren and that relationship is very important to both generations. Use your talents to write a book, paint a picture, create, teach, learn new things and to reach out to others. When we stop living – we quickly die. I believe the knowledge and experience we’ve acquired in our lifetimes can still be of great benefit to society today. Let’s not underestimate what we can contribute to others’ life journeys. It took a long time for you to get here, so don’t waste what remains of your own life.

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old. You grow old when you stop laughing.” – George Bernard Shaw