OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT AND A NATION IN TROUBLE

You summed it all up. Your last paragraph says it just right. We must do something positive now or things will get worse. My poem, #695, "My Lucky Ones" Gives another view of all the wars. As ever, Gail

I received the following comment by e-mail:

Hi Fred. Thanks for all you said in the new article. I couldn't have said it better. My personal outlook is that this world SEEMS real, but there is a GREATER reality beyond it. I see this life (which can only be imperfect) as a big school where some people will learn what is "right" by doing, seeing or experiencing things that they eventually learn are/were "wrong." The justice that we seek isn't here. Otherwise, Jesus would not have been killed. Yet, while we are HERE, we have the option (God gave us free choice) to be loving to every creature we encounter (because those encounters are definately NOT by chance). If everything was smooth-running and all virtuous deeds were rewarded here, then we'd get lazy. People are always (I think) seeking EASE. What has America done with all the "free time" that we have accumulated from our "labor-saving devices" invented in the 1900's? Few have used the time to make themselves better people, but instead, have spent more and more precious time in "having fun." So, we're in a daily proving ground, where the lesson can only be to be more loving to the imperfect ones around us. The "rewards" aren't to be given here, but in another place and time.

Again, thanks, and KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON.
David.

BRAVO Fred. I'll not prognosticate further, for you've covered all the basis very nicely. Nice job...Kathe

A heartfelt essay, and one I'm sure many are in agreement with. This country is definitely in a decline in many ways, which you have pointed out. Does history repeat itself? Are we another "Roman Empire" heading for a fall? I pray the American people wake up before it's too late.
Nancy

Yes Nancy, history does repeat itself. I was thinking about Rome as I wrote it. It is astonishing to me that we never seem to learn from history. We have not learned from the fall of Rome. We have not learned from Vietnam, what will happen if we bring the troops home from Iraq. Cambodia and the killing fields all over again. We have not learned from Hitler and Nazi Germany, so we twiddle our thumbs while Iran plays their game. It is because we never do learn from history that history keeps on repeating itself.
Fred

Hello Fred,

I also see that America is in trouble. I see it in the failure of city school children to be able to read, the spirling lines at food pantries and the huge increase in homelessness and and lack of adequate health care. A nation that does not have an educated and a healthy populace cannot remain a world power. Tax payers' dollars are going to support military dominance, leaving the needed human services of education and health care to become privatized, for those who can afford it. The American people need to evaluate their role in the country and the world. They need to regain their country and not leave it in the hands of rich people who buy elected officials. I'm with you in your concern. Veronica

Well, Fred, I think most of what you said hit it right on the head. I also think America who I love is not the America I remember. So much hatred in this world. Is it coming from drugs? You read about all the rapes and from people who are soppose to be showing our children a role model. Teachers, drs. dentists, every day you can read about another rape, molestation, shootings in our school, what is going on? I really think the drugs are behind most of this. As for the wars and especially this one, I hate it, I hate what is happening to our beloved men, they are out there trying their best to keep us safe. Look at the dreadfull lost we have, it breaks my heart. I have a son who was in the Navy for 21 1/2 years, and in dessert storm, I am so thankfull for him coming home safely. Also a step son who is in the coast guard, he still remains in a safe zone. I say it is time to wake up America, and evryone do their part, soon as so much goes on every day. I get scared for my grandchildren.

Barbara

Well Fred,I am from Canada and my own views are different from yours.

I am against war but am not against the troops[humans].

I see life differently but I also don't come from an older generation although I am getting up there[ am 44]

My life when I was younger was pretty crappy but I used my experiences for the good,I think.

It has also taught me alot about humans.

I don't know what is there for any of us when we are done here on earth.Maybe something better maybe nothing at all.

But if I believe there is a Jesus than I have to also remember he had doubts.If I believe there is a God then I have to believe we aren't perfect.If I believe I am not perfect then who am I to judge another?

I don't know why I have wrote this but I felt the need to say this.