I agree with Ron Hull to a degree - our nation has always had a lot of apathy, but the degree of apathy today is truly horrendous, especially by these so called 'leaders' of ours in Congress. There was a time when only a few of them were 'totally out of it millionaires' and now there are many. There was also a time when most of our leaders were military veterans - hardly one vet among them today. So they truly care little for the working class, our veterans, our environment, etc., etc, and the list goes horribly on.
Unfortunately, my memory is quite good, not like a lot of old codgers that I seem to know. As I recall when I was the leader of an ecumenical church group in college back in the 60s, our membership was very small even though we advocated civil rights, the end of the Vietnam War, and an end to poverty. While we were earnestly trying to rise above the fray and do the right thing, most of our college colleagues were getting C grades (now inflated to B+) drinking their way through college, indulging in fraternity and sorority stupidity, avoiding the draft, and generally being very, mediocre.
And then I always refer to how Socrates complained that the younger generation were going to hell. I'm afraid that mediocrity has always been with us and will continue to be with us for a very long time. It nicely feeds conspicuous consumption.
Dear Tom,
Your poem is a refreshing "Wake-up Call" for Americans. Myself, I cannot accept the status-quo. Everyday is a learning experience and a challenge. We can be better and we can do better no matter what the obstacles are! Amen!
For the reasons I describe in this book, the world-wide suffering, death and extinction of humanity is very likely to occur, unless nonviolent and democratically determined radical and revolutionary personal and societal actions and changes are taken
While Debtors prisons no longer exist, many people continue to be persecuted for crimes related to poverty or inability to repay money owed to municipalities. This practice remains in an injustice that needs to be rectified.
Unfortunately, my memory is quite good, not like a lot of old codgers that I seem to know. As I recall when I was the leader of an ecumenical church group in college back in the 60s, our membership was very small even though we advocated civil rights, the end of the Vietnam War, and an end to poverty. While we were earnestly trying to rise above the fray and do the right thing, most of our college colleagues were getting C grades (now inflated to B+) drinking their way through college, indulging in fraternity and sorority stupidity, avoiding the draft, and generally being very, mediocre.
And then I always refer to how Socrates complained that the younger generation were going to hell. I'm afraid that mediocrity has always been with us and will continue to be with us for a very long time. It nicely feeds conspicuous consumption.
Ron
Your poem is a refreshing "Wake-up Call" for Americans. Myself, I cannot accept the status-quo. Everyday is a learning experience and a challenge. We can be better and we can do better no matter what the obstacles are! Amen!