Our vast collection of “coffee-table books” includes one about JFK, featuring some of the many, many photographs of him and his family taken for Life magazine. It reproduces many of his inspiring reflections on leading a powerful nation, including, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”
I remember those days of hopefulness and youthful energy. Some commentators on last week’s election have noted the number of successful candidates who are on the younger side, and many of the winners’ smiling, not scowling, demeanor. Interviewing voters around the country, they found people across the political spectrum who are fed up with all the vitriol and attempts to turn friends, neighbors, and family members into enemies. Me, too.
Good point, Vicki. Unfortunately, I think the Internet has led to a decline of civility and politeness in our society. I was in a restaurant this morning eating breakfast when I glanced over a man sitting at an adjacent table. He was wearing a T-shirt with a four letter word emblazoned across the back in large block letters. I was tempted to tell the oaf that his shirt was vulgar and offensive, but my breakfast companion begged me not to say anything. Social media and podcasts and the like have fostered a climate of self-centered people who know no boundaries, and apparently feel it’s their right to say anything or behave however they want regardless of who’s in the vicinity. Podcasters broadcast their vulgar and profane comments without consequence on line. I long for the days when people had dignity and showed each other respect.