The Breakdown

The signs of societal decay are all around. Human life is being devalued, morals are sinking faster than the Titanic and ethics in the public and private sector are almost non-existent. First and most serious is the decline in the value of human life. We are headed down the slippery slope. From abortion, to the "right" to die and soon the obligation to die. To further this end our government now proposes to determine who lives or dies based upon a subjective quality of life. Have you ever noticed the people discussing the quality of life are all healthy.

The moral failures of those in public life are worn like badges of honor. At least Elliot Spitzer had the decency to resign. The great moralizer, Mark Sanford, can't muster the courage to practice what he preaches. The fact that he was so quick to criticize the moral failings of President Clinton, a subject for another day, while so forgiving of his own sins is pathetic. How easy it is hold others to a higher standard while we give ourselves a free pass, disgusting.

Our ethics in the public space are so low we have come up with a special catagory for bribes, campaign contributions. Special interests pay congressmen and congresswomen for their votes. The amounts of money used to influence our legislators is obscene. Both Democrats and Republicans share blame equally. I wonder how long our institutions will hold as the public begins to understand the depth of the corruption of local, state and federal officials.

Finally what about us, the citizens of this great country. How long will we tolerate corruption and what will become of our society when we are no longer willing to accept our debased culture. Hopefully our tradition of individual freedoms and participatory government will hold. For there is one thing worse than a society with a lack of morals, that is a totalitarian society where individual lives and freedoms mean nothing.

Showing Weakness is Never a Sign of Strength

"No people in history have ever survived, who thought they could protect their freedom by making themselves inoffensive to their enemies.” -- Dean Acheson

President Obama's policy was to ignore the North Koreans, to deny them the respect they so keenly crave. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton compared the North Korean government to unruly children. Now in one fell swoop North Korea humbles both American leaders on the world stage. Very shrewd on their part.

I am relieved to know Bill Clinton's mission was successful in gaining release for the 2 American captives, but I must two questions, how did they get there and what price did we pay for their freedom?

Iran has now captured 3 U.S. tourists hiking on the Iran/Iraq border. I hope for their safe return but what price will be pay?

Seems the new international sport is to humiliate the United States; to show the world how weak we are.

Unfortunately weakness is always met with contempt. So expect a rise in agressive behavior toward us, at least until President Obama musters the resolve to stand up to the world's bullies.