Events reflect decline in values
On the same day as Michael Jackson's funeral, following a constant media barrage of music lovers and the public in general, a small group gathered in Arlington Cemetery (approximately 25 people, including a military honor guard and family). The occasion was the burial of a young soldier killed in Iraq.
The comparisons of these two occasions reflect an attitude that is present in the decline of America's economic, moral and political leadership in the free world.
The former organizations that once were the foundation of these leadership qualities (the church, government, business, labor and education) have lost their souls to objectives of personal gain and social change. Added is a losing battle against terrorism and the decline of our military power.
Those of us who fought in World War II are appalled at the trend of an American government that appears riddled with management inefficiency and a lack of focus. In the world around us we are the objects of ridicule by our friends as well as our enemies.
Unless radical changes occur and basic values return, I will recall for America the words of the famous English statesman, Lord Grey, on the eve of World War I: "The lights are going out all over the world. They shall not be lit again in our time."
Samuel A. Hess
Mount Prospect