We need a return to respect for authority

In the Dec. 13 edition of the Daily Herald, the article "Moral values and customs vs. laws" caught my attention. The article, written by Walter E. Williams, was right on when he said, "Society's first line of defense is not the law but customs, traditions and moral values." And, "Unfortunately, customs, traditions and moral values have been discarded…."

Most Americans who are over the age of 70 will probably agree that the past America was great primarily because of the proliferation of moral values and not the creation of more laws.

One of the greatest pitfalls plaguing America today is the absence of authority. No one is in charge, and we do as we please. If we do something that is apparently wrong, we hire a lawyer or sue someone.

Growing up, I can remember that any adult was the authority, whether it was friends, neighbors, parents, teachers or the police. If my parents were told that I violated a school rule, not only did I get punished at school, I also got punished at home. If one of our neighbors caught me doing something wrong and notified my parents, I was punished. My parents never questioned authority. There was "absolute" authority and it wasn't me.

If America is to be better, we need to return to the "customs, traditions and moral values" spoken about by Mr. Williams. Laws provide direction, but character will determine the future of America.

Perhaps, if we treated everyone the way we want to be treated, we would see a better America and a better World.

Thank you, Mr. Williams, for your insightful article.

Fred Dryden

Huntley