I will soon be 69 years old. I grew up as a share cropper's son in southern Mississippi. By most standards we were considered "poor", but I have no memory of ever being "poor". I got tired of looking at the North end of a South bound mule and joined the Navy 4 days after my 17th birthday, on March 20, 1958, I went to Great Lakes, Il for basic training in July, 1958.
I served in Navy Intelligence till march 1967 when I was discharged on partial disability, due to hearing loss. I was placed on total service connected disability in 1978 due to further hearing loss (I only have 10% hearing in right ear, none in left ear) and loss of balance function. When in the Navy and since, I have visited every state, and most countries, and am blessed to have friends all over the U.S. and the world On this, the first day if 2010 I Invite you to take a walk with me down memory lane.
I remember when money and material things were not the measure of wealth, but the true measure of wealth, was honesty, integrity, charity, and many true friends..
I remember when people were intelligent enough to converse without resorting to vulgarities.
I remember when the color of a persons skin was not as important as the color of a persons heart.
I remember when loyalty to Country and Faith in God were admiral traits.
I remember when politicians put America first over partisan ideologies.
I remember when actors could actually speak and act. Now talent consists of cursing, grunting, shooting someone, blowing up people and things, sweating, striping and having sex.
I remember when neighbors looked out for each other.
I remember when kids could play outside, even after dark.
I remember when promotions were based on merit.
I remember when addiction was considered a weakness of character, not a disease.
But most of all I remember when people were self reliant, and took responsibility for their own lives, their successes and failures, and were mentally mature enough to neither want or need a Nanny Government to provide for them.
My memory of 2009 will be the year America gave up Her freedom to follow the pipe dream of false promises of a sinister puppet, who promised everyone they could have everything with no effort on their part. 2009 the year slavery came again to America. The White House is the Plantation House and all people of America are share croppers, but without a share.
