Two Minute Warning Whistle

Sometimes I think I was born too early. Although many who preceded me can probably say the same thing. We came before the technological age of miracles, when we had to do many things by hand the long way, to get by and survive without the conveniences and entitlements of today.

Being first generation, having one foot in America and one foot out of respect, in the heritage of my parents has an additional step to contend with. Having watched how they assimilated in their new home country, and the thought of their fear and uncertainty they must have felt, leaving familiarity, family and friends is a point of gratitude and pride I have for their fortitude that made it possible for me to be born American. They made it without all the advantages society offers to everyone today, if you are willing to exert the effort. Their integrity, hard work and respect for the law in their new country set an example for me to follow, that started when they applied to emigrate from their birth land to here. It was their intent to partake, with humility, in the opportunities America had to offer and leave behind the reasons they left. It is not xenophobic, or racist, to resent those who enter our country unlawfully, availing themselves of liberal freebies without assimilating into American society; but wanting to change us into their culture and the tyranny they left behind. Many bring unsavory baggage with them that they refuse to confiscate. Instead of humble gratitude they are demanding. My parent's names are proudly etched in the Wall of Honor at Ellis Island, because they did it the right way, whereas the names of many of the illegals are listed on police blotters.'.

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During my formative years, I lived and experienced a great depression and a world war that had influence in shaping the who and the why of me. Every penny was prioritized for necessity; not for frivolity that plagues today's "me" generation. There were few, if any toys, bicycles, sports gear or costly concerts and entertainment, inducing creativity to fill my leisure time. I didn't consider myself deprived or expect others to hand it to me. Slush funds were unheard of by families in those days, because there was no extra money left over after putting food on the table and clothing us, with much sacrifice in personal need for our parents. Generations following mine roll their eyes when they hear or read anything that sounds like what I write. A lot of manners, decency and respect have died, replaced by greed, self absorption and indifference. It is disheartening when moral level is lowered, to mimic those at the bottom rung of society, namely stoners and promiscuous losers when it especially hits close to home. Collateral damage often caused in the name of progress gone amok. Now, at my age, I hear the two minute warning whistle, and the game is nearly over for me. I don't want to be the last man standing, because it has been too painful to lose so many loved ones and dear friends. If I go into over time, there will be no one left to say goodbye to. Like the political question oft asked, "are you better off today than 6 years ago?" I can give the same answer, comparing it from the time I saw my first light, even with all the ups and downs, struggles, setbacks, joys and heartbreaks.....No! That negative answer was induced by the President, who is hell bent on destroying tradition through divisiveness. He was not raised in a traditional family and wants to even the score, exacerbating the decline of our nation's moral fiber and Judeo/Christian values. Even though we had so much less yesteryear, there was so much more in civility and honesty when coping with the negatives. When God becomes an inconvenience toward doing our own thing, our country is in trouble.