One of my greatest concerns for our country is what seems to me to be a growing lack of respect, especially in the younger generation. My old dictionary gives synonyms for respect as esteem, honor, and high regard. It then gives examples of usage: Children should show respect to those who are older and wiser. Again: We hold the flag of our country in respect. One more: We should show respect for school buildings and other public places.
Respect for parents appears to be lacking in many households - I hesitate to call them families. Many kids are raised in single family homes which often means that they lack discipline. I recall Capt. Chapman, the previous leader of the local Salvation Army, telling that the objective of several low income girls is to have four children by whatever father is available so that her welfare benefits can be maximized. Those children seemed doomed from the start. In the old days kids would have religious instruction in school. That is no longer allowed. Further, national service in the military was required which instilled respect and discipline in the recruits. That's also gone.
Respect for life seems to have diminished. Countless abortions are performed almost as a form of birth control. Partial birth abortions take place when the baby is almost born. It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that if the fetus has one foot left "in," it is permissible in some states. Ten seconds later if the foot is "out," it is murder. Does that make sense? Lack of respect for life carries through to the school years. Shootings have become more common in the last 10 or 15 years. Banning guns does not appear to be the root problem. Rather, it is what is in the soul of the perpetrators. They lack respect for life. (As an aside I will say that I agree with the banning of assault weapons. I am not aware of any sporting use for these fully automatic weapons, and if there is one it would be a small price to pay to lessen the chances of catastrophes like last year's Las Vegas shooting.)
Respect for our country and its flag has also faded in many circles. Flag burning started in the Vietnam era. Last year several football players refused to stand and salute the flag during the singing of the national anthem. If they choose to protest a social or political issue they can do it elsewhere, not when thousands of spectators are trying to enjoy a game. The same is true in the entertainment business. One actress said she would like to blow up the White House. Another carried what looked like a bloody, decapitated head of the President. The late night shows, including SNL, have turned into political comedies that ridicule the state of our country. I used to relax as I watched Johnny Carson or Jay Leno. They entertained without showing disrespect for our country or its leaders. Now I don't watch these latest shows.
So how do we regain respect in all these areas? It's a very hard road and a high hill to climb. Our nation needs to be healed. Thousands of years ago the prescription was given to wise King Solomon. It is recorded in 2 Chronicles 7 v 14. "If my people...will humble themselves and pray...I will heal their land." Take the time to read the complete verse and follow its advice.
Peter Gilderson is a Northsider.
