The demise of our national character as I remember it in earlier times is undoubtedly linked to the removal of faith-based and patriotic teaching in our public schools. Moreover, President Nixon’s elimination of the military draft nullified national military service and its inherent learnings. Then came technology with indoor video games and the damnable cellphone that brought decadence, selfness, and idle teenagers.

It was ostensibly the right decision when the founding fathers placed the military under civilian leadership/control, but at the time no one ever dreamed that the executive and legislative bodies would possess almost no military veterans possessing experience, knowledge, and competence in national military preparedness and the application of military power.

Life became too easy in many ways and most of the citizenry soon had no stake in national defense as it was turned over to paid volunteers. Thus, few had the benefit of the concomitant values and love of country that come with serving. We the People elected two presidents that either dodged the draft or avoided war through parental influence. Financial affluence became the sign of success and university/college of attendance was the ‘be all, end all’ among the elite that subsequently filled the seats of government . The began serving themselves up with such appurtenances and side-bar revenue that power and life in Washington D.C. became the first priority. Certainly, legislation that would support the needs of the people took a back seat to phony investigations that had but two purposes - protect the guilty during the previous administration and the return to power in 2021. Part and parcel to the above was the Leftist media continuously lampooning the duly elected president while elements of the Justice Department leadership teamed with the House of Representatives in an attempted coup d’ e’tat on multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, we have chaos in our major cities where weak-kneed Leftist leaders pander to the rioters (law breakers) and looters (thieves) for fear to act as the next election is more important than law and order and the safety of the citizens and their property. In short, they are cowards of the first order. Most understand and rightfully support the peaceful protests, but the lawless behavior, desecration of the Flag and monuments, destruction of private and public property, and theft is unconscionable to rational Americans regardless of race. Meanwhile, our duly elected leaders from both parties speak in duplicitous language of support for the protesters without calling out and reacting to the violence with voice and force.

I recall President Ronald Reagan’s words, “Heroes come when they’re needed; great men step forward when courage seems in short supply.”

It seems to me that some of the great courage I observe is from Black commentators such as Leo Terrell, Candice Owens, and Larry Elder, each of whom has much to lose by taking a stand for law and order. This is the kind of courage I hope to see in the next administration. Moreover, I pray that there will be leaders who will take the unpopular steps necessary to restore our schools, require national service, protect religious liberty for all, and make the restoration of our national character a priority of government.