After so much progress, why are we so frayed?
Ormond Beach, Fla.: I can’t believe it’s already train derailment season. I still have my spy balloon decorations up. Has there been a time in recent history when there have been so many bizarre and disconcerting things covered in the news media? I know that each generation thinks things were much better back in the good old days, but is it possible that this time we may have that right? Everything seems to be about divisive partisan politics. You can’t watch sports or any other entertainment without it creeping in. Fewer people seem to accept defeat or take responsibility. How long is everything going to be Donald Trump’s fault and not due to the obvious fact that many of our government officials are inept and self-serving on both sides of the aisle?
I remember when leaders admitted they were wrong, apologized and then moved on to try to do better next time. And when everything wasn’t about race or gender or bashing our nation and its history. One of the first things I remember as a small child in Baltimore, before we moved to Florida, was seeing the Colts win the first NFL overtime game against the Giants in the championship game of 1958. After the winning touchdown was scored, Baltimore’s great quarterback, Johnny Unitas (photo left), put his head down and slowly walked off the field like it was just another day at the office, like he had been there before.
There was something comforting and very dignified about that time that far overshadows for me the many negative things we now dwell upon.