LETTERS: DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN?

To the editor:

Do you remember?

I remember when gunfire in our schools was unheard of and schoolchildren were not killed or maimed and feared nothing more serious than uncompleted homework.

I remember when patriotism was a virtue, and World War I veterans marched proudly in Memorial Day parades with their flags flying, and school bands loudly played rousing marching songs.

I remember when we looked up to veterans with pride as heroes, not as baby killers.

I remember when a patriot was regarded as honorable, not naive or reactionary.

I remember when we left our houses unlocked without fear of intrusion when we went away.

I remember when we respected our teachers, and not to do so was unthinkable and not tolerated. Our teachers or school principals would have taken the obstreperous one and applied the board of education to the seat of knowledge. A strap worked just as well.

I remember when people got married and had children, not the other way around.

I remember when out-of-wedlock pregnancy was a disgrace. I remember when homosexuality was a gross sin and a psychological aberration, not an alternative lifestyle to be tolerated, protected and admired.

I remember when Bibles, not condoms, were distributed in school.

I remember when policemen were bigger than life, awesome and respected.

I remember when cleanliness of body and clothing was admired, when those who did not conform were considered low class.

I remember when merchants closed on Sundays and holidays.

I remember when nudity and bad taste were not flaunted and extolled.

I remember when a handshake was, sometimes, all the contract we needed.

I remember when vile language was not used in the presence of children or ladies.

I remember when a majority loved, respected and honored the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and his son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I remember when AIDS was unknown as a disease.

I remember when judges upheld the law instead of destroying it.

I remember when we put to death murderers and coddled babies instead of putting babies to death and coddling murderers.

I remember when I did not grieve for the destiny of my country.

I remember when I did not grieve for the destiny of sweet-faced little children as they matured and formed their values in a sick society.

I remember when I did not grieve for parents as they met the challenge of successfully rearing these precious children to be a credit to their God and responsible citizens in an age of confusing moral values.

I remember when going to work was preferable to going on welfare, when welfare was a shame and not a way of life.

I remember when gambling was considered a sin and economically foolish, not a method of financing our schools.

I remember when prostitution was illegal, not a legitimate business.

I remember when people who desecrated the flag would have been jailed or punished appropriately by a patriot.

I remember when churches were held sacred by all, even the irreligious, instead of being burned or bombed.

The prophet Hosea said, "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." Hosea 8:7.

DON BOYD

Cape Girardeau