What has happened to the U.S.?

June 21, 2003

What has happened to the U.S.? It seems all our great institutions have lost their proud and respected reputations. Headlines now jump out, where once we would never see such scandal, corruption, and greed in the media, business, government, medical, academic, sports, religion, and entertainment establishments. Average American families ask themselves, "What has happened? Why did all this go wrong? And, when did it happen?"

Names appear like The New York Times, Martha Stewart, Enron, Wall St., Sammy Sosa, and even Catholic Church leaders. Is our society collapsing as some have suggested? Are values and morals no longer important? These are questions many, no doubt, have pondered lately. Understanding this complex and difficult situation is not easy, never mind attempting to find solutions. I have heard many opinions, but let me give you my take, one that is admittedly based on experiences and instincts, rather than empirical data and scientific research.

I believe the problems that besiege us now were with us even 20 or 30 years ago. The only difference now is we are more aware. In a 24/7 media environment, where cable news has become an overwhelming influence in America, questions abound, such as: Has the Catholic Church lost its moral credibility? Do news reporters make up their stories? Are professional sports on the level? Can physicians be trusted anymore? Did the president lie to the nation? And, should Wall St. be re-named, "Sleaze St.?"

While I am a fervent supporter of the premise that more news is better than less, what concerns me about the country is whether all this bad news good for America? I am told everyday how bad institutions like the Catholic Church are, but I never hear the enormous amount of good works it does. After a while, all this negative news sinks in and people begin to lose confidence. They don't believe the press, they don't trust big business, and they think the Church only cares about the hierarchy and not the people. They also feel that professional sports are only about the big bucks, and no longer the fans - the payers of those dollars.

We live in such a cynical time. We are not providing much in the way of moral leadership for young Americans. However, the purpose of my comments is not to tell how bad things are, but rather how we all might work to change this constant negative environment.

My suggestions are not recommendations as to what those institutions should do, but how we can change, i.e. improve, the climate. Admittedly they are not recommendations for everyone; only for some.

1. If you believe in God, prove it. Demonstrate it and proudly proclaim it openly. Go to church, support it and begin to live by the most important and meaningful moral tenet: treat others as you would want them to treat you.

2. Demonstrate civic pride in your neighborhood and nation. One can accomplish this in many ways. Help keep your neighborhood clean. Fly Old Glory. Get involved in civic and political discourse and speak out on your beliefs, whether it is through letters to the press or at community meetings. Do not wait for others to represent your point of view - such a wait may be lasting.

3. Probably the most important of all, teach your children to be positive. Turn off the negative don't let others mold hatred, bigotry or cynicism in their lives. Every long journey begins with a small, and simple, step. Let that step head you in a positive and constructive direction.

Above all, this is not about institutions or others. It's about you. As the U.S. Army says, "Be all that you can be." Our parents and grandparents didn't come to this great country so future generations of their families could sink in apathy about America. They came here for a better life for themselves, their families and just as important, to make the United States a "more perfect union." Their memory and hard work deserve our best effort. Our children deserve a more positive example from which to learn.

Let it all begin now.

___________________________________

Raymond L. Flynn
President of Your Catholic Voice, Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
(617) 269-0909

Your Catholic Voice is a movement to promote faithful citizenship based on the fundamental truths of the Catholic Church relating to Life, Family, Freedom and Solidarity. For information go to Your Catholic Voice http://www.yourcatholicvoice.org

Contact

Your Catholic Voice
http://www.yourcatholicvoice.org CA, US
Ambassador
Raymond L. Flynn - President, 661 869-1000

Email

colirf@catholic.org

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Your Catholic Voice, Ray Flynn, United States, Catholic

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