Almost daily I scratch my head trying to understand where protesters are coming from. I see children, old enough to know better, disrespecting their parents and I read Facebook comments from college educated 25-to 30-year-olds defending the perverse.
I have yet to find a 55-year-old willing to trade places with a 25-year-old, because the world no longer makes sense to them. Although today’s youth doesn’t know what they are missing the rest of us certainly do. Fortunately the past is never really gone for as long as there is a memory it lives on within our hearts. Contemplating on how much things have changed leads us to the realization that we, as a society, took a wrong turn a good many years ago. But it’s those old memories that keeps us hopeful that we might soon find our way again.
I believe the younger generation instinctively knows this world is messed up but they haven’t the wisdom to rectify matters. Sometimes it’s hard to think as a teenager, since I was only one for seven short years and that was decades ago. However, as a teen I remember asking why we even had to study history. I was answered with a profound quote from Winston Churchill, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
As I recall, history class involved more memorization than abstract thinking. I can only presume loftier history lessons would have been lost on me. Therefore it’s most probably ignorance that causes rebellion against change for the sake of maintaining the familiar, fear that keeps us from trusting, and it might be exacerbated by our impatient nature preventing us from taking a wait and see attitude. Oddly enough innocence can cause us to mistakenly embrace what is harmful and to repel what is “morally” good.
Morally good — there’s that religious element again! Why does everything I write end up discussing the Ten Commandments, God or church? Honestly I never start writing with the intent of touting religious viewpoints. But since I’m here again, it makes sense doesn’t it? History is made by man’s decisions, which are influenced by his thoughts and character, therefore, we should not limit ourselves to merely 200 years of American History when the Bible records history since the beginning of man.
If we governed in moral goodness officials could govern with clear vision, lawmakers would simplify laws, and the people would experience greater freedom. Opinions wouldn’t differ in extremes. Civility, dignity, tolerance, and respect would return. Concerns could be addressed calmly and rationally. Bad behavior would not be acceptable behavior nor would it be rewarded. In fact evil would be easily recognized as those who rebel against the moral good.
I intend to do my best to quietly, patiently and respectfully watch and learn while President Trump implements his plans to make America great again. I think it is hopeful to hear God invoked throughout the inauguration and multiple times since. Most of us baby boomers love hearing this rhetoric which restores faith and hope deep within our hearts. May God guide President Trump and may God Bless the USA.
Upcoming events:
Today and Saturday, the Vets Club will host Karaoke downstairs with Orville and Luke beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, the Versailles Music Boosters host their first annual Prom and Homecoming dress exchange from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kelley McGlinch.
Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Darke County Right to Life holds its monthly meeting at 105 W. Third St., Greenville. You may also visit them online at www.darkecountyrighttolife.org.
Feb. 9, the Versailles Vets Club holds an open to the public Bid Euchre Tournament downstairs at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee with an opportunity to win a cash prize.
Sunday I attended the open house for Betty Kremer’s 90th birthday. Her family hosted an extremely nice event, of which I neglected to write about in advance. I apologize but I just didn’t connect the dots until after my deadline. If anyone missed this event and would like to send Betty a birthday greet you can send it to her at 5 Euclid St., Versailles, OH 45380. If you would like me to include a birthday, anniversary or get wells in this weekly column, please call or email me by Wednesday morning.
Birthday wishes to Eileen Buell Schulze, Robin Blinn, Don Frantz, Tammy Magoto, Allen Francis, Carol Kunkler, Elsie Shappie, Mary Lou Bornhorst, Luke Stachler, Lisa Magoto, Tina Powell, Connie McVety, Roxanne Oxebin, Holly Keiser, Deb Didier, Raven Boerger, Iris Nickol, David Buxton, Chuck Langenkamp, Casey Nicole Smith, Kennedy Metz, Craig Reed, Matt Hurley, Joyce Luthman, Renee Miller, Jim Short, Connie Schutte, Grace Arnett, Larry Kruckeberg, Payton Pulfer, Jann Unger, Gloria Batty, Baylee Roll and Chris Darner. Happy anniversary wishes to Chris and Tom Huber (8), Jessica and Jon Pothast (21), Sheryle and Dan Simon (44), Linda and Tom Monnin (54), and Elaine and Harold Langston (55). Congratulations to the 2017 Citizen of the Year Jerry Bey Jr. Also congratulations to the Towne & Country Players, recipients of the People, Pride & Progress Award.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Jean Castle, Laura (Norman) Paulus, Jim Jones, Betty Kremer (VACC), Thelma Schultz (VACC), Vickie Cottrell, Katelyn Platfoot, Wayne Pittsenbarger (Brethren Home), Fr. Ned Brown, Kay Holfinger, Betty Kremer, Lester Bernholt, Joann Bensman, Marge Harman, Connie Stachler, Betty Pothast, Sally Tebbe, Julie Keihl, Dan Roseberry, Tony Gehret, Denny Grilliot, John Magoto, Lois Magoto, Sheila Spahr, Madonna McEldowney, Beverly Brown (hospital), Paul Marchal, Linda Kendinger, Mike Hileman, Dave Fullenkamp, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston, Sr. (Fairhaven), Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon (home), Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith (VACC), John Subler (VACC), Sally Monnin, Sondra Spangler, Mary Barga, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler (VACC), Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Lewis Didier, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, John Klipstine (Village Green), Lois Youngker (Village Green), Barb Goubeaux, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, home-bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Glen Craig (71) and Janet Headley (79); also remembering the lives of Kim Bergman, Rosemary Mead, Jim Frantz, Charles Wendeln, Roger Schmitmeyer, Ron Clark, Robert Curtis, Clarence Garland, Bill Phlipot, Roger Thobe, Emily Grillot, Marlene McClurg, Jim Graves, George Mangen, Linda Barga, Chalmer Martin, Jerry Wood, Joyce Swallow, Hal Richters, Ron Hoffman, Bud Baltes, Allen Mangen, John K. Subler, Hubert Monnin, Ken Billenstein and all those who remain in our hearts but not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.
“History is a nation’s fate created by the hand of man’s character.” ~C. Edwards
“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?” ~Cicero
“We account the scriptures of God to be most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever.” ~Sir Isaac Newton