James Garfield our 20th President. He said this 133 years ago in 1877. Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. … If the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.
I agree with Garfield on this one.
It seems that up until the 60's, the three spheres of authority ....the Government, the Church and the Family, though separate institutions, were in harmony with one another working toward the greater common good.
However, since the early 60's, that is not so anymore. Public education is a prime example. Instead of aiming for the stars, America's morality and therefore culture has been heading towards the sewers.
Then, government, family and church worked together to construct the best possible syatem of education that when parents sent their kids off to school, they knew would instill and reinforce the same values as they had. Thenn educators respected, not challenged, ignored or usurped parental authority and rights. Then, discipline was taught and practiced. Then, teachers taught patriotism, civic classes, morals and character along with reading, writing and arithmatic. Then, we went to school dressed modestly and started the day with a prayer. Then, we respected our teachers and were civil and descent to one another. Then, the primary function of education was teaching of facts and subject matter. Public schools were not human resource centers. Sadly, tragically, that is not the case today.
IMO, this is part if not the main reason why we elect who we do. It goes along with what you write in post #4.
Christianity's morals and principles are slowly being taken out of our institutions as well as the public square.
Yesterday, I heard that the YMCA is dropping the MCA.