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During the 80's, I was only a small child. The Cold War was in it's waning years with Gorbys perestroika and glasnost, but of course the Cold War to a child's mind I conjured up the idea that the common cold that afflicted us kids so much would no longer be a problem and the mere mention of nuclear weapons I imagined amazing laser weapons. We had Reagan at the helm though I knew nothing of him either. Just another talking head TV telling Mr. Gorbachev to tear down some wall. But the one thing that we kids knew that this was the best country in the world. We felt pride in its mere mention. Of course, the New Left from the 60's hadn't taken control of everything quite yet, so patriotism wasn't demonized yet. However, my peers and I had the privilege of growing up and going to school in town that was once a battlefield for the American Revolution, where a man ran long distance to warn the Continental Army stationed here, called Fort Mercer and it's duty was to guard the Delaware River, that the Hessian Army was its way (today the route the Hessian Army took to the fort is called Hessian Ave.). The Hessians were defeated in the battle known as the Battle at Red Bank by the Colonial army that was far more inferior than the Hessians. Even though a month later Fort Mercer was taken by the British, the victory did provide a few things: a) it a provided a moral boost that was needed for the cause, I mean come on a rag tag band of colonials knocked a superior army down a few pegs, b) it delayed the British control over Philadelphia and c) it relieved pressure on Washingtons Army that was just north of the city. So, in school we were taught to be proud of the town that we lived in because of its historical part in the American Revolution and to appreciate our country for what it is (or was, now). We weren't made to feel guilt for being patriotic and prideful of our country. We were never fed drivel that America was some great evil on the world. We were proud.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this generation being reared in the school. My little brother doesn't come home with any sense of pride about this country. Yes, they learn the basics, but there's nothing there though. No passion of having learned about the pivotal role this town had in the Revolution. To me, it's more or less the school curricula about the Revolution and Constitution being taught to placate those in Town who would be up in arms and I have to say the level of patriotism still exists in the town itself even though thhe Democrats are in control. But how long will that last, though? A question that burns my mind each day especially when I contacted the council about the town website being a puke green and that it should have a more red, white and blue patriotic theme given the fact of our Revolutionary history. I was told it was an outdated theme, by our town council. I was taken aback by such a belief! Outdated?! We're they serious? Yes, they were. They are Democrats after all and they are always intruding into people's private property telling us what to do. But I digress.
Kids these days do not show any loyalty nor love for their country. They are too concerned about video games and other material items that are a direct result of the country they live in. Grant it, we were concerned about our Nintendo systems and Ninja Turtles, but we also had respect for this country. We acknowledged it. Today, it's hard to say the same balance exists in most kids these days. There's no respect for their country nor for their elders. We see a generation being raised that is callous in heart with no regards for others. What kind of future does the country have if nothing is fixed? I doubt there will be an America once the New Left are done. My generation needs to reconnect with the patriotism we were taught and fix the mess the baby boomers created. Of course, we do need some guidance from the wisdom of the baby boomers who weren't of the New Left and who are Conservative. It's a long haul and we can't do it without you guys.
So, what shall it be? Shall we be the inferior Continental Army that defeated the vastly superior Hessian Army or will we be cowards who tremble at the jack booted tramping sounds we hear outside the gates? Where are you, America? We need you! We need a new Continental Army!
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