More Breaking News!
By Bill Shepard
Breaking News! Alert! Alert! The words flash across my television screen all too frequently lately. I slide to the edge of my chair and turn up the volume on my TV.
Bill Shepard
Another bomb has exploded and the first question that comes to mind is, “Who is responsible?” Is it foreign terrorists, or home grown? The jury is still out, too early to know.
A school is on lock down, there has been a shooting inside, too early to know how many children have been shot, the shooter is still inside! More news later.
There has been another killing of an unarmed man, and the people are rioting in the streets. Buildings are being looted and set on fire.
These and more are the sounds that are being heard across America. Fear stalks our streets and places of public gathering. Even in our homes, we sometimes question how safe we are.
When I see and hear what is taking place in my world, I often ask myself, “What has happened to the America I once knew?” Is this the America I knew in my youthful years? Is this the America where as a boy I attended school and learned the words to “The Pledge of Allegiance” to our grand old flag? Is it too uncommon to see those who were born and raised in America, disrespect the stars and stripes and trample it under their feet?
IS this the America that as a young man, still in my early teen years, I donned the uniform of my country’s military and wore it with pride? Along with millions like myself, we arose to the challenge of the enemy that had attacked the America we loved and the way of life we cherished.
America and the freedom we had known all of our lives had been attacked and he “Sleeping Giant” had been awakened, and the enemy would soon know it! Our leaders vowed America would never again be caught sleeping! Today, there are many who wonder if that vow has been honored.
One has to wonder what the millions around the world are thinking as they see and hear what is happening in America today. Our government is in such disarray! Our politicians and lawmakers are more divided than they have ever been, it seems. The two candidates that are in fierce competition for the position of President of this great nation are waging a shameful battle. America will be the loser regardless of which of the two is the winner! I have lived under sixteen Presidents but never have I heard such accusation in any campaign before.
I was much too young to know anything about Coolidge and Harding, but I have vivid memories dating back to Mr. Hoover. I still recall the voice of Mr. Roosevelt in his famous “fireside chats” to the American people. Then came the war, and it was his calm and resolute words that lent encouragement to the nation. “All we have to fear is fear itself” are the words that shall always be remembered.
I could go down the list of our great American leaders but time nor space would permit, neither is it appropriate to do so, I think I have made my point!
Today’s candidates call each other liars, crooks, cheaters, etc., etc. and do so while multiplied millions of people are listening. One of the two is likely to become President of the United States of America! They will sit in the oval office and face challenges that are facing this nation. It is an awesome responsibility, and that person will need all the help and encouragement he or she can get!
Awake America! There may still be time, but time may soon be running out!
Mr. Shepard is a native of Darlington, S.C., and a current resident of Piedmont, S.C. He is the author of “Mill Town Boy” and “Bruised”. He has been sharing his tales of growing up in Darlington for decades, and we are delighted to share them each week. His mailing address for cards and letters is: Bill Shepard 324 Sunny Lane, Piedmont, S.C., 29673.