Once upon a time in this country, men were men. Women were women. And that wasn’t the beginning of an argument.
Once upon a time in this country, we welcomed the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. They went through a process that included a physical check of their well-being and an interview to make sure that immigrant was a good candidate to become an American citizen. And none of that was considered a bad thing. It was actually something we celebrated.
Once upon a time in this country, the idea that grade school children would be introduced to sex practices, let alone practices that most of us would find … out of the ordinary … would have been cause for concern.
Once upon a time in this country, killing unborn babies was not considered a right to be celebrated but a serious issue to be deeply contemplated.
Once upon a time in this country, a marriage followed a biblical standard of a union between a man and a woman.
Once upon a time in this country, sex outside that marriage was considered a sin.
Once upon a time in this country, people were patriotic and the love of country was something to be celebrated and even revered.
Once upon a time in this country, parents and schools worked together for the betterment of the children.
Once upon a time in this country, teachers could discipline students and the outcome was a good thing.
Once upon a time in this country, people would rather work than accept handouts.
Once upon a time in this country, charity began at home, but was understood that it wouldn’t last forever.
Once upon a time in this country, nothing was free and anything worth having was worth working for.
Once upon a time in this country, civility and good manners weren’t just expectations but demands.
Once upon a time in this country, children were not allowed to run wild in stores.
Once upon a time in this country, politicians did not get rich because of their political careers.
Once upon a time in this country, mass shootings were a rare event.
Once upon a time in this country, we could have disagreements but remain friends.
Once upon a time in this country, the terms conservatives, liberals, Democrats and Republicans did not incite anger.
Once upon a time in this country, the phrase it’s none of your business meant that not everyone had to be concerned with every little thing they saw or heard.
Once upon a time in this country, there were some people actually camera shy.
Once upon a time in this country, honesty and integrity were far more valued – and common – than they are today.
Once upon a time in this country, the F word stood for things like faith, family and freedom.
Sadly, “once upon a time” wasn’t all that long ago. Most of us remember it. We also remember that stories beginning with “once upon a time” ended with “happily ever after.” I’m like a lot of you … not sure how to get there. After watching the State of the Union and listening to the Republican response, all I know for sure is government doesn’t have the answer. Then again, it’s not supposed to. Pretty sure that once upon a time those answers came from us.
Tim Timmons is a newspaper veteran who owns a small media company in Indiana. He is helping the Brown County Democrat temporarily while the search for a new editor takes place.
Tim Timmons is a newspaper veteran who owns a small media company in Indiana. He is helping the Brown County Democrat temporarily while the search for a new editor takes place.
