America's Counter Cultural Revolution

Photo courtesy of Washington archives


As I look back over recent history I see that our country has gone through a Counter-Cultural Revolution of sorts. This is in stark contrast to the culture of forty years ago. During his Inaugural address President John F. Kennedy spoke these words: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Since then we have turned 180 degrees. The popular belief in this country today is, "What has my country done for me lately?"

The current healthcare debate gives testimony to this.

We are presently debating whether to implement a national health care system. Healthcare is only one of a series of debates we have engaged in recently that are moving our country towards socialism. During the GM bankruptcy hearings we watched as the government disregarded current bankruptcy laws and declared bond investors' holdings secondary to preferred equity holdings. The US government then took majority control of two of the "Big three" auto companies.

When Kennedy took office our nation had started a transition of sorts. The generation known as "the Greatest Generation" grew up in the midst of the Great Depression, was asked to serve in World War II and then Korea, had returned home to enjoy the freedom which they fought for. They served faithfully and selflessly without complaint. As the 1950s drew to a close their offspring grew up enjoying all the luxuries which the most affluent country in the world had to offer. Yet this was not enough.

The 1960s and 70s ushered in an era of unrest. The Baby Boomers became known as the rebels who did not conform to their parents' ideals. Questioning authority was encouraged and even rewarded. As Vietnam rose to the forefront of everyone's lives some served faithfully. Others burned their draftcards or bras, protested, or fled to Canada. The change had begun.

The 1980s saw a rekindling of the conservative spirit under President Reagan. Those who cherished the conservative ideal found their voice. It was a voice which united most of the nation, both conservatives and liberals. This flame was gradually put out by the end of the decade. George H. Bush made it very clear to the Reagan conservatives that they had no place in his administration. Reagan and Bush Sr. were bitter rivals in the 1980 Presidential election and this was not forgotten.

So the 1990s saw the return of a Democratic President who spoke on a platform of "what goes on in our private lives is our own business." But the Reagan economic policies of the 1980s took hold and this country saw a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity. Americans now felt "entitled" to the best of everything. And the Greatest Generation had started to die out.

The new millenium saw the pendulum swing back to moderated conservatism, at least in name. Right now the second President Bush stands out-of-favor with many Americans. But how long will George W. Bush be blamed for our problems? Now only a few of the Greatest Generation remain. Many remaining conservatives are not even sure what they believe and definitely do not have a unifying voice within their own party, let alone the whole country.

The present administration in Washington has given new thrust to outright socialism. President Kennedy's words in 1960 have been replaced with "I want it (blank) now." We just need to fill in the blank for whatever it is we want. National (free) healthcare, jobs, money, etc. Free enterprise and capitalism are touted as our enemies. We are told Socialism and entitlement programs are "good for us." Sadly enough, most Americans have now grown to EXPECT this.