Peggy Noonan hits it squarely on the head. We have been absent of moral purpose principally because the country has lost its moorings in the faith that seizes optimism and runs with it. We have suffered a loss of integrity, purpose, high standards and yes, Matilda, character matters. This country was founded by people with faith, faith in God, faith in democratic principles, faith in men striving for a better tomorrow...a great sense of urgency
I was reading Noonan's piece and trying to apply the lessons for Vermont. Vermont has created a state of dependency on government when people should be dependent on their own resources abilities. This dependency has been created by many politicians who confuse leadership with giving people what they 'want.' That's not leadership. That's pandering.
Will the real leaders please step forward?
"...All this has hastened and added to the real decline in faith—the collapse in faith—the past few years in our institutions. Not only in Wall Street but in our entire economy, and in government. And of course there's Blago. But the disturbing thing there is that it seems to have inspired more mirth than anger. Did any of your friends say they were truly shocked? Mine either.
The reigning ethos seems to be every man for himself.
An old friend in a position of some authority in Washington told me the other day, from out of nowhere, that a hard part of his job is that there's no one to talk to. I didn't understand at first. He's surrounded by people, his whole life is one long interaction. He explained that he doesn't have really thoughtful people to talk to in government, wise men, people taking the long view and going forth each day with a sense of deep time, and a sense of responsibility for the future. There's no one to go to for advice...."
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