COLUMN: The best of times, the worst of times

Viewpoints

February 20, 2012

Larry M. Jones CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Mon Feb 20, 2012, 08:00 AM CST

— Recently, I commented to my wife Helen that I felt that we had grown up in absolutely the best of all times in the greatest nation in the history of the world. We were among the most blessed people on earth. Not wanting to appear patronizing to a nostalgic old fool, she told me I was crazy, because many of her early years were not that great. In that light, I guess it’s all about perspective.

I never meant to infer that there weren’t unpleasant memories during the formative years of my youth. There were many, but I was speaking in a much broader sense. I have heard this era following World War II up until about 1970 is referred to as the “Golden Age of Capitalism.” It was a time of great economic prosperity and unparalleled opportunity. Hundreds of thousands of returning troops entered college or trade schools on the GI Bill, while others used skills acquired in the service to enter the business world. America’s economy was booming, and overall life was good.

Over the past few years I have received an assortment of emails from friends waxing nostalgically about these “good old days,” the carefree days of our youth. For the most part, most of them were quite accurate in their detail. They painted what seems today to be a much rosier view of the world. Carefree children could chase fireflies after dark without fear of being abducted. You always knew where your car keys were — they were in the ignition. You never locked your house because no one went around stealing to support a methamphetamine habit. Drug dealers and dope heads were something you read about “somewhere else.” Teachers could maintain discipline in classrooms, and a quality education could be received in even the poorest school district. Lawsuits were unheard of, and medical care was affordable. Family units consisted of a father and a mother, as well as the children. Divorce rates were less than 10 percent during the ‘50s. The American dream was always within reach.

Certainly, we had our problems during those simpler times. Although the Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal,” during the 1950s some Americans were a little more equal than others. Civil rights have come a long way, but tragically we seem to have lost a bit of civil responsibility along the way. The world seems to have become a much more dangerous and uncivil place. Most of us are worried about these troubling economic times and fear what our children and grandchildren may encounter. Many of us also worry about our seemingly irreversible loss of freedoms and the diminished stature of America around the world.

Despite what my wife says about the time of her childhood, the harsh environment of farm life in the 1950s, and our lack of technological gadgets back then, I feel blessed to have experienced what I believe to be the best of all times. Furthermore, as an old man, it’s my right to fondly reflect on the glory of days gone by and the cherished memories of youth. In doing so, we tend to remember those great times as being a lot better than they were when we lived them.

Larry M. Jones is a retired Navy Commander and aviator who raises cattle and hay in the Brock/Lazy Bend part of Parker County. Comments may be directed to nowhearthis@pwhome.com.

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COLUMN: The best of times, the worst of times

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