Decline and Fall of the American Empire

            My sister Louise, who lives in Atlanta, sent me a series of quotes from Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian most noted for his “You might be a redneck” jokes.  These new quotes, however, are not a laughing matter, as they point to the deterioration in our nation’s values.   Here’s a sample:     

            “If hard work and success are met with higher taxes and more government regulation and intrusion, while not working is rewarded with Food Stamps, WIC checks, Medicaid benefits, subsidized housing, and free cell phones — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.”

            My response to Foxworthy’s observations was a simple question: “Where the hell is this country going?” 

            Louise replied, “Into the history books as a wonderful example of how great a country can be, but one that eventually failed because the people became immoral, corrupt, greedy, ignorant and self-indulgent.  Ancient Rome revisited.  We are fortunate to have lived during America's golden age but unfortunate to live to see its decline.  Maybe in the future another country will rise up and thrive on the principles that made ours great.  Let's hope its founders learn from our mistakes. But human nature being what it is, the cycle will probably repeat itself.  Countries and empires rise and fall.  The forces of chaos and entropy are always vying against civilization.  It's frightening to contemplate what will happen in the not too distant future when all the evil and barbaric countries that envy, hate and resent us have nuclear weapons.  If I sound gloomy, it's because I am.  And very, very sad.”

            I share my sister’s sadness.  Critics of the point of view I often express in this newspaper accuse me of being unfair and too negative as I cast blame on Congress and this Administration for our country’s decline.  But I am not alone.  The latest polls reflect the public’s loss of confidence in our lawmakers’ ability to solve our problems, and, more pointedly, in President Obama’s veracity and trustworthiness in leading this nation both here and abroad. 

            Our increasingly secular, permissive, and hedonistic society surely mirrors the corruption that led to the fall of Rome.  We may boast that ours is the longest-lasting democracy in history. But it is rotting from within.  Our founders freed us from tyranny, but never imagined that the independence they bequeathed to us carried the seeds of its own destruction.  How sad they would be to see what is happening to this great country.

            We should all be sad.