What is a memory? My definition - something from your past that pops up in your conscious mind to be either savored or regretted. The older you get, the more of each variety you have. Naturally as a young man I had few memories but now being the old fart that I am, I have too many. However, I do not have one single memory of thinking or feeling that I was entitled to anything. But moreover, we were inspired.
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Words spoken that drove people to reach for the stars and beyond. And we did. July 1969 we put men on the Moon and brought them safely back; something we did several times. This and many more things (go on, google "it") were accomplished by people pulling themselves up by their boots. And all of these things done without the thought of entitlement, just the satisfaction and pride in a job well done. That does not seem to matter today.
SO many people are clamoring for things that they have not earned/worked for; they think that it is their "right" to have these things - for free. Like a "free" college education where they can live in protective bubbles safe from nasty words and thoughts. Well, the USA has a "free" college program, since the end of WWII: give four years of yourself to your country by serving in the military earns you "free college education." But living in a bubble and screaming for free stuff seems to be more palatable. What the fuck ever happened to sticks and stones may break my bones but words will NEVER hurt me.
I will never forget Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. I will not forget that statement and I will not forget the man who proudly said it. He was not a communist or a socialist, nor was he a fascist. He was a war hero and a President of the United States. His name was John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who was assassinated 11/22/1963 in Dallas, Texas. He believed in his words - JFK made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Go on, google it. And do not dare tell me that it's ancient history and has no relevance today. You will want to run like hell for your bubble if you do.
Copyright @2016 Terry Unger
