To the editor:
We used to work hard, play hard and pay our own way in pursuit of the life we wanted.
We used to treasure the freedom to do, say and support whomever we wanted without fear of being shouted down, locked out or censored.
We didn’t used to believe we had a "right" not to be offended.
We used to talk politics with our neighbors without screaming at each other.
We used to appreciate the protection of the police and living in quiet, safe communities.
We used to protest without property destruction and violence.
We used to form our own opinions without Facebook and twitter.
We used to conduct elections, count votes and declare the winners in a process that was the envy of the world, not a corroded, third world cesspool of embarrassment.
We used to have an IRS that wasn’t weaponized to punish free speech.
We used to have an FBI that was trustworthy, lawful and celebrated.
We used to have a Justice Department that actually prosecuted corrupt politicians and FBI officials.
We used to have a news media that reported the news instead of creating it.
We used to have sports figures that just played and race drivers that just raced.
We used to have patriotic TV and movie stars that actually loved their country.
Big business used to like political figures that universally improved business.
We used to have schools and universities that taught the sciences and formed minds, not social warriors.
We used to have a belief in something greater than ourselves.
We used to have a Constitution that insured a level playing field in life.
We used to proudly call ourselves “American’s.”
Now we can’t even do that.
What happened to us?
Mike Pflum
Martinsville