When I was a boy, my parents would talk about the upcoming State of the Union address in a way that showed us kids that it was something that mattered. For days the anticipation of what would be said was the topic over the dinner table. If anything had been previously planned it was cancelled so that the family could be gathered around the electronic fireplace to watch the glow of the image of the president peering back at us with sincerity and dignity as we listened carefully to what he had to say.
The question was always the same, how is our country doing, and to that he answered with solemnity and rarely did my parents show any sign of distrust. Depending on what the President had to say, our future was tied to the success, struggle or failure of this once great country of ours in a way that was personal. A good State of the Union address might show up as extra meat on our table or a new shirt for school. A bad State of the Union address might show up as cutting back on our movie outings or some other pessimistic belt tightening around the house.
Tonight we will experience something quite different than what the State of the Unions meant back then. Many don't care for thinking politics are drab and boring and that it doesn't matter what they think so they turn the channel and watch their favorite reality show or sit com. Others may watch but only because they idolize the man, even though only God knows why anyone would idolize this particular man. Then there are those of us who pay attention enough to know what to expect out of the mouth of the traitor in the white house and refuse to watch or listen to even one more propaganda spiel, jive talk or lie.
I wonder if the time will ever come that people once again can correctly have any bit of respect for the once high office or the power the person who hold's it may wield. If we here at home can't tolerate the State of the Union, then what can we expect from those across the pond? I am afraid this says much about our country that isn't a good sign of where we are really headed in spite of what the liar in chief may have to say. I wish for my grand kids, grand nieces and nephews that they could have the chance to hear a State of the Union talk like the ones we sat silently through in deep awe when I was a child but alas that hope and those days of wonder are gone, I'm afraid forever. They will likely never understand that we are connected to the success or failure of our nation in personal ways and go on to vote without that sense of importance about who they vote for.
I think I will spend this time tonight praying for us instead of in front of the television. At least I know the one I pray to listens and cares.
By Dale Barnes,
Once Proud American, Recollecting my Childhood, Praying for the Salvation of our Nation
