Were those the good old days? Let's skim over the major areas of concern. For those of us who can remember the past fifty years, a review of health care, safety, economics, civil rights, conservation and the behavior of politicians is in order. (Note that education, TV and juvenile delinquency are not under review.)
Health care fifty years ago faced polio, scarlet fever and diphtheria. Those diseases are almost unheard of today. Diabetes, stroke and depression now have much better treatments than fifty years ago. We now have better drugs, better diagnostic methods and better health insurance than fifty years ago. Medicare is better than paying doctor bills with eggs and produce, even the doctors will agree.
From 1950 until 1990 two superpowers kept submarines and bombers abroad with enough atomic weapons to destroy civilization. Our highways, with ever increasing traffic and speeds are safer today because of air bags, seat belts and better tires. Thank you for that, Ralph Nader. The economy since the Great Depression has gotten better. There have been recessions and flat spots, but inflation has all been forgotten since the 1970s. People complain, but look at the boats and R- Vs in driveways. Jet skis, dirt bikes and giant TV s are commonplace. In 1950 a two-car garage was a sign of wealth.
Progress in civil rights cannot be denied. Fifty years ago schools, theater and drinking fountains were segregated. Developmentally Disabled citizens were kept like prisoners. Now we have classrooms and training programs for people with learning disabilities and the physically impaired.
In the 1960s eagles, ospreys and pelicans were in decline. Amazing today, but alligators were once endangered. Deer are now common, even considered pests in some areas. We have come a long way from when egrets, buffalo and antelope were in danger of extinction. Much has been made of the low quality of today's officials. Disregarding the fact that the public elects these individuals, let's recall some names, with party affiliations. President Nixon (R) and Vice President Agnew (R) resigned from office. Adam Clayton Powell (D) was removed from Congress. U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell (R) was a convicted felon. Billy Sol Estes (D), Bert Lance (D), Sherman Adams (R), Sen. John Tower (D/R) all left in disgrace. And let's not forget presidential advisor Edward Teller who advocated using twenty hydrogen bombs to blast out a sea level canal across Central America.
It is a wonder that we survived the "good old days." | 