It seems like only yesterday, I was in Junior High, and I can remember the teacher telling the class that we were the best and the brightest. We would grow up and go on to change the world. Of course I believed him hook line and sinker. America has changed a great deal since then. Women entered the workforce. Society has become more diverse. Technology has revolutionized all aspects of life. The optimism of Vatican 2 has given way to the shame of the sex scandal. Inequality of income and gentrification haunt the cities across the country as America makes a transition from an industrial economy to an information economy.
I sit an wonder if we are better off and where we are headed. I believe there are limits to advances in technology can benefit life in the US. I just don’t know if we have reached that saturation point. The lose of civil discourse, partisanship in politics, and general polarization in society is distressing. That is why I limit my TV watching to Fareed Zakaria GPS on Sunday morning. What I appreciate most about his show is his civility. I hate the banter that predominates most cable network news shows.
I am left with the conclusion, I have a remarkably limited influence on my world. If I try real hard, I can be a good employee. a good member of my parish, and maintain my health. I take my civic responsibilities seriously so of course I vote.
I try to be a positive person, and would like to say my generation has contributed to society and that we have a promising future awaiting. In the meantime I can hope and pray. It is always good to pray.