Americans used to believe in personal responsiblity, inherent rights, and natural laws. Also, we believed that sin existed. And it was bad. Culture today has eliminated the concept of sin, merely by re-naming it. Self-expression is what I hear. Anyways, here we go ...

When a people as a whole lose their collective conscience, and that of their duty to remain upright in issues of morality (big & small), they then downplay their actions (or non-actions) or re-define them. Problem “solved.” The government has succumbed to this so now we are told what to think. Why do they tell us? Because they can.
We the people have simply given too much power and resources to the government. The American government is meant to be a reflection of the country and its citizens. Not the mold for its citizens. When you give power to a non-perfect entity then eventually bad things will happen. The more power, the more perverted and wayward policies become. Which is exactly why communism, socialism, fascism, monarchy, and the others types of government are a BAD IDEA.
We’ve also simply surrendered many of our rights and resources to the government so that the government can fix a problem that is either a non-issue or an issue that we should have handled ourselves. The concept of stewardship is nowhere to be found.
I just read an Amish saying in the paper this morning. It went something like ‘more things are caught, rather than taught.’ The generation(s) of today have caught on to a lie, the lie that we deserve the very best, because we’ve had it rough. That’s self-entitlement. All forms of media and marketing in general promote that idea, and what age has there ever been more media or marketing then that of today?

But at the very core of the mountain of issues we face today, the bottom issue is that of morality. We need to re-learn self-control. Stewardship and responsiblity. Right over wrong (yes, there is a right and there is a wrong). Government is not the answer.

"Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike."
Theodore Roosevelt



No apologies for my my ramblings.

No apologies needed here.......Hit the bullseye as far as I'm concernced, but those that really need to read this won't. All gets back to "right or wrong". There is a prevailing attitude that one can pick and choose as long as it suits their purposes. This applies to those we elect when they forsake those who they represent for their own agenda, right down to the person who decides it's okay to go a little faster than the limit. Principle is the same "right or wrong".

I try to subscribe to the idea that I'm going to do it right even if no one is watching!

Where's my "Like" button???...

A teacher was teaching her class about the difference between right and wrong.

“All right children, let's take an example,” she said. “If I were to get into a man's pocket and take his wallet with all his money, what would I be?”

A little boy raises his hand, and with a confident smile says, “You'd be his wife.”

I think you have it pretty well figured out.. no pride, integrity,responsibility or honor left in this country...

What bothers me more than anything is I have two young children, ages 3 and 1. They have a life ahead of them fighting a battle that we are slowly loosing ground on. By the time they have children of their own, who is to say that they will be able to legally take them hunting or fishing? Who is to say they will have the opportunities to teach their children what the outdoors have to offer. Heck, the way things are going, they won't be able to teach their children anything that isn't laid out in a government handbook. No discipline, no morals, no character. I will disagree with TallTines&Pines, there is pride, integrity, responsibility and honor left in this country, its just that no one is allowed to show it for fear of upsetting someone or some organization. If we don't change this government's ways, the government will change us.

our gov has always lied to us and always will. Our hunting and fishing rights are in jeopardy because A)You have to be financially sound to afford to hunt with a guide or do a lease. Yes public land is there but good luck being able to scout plus with low success it is hard to keep a small child engaged. B) Land is going to get scarce driving up the price of hunting or fishing. The burbs will spread and eventually every small town will have the chains move in (Chili's, Gamestop, Starbucks, Saltgrass etc.) which will make it a city and illegal to go shootin in the woods. Meanwhile the lakes are already impossible to bank fish on because of home development. Our desire for aquiring things is what will lead to the demise of our sport should it occur IMO. BTW i'm not saying I'm holier than thou because I am guilty for wanting things and if I could afford it then I would buy myself land and a lakeside home lol.

I was raised with a good, solid work ethic, to take responsibility for my actions, and to stand up for what is right - even if it is not the popular belief. As a servicemember, I have been taught the same things, and seen othere - younger and older - learn the same. As a father of 2 (soon to be 3) boys, I will work hard to make sure they learn the same things I did. To many people take the easy way out or dont do the right thing because its unpopular. Thats too bad for them. I for one will teach my boys to be proud upstanding people.