I had the opportunity to visit Fort Laramie, Wyoming yesterday and tour the premises. It was 98 degrees and very little breeze (as noted by the flag hanging straight down). The extreme cold and wind during the winter would be no picnic either. I can only imagine the hardships endured by the people many years ago when they lacked the modern conveniences we now enjoy.
About ten miles away from Fort Laramie I also had the pleasure of visiting the Oregon Trail Ruts as well as Register Cliff. Reading the historical sketches describing life at Fort Laramie and along the Oregon Trail was a humbling endeavor. The United States of America has certainly had its trying times all throughout our history. Progress for one segment of the population (the army) was not viewed as progress at all by another segment (Native American). Divisions continue to exist in modern times along racial and ethnic lines, religious affiliations, liberals and conservatives, rich and poor.
As I watch the political campaigns unfold it becomes more and more evident that our divisions will continue to grow into the future. It isn’t just a matter of liberal and conservative ideologies being in opposition to one another. If an end goal was in mind that could be shared by both political parties we could hope for some unity in a path leading to that goal. Unfortunately, the only common goal that seems to be present as a political platform in either major political party is a lust for power. That leaves the rest of us with very little to build upon as a foundation for peace and prosperity.
Our leaders at the national level repeatedly reveal the cause of our country’s demise. There is a lack of integrity. I looked up the word integrity and found the following definitions from www.dictionary.com:
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.
If we look at the frequent “flip-flops” of political stances by major players on both sides of the aisle we can easily see that polling data surpasses integrity time and time again.
Someone asked me recently if I was opposed to having a woman for President. Absolutely not. However, I am opposed to the one currently making history as the first woman nominee for the position. An inability to tell the truth and then callously asking, “What difference does it make?” gives me grave concerns about our future as a country.
I believe enough evidence has been garnered during Mrs. Clinton’s career to demonstrate that she is not a very truthful person. In the modern age of showing video clips from the archives directly contradicting current statements that a person has made can make it difficult to hide from the truth even when most of the major media outlets assist in covering up these scandalous contradictions. The truth makes a big difference if we ever hope to be on solid footing as crucial decisions are made.
Sadly, our lack of integrity here at home diminishes our influence throughout the world. This has resulted in added chaos and horrendous violence which we see depicted almost every evening on the nightly newscast. The perception of Mrs. Clinton selling government favors for donations to the Clinton Foundation makes it difficult to have moral authority in the fight against terrorism or any other negotiations as well.
Finally, the question of truth becomes part of the story when Catholic politicians repeatedly ignore the tenets of the faith. Who defines “a good, practicing Catholic?” If the media defines it we are in for some bad press. If the politician defines it we are in for some interesting interpretations of Sacred Scripture and the magisterial teachings of the Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
My heart aches for the future of our country. We cannot continue to turn away from God and expect no consequences as a result. May each of us be molded by Eternal Truth!