Lisa Fabrizio
Recollection
FacebookTwitter
By Lisa Fabrizio
December 31, 2008

One of the many gifts that separate men from animals is that of memory. Not the sort that makes a dog shy away from a chair after being hit on the nose with a newspaper, but real, conscious memory that can make the past as real to us as the present. In some ways this gift is a curse, as it is said that man can suffer pain and anguish in a way that animals never can, because pain most keenly remains in the memory which sometimes produces the most suffering.

Similarly burned into our consciousness are sensual memories like the smell of spring, bucolic scenes and the voices of our loved ones. Our memory can also be a repository of things not apparent to the senses; those that inspire us and shape our behavior, especially as a nation. As we approach the beginning of a new year, one which heralds the first post-Baby Boomer presidency, we should pause to recollect those things which, it seems, might soon disappear from our national memory.

The most important of these might be the sacrifices of our forefathers. I say this not just because most Gen-Xers have no real connection to World War II, but seem ignorant also of the Communist threat during the Cold War, though millions of their countrymen who lived through the latter are still alive. The truth is, they just don't seem to care. This is why phrases like "redistribution of wealth" fail to raise red flags in their minds, so to speak. The threats of murderous regimes are oh-so-boring when compared with "change you can believe in."

But maybe it's not their fault. It appears that we are allowing our collective memory to be overcome by the media monster which, unlike its predecessor, an unbiased press, now shapes our culture instead of reflecting it. For example, although most of us of a certain age know better, we are constantly told by the media that the "Ozzie and Harriet" depiction of American life was a lie; that we are to believe them and not our own experience. This indeed is the ultimate betrayal of memory.

And it continues apace. Unfathomable are the number of young people who are chanting the media mantra that today's economic woes are "worse than the Great Depression," a deception easily disproved by anyone possessed of the industry to put down the iPod and open a book. Of course, much of the blame rests on those who have corrupted our educational system in order to produce students whose grasp of American history is abominable.

But it's not just our military and economic history that needs to be seared into the American memory. If we are to continue as a great nation, we need to ensure that we may always recollect the virtues which made us so. Particularly lacking in modern America-except in our military — is the concept of honor.

From corporate thieves to sports figures to politicians, we have seen that pride in the acquisition of personal power and wealth has taken the place of honor. No deal is too dirty, no contract or promise so unbreakable, that would restrain the actions of those who have no regard for their reputations in the eyes of others. Why should they? Fame and fortune — worshipful aspirations as taught by the media — at any cost are the goals; personal responsibility and integrity be damned. How far away seem the words of our Founding Fathers who pledged their lives, their fortunes and their "sacred honor" in support of our Declaration of Independence.

From the lack of honor proceeds a dearth of its attending virtues; prudence, honesty, self-control and moral courage. Without these qualities, our country cannot endure as originally and most beautifully conceived. As John Adams put it: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." And maybe this is the aim of our liberal friends and their allies in the media, seeing as they seem to regard our Constitution as just so much outdated fishwrap.

So, is it possible to revive the values necessary to continue our voyage on a "skiff made of paper?" Will future generations have a clue about our heritage or even care about "the Glorious Cause?" Let's hope that the old adage about folks who cannot remember the past, will work the other way; that those who cherish their illustrious past will be honored with its future blessings.

© Lisa Fabrizio

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)

Click to enlarge

Lisa Fabrizio

Lisa Fabrizio is a freelance columnist from Stamford, Connecticut. You may write her at mailbox@lisafab.com.

Subscribe

Receive future articles by Lisa Fabrizio: Click here

More by this author

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it!

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
Flashback: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Pillars of society: Reclaiming traditional motherhood in modern times

Randy Engel
A Documentary: Opus Dei and the Knights of Columbus – The anatomy of a takeover bid, Part III

Curtis Dahlgren
Have we finally reached the stomach-turning point?

Linda Kimball
The Kingdom of the Lord, the Kingdom of Satan, and Spiritual Warfare

Jerry Newcombe
The 'death to America' crowd

Paul Cameron
U.S. university/research complex now an apologist for homosexuality?

Jim Wagner
Islam’s conversion of the Jews

Linda Goudsmit
CHAPTER 17: Cultural Terrorism Comes to America

Cliff Kincaid
Biden consolidates power as Republicans are divided

Michael Bresciani
Make these four changes or the nation is lost

Randy Engel
A documentary: Opus Dei and the Knights of Columbus: The anatomy of a takeover bid, Part II

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Navigating faith and civic responsibility: Pastor Loran Livingston’s controversial sermon
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites