Great post, thank you. I agree. How to take back the simple the family unit, away from those godless influences that, in your fine words, "are instructed to damn all and please ourselves, regardless of consequence"?

The question was not about trust. Everyone lies, for a multitude of good and bad reasons. "I love that sweater on you. You look very masculine." Said because of how proudly he struts, a supposed kindness. In other relationships, that would not matter; you would laugh. It's complicated.

I admit to being totally inadequate at discussing all the aspects and nuances of this issue. And there are many, or at least I get the sense there is. Being polite and respectful was the ultimate of "being good" growing up. And my world as a child was ordered by this and all seemed to agree. Decency and honor was, it seemed, everywhere. All adults were good. Not just good, absolutely so. Yet I was lucky in that atmosphere. Nothing wrong ever happened to me. But that is not my point. Tremendous threats of abuse were there in the past yet our society is steadily destroying all standards of common respect, fairness, and kindness. Too restrictive on individual freedom. Its social mores are oppressive. Please and thank you are tragic references to a hypocritical past of authoritarian, fraternal control.

For me, I h**e the way we talk now. I fear this "freedom to be who we are" will k**l what we could be. We need standards. Moral standards. Strict moral standards. Freedom is not being unrestrained in our thoughts or ways for what we want, but disciplined in working for what is best for our place in the community of humankind. Our ultimate well-being is intimately tied to, entwined, with our neighbors. The decent and sane know this without thinking.

I get it and I wet my pants here. Symbolically. B*M is not a homogeneous group looking for justice. Under that standard there are gangstas and a wide variety of, er, interests. It troubles me that most of their "r**ts" assault the Black Community. Not that I am asking for a change of venue to the White Community but why target their own neighborhoods?

We ARE the land of opportunity. We have now a sacred trust to maintain, strengthen, and enhance that opportunity to all, regardless of race, creed or culture. America was never just a nation: it was a light on a hill. No other nation ever in history has sought vigorously and steadfastly to openly solve its problems with injustice. Perhaps not quickly enough but still relentless. The human soul is the border of our nation. Our country has made egregious errors, yet due to our ideals--who we are in soul, mind and spirit in this land of Liberty--we work to correct and heal those mistakes and reach out to those suffering any oppression. It is messy and sometimes ugly. But it eventually gets done. Every citizen of America is a needed cog in t***sforming the world to the ideals of Liberty. We must pledge ourselves to that task and live accordingly.

Why sleep through this.

I h**ed the so-called excuses for BLACK crime that people like Sharpton spouted. Stop babying criminals! was my thought. Don't blame the cops for catching criminals. But the unjust disparity in our legal system against B****s is overwhelming clear. Sorry. Google it. You will not believe me.

Have you been subjected to a vehicle stop as a person of color? Then shut up!

You have a strong and decent voice, Maureen; thoughtful and insightful. You seem to honestly struggle with the extremes we find ourselves in and can no longer escape. Be true to what you feel in your heart for it seems it is true.

How do your comments help to resolve the problem? Please describe his "mold of BS."

Unfortunate but understandable. Feelings rightfully run high about perceived disrespect for those Gold Star families who lost a child fighting for the ideals of this country. Taking a knee is, to some, a desecration of those ideals. Or worse, a mockery. Extremely hard to see such actions as legitimate protest.

Good plan and no premiums. God bless the USA!

Slatten, my head can no longer fit through the front door thanks to you; I have to go in by the patio doors in back with grease over my ears. You are a dear, nonetheless, haha.

Thank you. I was quite shocked by the responses thus far. And you right: it is hard to make a point if you are not noticed.

I cannot defend nor support belief in the Bible. Belief is a human failing. There is no real use for it.