We must work to restore the American spirit – Alpena News

There comes a time when enough is enough, and I have found that, when I reach that point, its time to hit the road.

Diane and I recently completed a swing through Kentucky, and, while we obviously kept connected to The Alpena News through its digital edition, we also enjoyed stepping away from the normal grind of news, news, news.

While the Roe vs. Wade decision did not escape us, nor the Michigan Legislature reaching consensus on the 2023 state budget, we didnt allow ourselves to be absorbed by that chatter. Instead, we hiked mountain trails, went spelunking in a cave, and, of course, visited some historical sites always a must for any of our excursions.

But, for those who really know me, you also know I never escape the news entirely.

The historical stop we made on this trip was to the birthplace and early childhood residences of President Abraham Lincoln. It was fascinating studying the early history of Lincolns life and how, but for a few disputes over property deed claims that led to his father moving the family to Illinois, Lincolns life might have taken a different course entirely.

A great orator and writer, I was struck by one particular quote of Lincolns during the visit.

History is not history, Lincoln wrote, unless its the truth.

Which led me to wonder: What truth will my grandchildrens children grow up with in this push for political correctness in todays culture?

This past week, much was being made of new polls that were taken showing an erosion of faith in the American ideals that our country was founded on. A Rasmussen Poll revealed only 27 percent of people believe the founding fathers would consider the United States a success.

Worse, 53% said the Founding Fathers would look to todays county as a failure in this exercise of democracy.

Admittedly, the Rasmussen Poll is a conservative one. Turning to a more liberal-based national poll, the Gallup poll, only 38% said they were extremely proud of the country.

Both polls reveal a disturbing reality in the country today our country is hurting.

Events like Jan. 6 have taken a toll on the populace as everyone tries to decipher truth from fiction. The further we move from that date, the more we wrestle with the reality of perception from that day becoming the reality, whether it is true or not.

As I pondered Lincolns quote, I was reminded of another president, Ronald Reagan, who, at the end of his term, reminded Americans that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

Weve got to teach history based not on whats in fashion but whats important, Reagan said. If we forget what we did, we wont know who we are. Im warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit.

All of us conservative and liberal, white and Black, young and old, male and female owe it to our children to not allow the American spirit to disappear.

Our Founding Fathers may not have been perfect, but they formed a republic that has stood the test of time. They, and the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom, deserve our efforts to preserve and appreciate their sacrifice.

And that, my friends, is the truth.

Bill Speer recently retired as the publisher and editor of The News. He can be reached at bspeer@thealpenanews.com.

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We must work to restore the American spirit - Alpena News