A wonderful time to be alive and an American. I still hold all those traditions and opinions. She is still (barely thanks to the idiots in charge) the last great hope on the planet -- as Ben Franklin said when a woman asked him "Sir, what have you given us and Ben replied 'A republic, if you can keep it.'

I grew up in the 50’s. It was a magical time…strong family ties, neighbors helping neighbors, freedom for children, playing outside from dawn to dusk, knowing every child in a five block area, eating lunch at the nearest home and drinking from garden hoses, children solving problems or differences without adult input. Our childhood friends became family. I was so lucky being a kid in the 50’s.