Musings of a Senior Scribe
Open Letter to Sharon Hopper
By Mona Lease 

Hi, Sharon! I rarely read my fellow CNO authors' columns "on time." It's usually two or three weeks later. I like to see with whom I am "in sync." Something about your last column grabbed my attention. 

We, as a people, have traded every thing there is to trade -love, friendship, morals, heritage, birthrights, truth, justice, standards, property, our blood-semen-ova, children (abortion, porn, trafficking, etc.), the American Flag, honor, respect, etc. - for a mess of "Fame and Fortune Pottage." 

We call abortion "a choice." We call homosexuality "an alternative lifestyle."  We did not "train up our kiddies" in manners - be quiet when someone else is speaking, respect your elders, etc. - we said they are ADD or ADHD or some other "disability" because we, as adults, have polluted our bodies with caffeine, nicotine, carbohydrates, diets, etc. and we demanded the kiddies keep their bodies healthy. Now "we parents" can not handle their natural energy. Granted - these diseases exist. But, when someone can recite baseball stats or other facts - I just can't buy it. I think it's a matter of what these people are willing to learn. We, as humans, tend to take any "loophole" not to work, sweat, and be responsible. Then we point the finger another direction when it goes horribly awry and say - "It's their fault." I've watched people draw a check and work "under the table." Did you see who all was pushing snow this last blizzard? - some by hand. That's back-breaking work! 

We, as a people, have not required our kiddies to do any "chores."  Parents, as a whole, have tried to keep up with "the Jones" by providing iPhones, iPads, cell phones, etc to 8 year olds - it's "standard equipment" now. 

There is no more waiting with anticipation - a girl reaches 13 - she is granted the right to wear nylons - a mark that she is on the path to Womanhood. Next comes the Sweet 16 Birthday Party. It's marked by a strand of pearls....it's time to put away the "childish things" - maybe save a beloved doll for her daughter. You guys will have to fill in the blanks here. All I know is Dad's teaching of treating every woman like a woman (maybe this would urge a wanton woman to modify her behavior?). Getting Grandpa's pocket knife (standard "man" tools?) is another example. 

We live in a "Me,Me,Me" society. Listen to the conversations; when someone says "right, right, right" - it's a safe bet they are not listening - just "responding." I think the only possible "poor people" are those who put a bottle of Advil beside the Power Ranger lunch box and head to work. Most churches hand out food weekly. Ask the elder citizens around the Ithaca area. They've told me they've found cans of peas, bean soup, and rice in the side ditches. People say they don't like that food. I've been asked to buy people pop, Kool-Aid, etc. They say they don't like water. 

They only thing left to trade is our "collective soul" - and I think we are working on that....no need to teach a kiddie Math, English, Art, etc...the computer does that for you. That;s why there are few 'Dance Bands"...buy a pre-recorded CD, hit play and you can sing with an "orchestra...no practicing or agreeing on the song list!! 

I'm not sure we need to worry about a "fiscal cliff." Mulling over the above information - I'd say we are at a "soul-cliff"...we traded everything else...with liposuction, Botox, implants, etc. - we are a country of good-looking Movie/Rock Stars - with nothing to back it. 

And the Big Bad Wolf said - "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your straw house down." And, he did. 

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA