Just a little wistful thinking

To the editor:

What is this world coming to? It is riddled with a virus, literally and figuratively.

It has, in the United States of America, a president (and government) who lies, cheats, and is an embarrassment across the world. I live with questions that go unanswered — a big mess. I live with answers I cannot understand or even be certain of.

And I feel frustrated and lost, and angry more than sad.

What will the cure be? How long will this take? What can I do? What can any of us do that we aren’t trying already?

I always believed in America that “we the people” could do everything and change so many things. I had the “right to speak my mind out.” That was American to me.

I remember Assembly Day, maybe beginning in the 1940s, that day of the week when I wore a red neckerchief, a white blouse and a blue skirt. I was a little girl then, and I had no clue what this patriotism I was a part of meant. But that didn’t matter. It felt so good.

I sang, I think, without understanding the words to songs either “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” to have and to hold, one nation … with liberty and justice for all.

I loved those times — the dressing up, the words, the camaraderie. I couldn’t wait for my turn to be in the color guard. I was proud of the flag, probably had one in my home. I know I thought I lived in the best place on Earth.

I knew who the president was, and who the vice president was, too. I firmly believed George Washington never told a lie, and that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, and made everyone equal. I think I thought FDR was the best president ever. After all, my grandmother had his picture over her small kitchen table.

I could trust the kind policeman to “help me find the dear ones who wait for me” if I got lost. I could even play outside with my friends without my mother sitting and watching me on the nearest bench.

Sure, she might look out the window a million times to check on me.

I was little then. I guess as that little girl, there were things that grown-ups and government were doing to keep me safe, and keep the world safe for democracy. They knew the answers. Maybe I even believed in their honesty.

That was a long time ago. I am no longer that little girl. Back then, I had so many years ahead of me. That is no longer so now. I am 77. I treasure the years I have left. I, like you, want them to be the best, the kindest, the most honest they can be. Pain-free.

I still want to sing along with Frank Sinatra, “… especially the people. That’s American to me.”

Judith Veder

Have an opinion? Share your thoughts as a letter to the editor. Make your submission to letters@riverdalepress.com. Please include your full name, phone number (for verification purposes only), and home address (which will not be published). The Riverdale Press maintains an open submission policy, and stated opinions do not necessarily represent the publication.