By Just A Guy
Editors note: Just A Guy is a prisoner in a California state prison. His reports run twice a week, typically on Mondays and Fridays, although the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sometimes makes it hard to communicate in a timely manner. You can read some of his past posts here and here.
A few days ago, Walter Cronkite died at the age of 92. At one time he was considered the most trusted man in American, which is saying a lot in today’s world – particularly for a newsman.
There was a time in this country when we believed our leaders, our media, and our inalienable right to be the foundation of hope. There was a time when hope was defined by a sense of community and helping others. There was a time when helping others was the bond that tied us together, inseparable as Americans, even if our social, economic and religious beliefs were diametrically opposed.
Yes, we have progressed significantly in areas like religious freedom, gay rights and race equality. But we have regressed in the application of community toward crime and addiction, because they have become a business.
I would have loved to talk with Mr. Cronkite and heard his views on the institutionalization of California and this country he so fervently believed in. I don’t know much about Walter Cronkite, but I suspect the man who eschewed the war in Vietnam and who tirelessly promoted space research would condemn our leadership and our citizens for their inability to recognize the loss of what has made the country great: Hope.