John Wayne Sings "God Bless America"

My cousin sent the following along:



The participants in this sing-along, for the time, is impressive.  The stars don't shine much brighter.  But could you imagine today's "stars" pulling off a similar stunt?  It'd be impossible, for the following:

• The first is the song itself.  "God Bless America," connotes some belief in a Deity, and frankly, that's not too politically correct with the Hollywood crowd.
• The second is the nature of the song and the reverence in which it was sung.  In 2015, the United States is considered as a pariah - a taker and abuser of others - and not an example of the best in humanity.  The song would be considered far too jingoistic, and again, not politically correct.

I was fortunate enough growing up that I was exposed, if not downright steeped, with some of the Greatest Generation.  They were overt and unapologetic in their patriotism and their love of country.  The flag was to be respected, and if the ball cap did not come off when the parade started a rap on the head served as a good reminder.  Likewise, I had some teachers growing up that truly loved our country, and that love was evident in their lessons.

Those days are pretty much over.  In less than 50 years, we've gone from loving your country to be expected, to where it is now discouraged, if not avidly mocked.

Interesting to see what the next 50 years will bring.