Uncle Sam is fading fast. The question is, what will be the cause of his demise?

Old age is a definite possibility. More than 230 years is a long time, much longer than any previous democracy has lasted. Democracies die when the majority demands more than the minority can provide.

Death can also come from illness. Parasites could attack the brain, and common sense is lost. Think of spending oneself into bankruptcy without consequences. These germs suck the lifeblood from the body.

Homicide can occur when one disarms himself and has no protection or deterrent from those who are bent on killing him.

Finally there is the possibility of suicide. This happens when one has lost the will to live, when he has lost his soul, no longer valuing life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness. He becomes a total fool when, as Scripture says, “only a fool says there is no God.”

Uncle Sam does not have to die, but things must change. And that change depends on every one of us.

George M. Rushe

Chapin