Our ever-changing lives
To the editor:
We all have had our dreams of what we wanted to be when we grew up. But there are many situations that come into our lives that change the direction of our dreams and goals.
My dream, when growing up on a rural farm in Alabama, was to be a farmer. To one day own a cattle farm, growing cotton, corn and peanuts.
However, the Korean War was the beginning of many situations that changed the directions of my life.
During the time I was stationed at the Presque Isle Air Force Base (1951-54) I met a farmer, Holly Rutland and worked for him the four years. I fell in love with potato farming and became more determined to become a farmer.
During this time I met a girl from Presque Isle and fell in love and married her. We had 60 years together and she passed away in 2012. This love changed my life forever.
As the Korean War was ending, another one was beginning in Vietnam which, once again, took my dream into a different direction. My dream turned into one of a military career, which lasted over 20 years.
As I was concerned with the direction our leaders were taking the country, I decided to return to civilian life. It seemed our leaders were taking on the responsibility of policing the world which other countries in the past had failed.
Now at the age of 83, I am more concerned where our leaders are taking our country.
Our forefathers had a dream for America but our leaders today are turning those dreams into nightmares for the American people. They do not seem to have the knowledge, understanding or expertise to deal with the problems America has.
Instead of spending their time dealing with the problems head-on, they spend their time blaming others for not getting things done. This is not the appropriate way to solve problems.
Is the dream of 1776 slowly becoming a memory to be recorded in the history books?
Howard E. Worthington
Master Sgt. USAF Retired
Mapleton
