A witness to history and change in America

I am 87 years old and have witnessed much of history. In the 1930s, postage was 3 cents for a letter and 2 cents for a postcard. We also had two deliveries a day.

We could leave our doors unlocked and no one would enter. Teachers were respected by both students and parents. Corporal punishment was used, and, students worked their way through college, in some cases, without assistance from the government.

Immigrants coming into the United States through Ellis Island had to prove they had no communicable diseases and that they had a job awaiting them with an American sponsor. Now, in 2011, I am a minority in my mother country.

Today we are overcome with gangs, protesters, drive-by shootings, carjackings, drugs, home invasions, murders, identity theft (of which I have been a victim twice!) and other crimes.

Politicians used to discuss issues that would contribute to our lives rather than ripping each other apart.

Many, many Americans have given their lives to ensure our freedoms and prosperity. Why have they given their lives in vain?

We are a democracy and believe that our country is the greatest in the world! We must do everything to maintain the blessings God has given us.

Francis Adams

Glendale