[Aloha1]

I recall waking up the morning after the 1956 Presidential Election and feeling all was right with the world because Ike had won. I grew up in Detroit and my best friend until age 6 was black. I slept over at his house and he at mine. Never thought twice about it. Getting a cowboy outfit and a cap shooting "six gun" was the BEST gift ever. Staying out late in the summer playing Cowboys and Indians, switching sides frequently without a politically correct thought in our heads. Drive in movies; my Mom taking us to see Imitation of Life in 1959 - a story about prejudice she thought was important for us to see. My Dad, a Teamster Cartage owner( truck driver) hiring the first colored man at his shop and being shunned by his "Union". I was taught nobody owed me anything and that my success in life was solely dependent on me. Were the 50's perfect? Of course not but they were a time when we were brought up with values and respect for others. Some things sadly lacking today and the lack of which is a root cause of the discord we see now. And heck, who could not like the 50's "music of love" where there were actually words you could understand and a theme unlike today. Do I miss the 50's? Sure, but I love the 2010's tech that has raised the standard of living for all Americans. If we can only realize that our social programs have done more harm than good, the 2020's could be the next 50's.