As I turned 44....

I wrote this on my 44th birthday....

I was born in 1964.

Then, the US was captivated by the arrival of four mop headed youths from Liverpool. Now, popular music takes many different forms.

Then, it was vinyl records. Now it's MP3s.

Then, we were getting into a war in Vietnam. Now we are waging a War on Terror.

Then, the turmoil of the late 60s was barely forseen. Now, we are still living with its effects.

Then, a new car was about $2000. Now it's $20,000.

Then, a new house was $20,000. Now it's $200,000

Then, the jet age was just underway with the Boeing 707. Now, we have jumbos like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.

Then, the greatest threat was a country called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Now, it's Islamic terror groups.

Then, games were Monopoly, cards, and cribbage. Now it's PS3, X-Box, and Wii.

Then, skateboards were not well known. Now, you can make a living off skateboarding.

Then, computers were the size of a small building. Now, I carry more computing power on my keychain.

Then, we at least tried to maintain a good set of values. Now, those values are held in disdain.

The price of postage has risen about 1 cent a year since my birth.

I have seen my country almost tear itself apart, from the riots of Chicago and Watts, to Watergate, to the "malaise" of the late 70s.

I have seen lines at the gas pumps on several occasions.

I have been through four recessions, and I'm still here.I have seen the price of gas go from 25 cents a gallon to $2.85.

I have seen men walking on the Moon.

I have seen TV grow from 3 channels to hundreds.

I have seen TVs grow from 18 inch black and white screens to 50 inch high definition color sets.

Then, radio was sent by carrier wave. Now, it's by satellite.

I have seen the rise of the cell phone.

I have seen computers now become as essential as a washing maching.

I have seen the rise of the greatest repository of information since the Library of Alenandria (the Internet).

Then, you had to go to the bank in order to access your account. Now it's a 24/7 ATM.

Then, most stores were closed on Sundays. Now, people don't believe that was once the case.

Then, news was a day or two old. Now, we have 24 hour news channels and the latest news is seconds old.

Now, you can get your books in either print, audio, or electronic.

Then, there were fears of a new Ice Age. Now, it's Global Warming.

Then, no one would dream that an African-American, or a woman, would be a viable candidate for President. Now both are represented.

The sports story of the year 1964 was the Tokyo Olympics. This year it's in Beijing.

Then, the up and coming fashion statement was the mini skirt. Now fashion includes low cut jeans and bare midriffs.

Then, illegal drugs were entering the public domain. Now, still here and worse than before.

Then, our borders were respected. Now, it is not (sometimes by our own people).

Then, you could meet your relatives at an airport boarding gate as they got off. Now it's a meeting area outside the security zone.

Then, people worked for what they owned. Now, people think those things are an entitlement.

Today, some people think the American Dream is evil.

Then, we learned from history. Now, some people want us to apologize for it.

Then, the nation was marking the Civil War Centennial. Now we are noting the Lincoln Bicentennial.

Then, commentary was linited to newspapers. Now we have blogs.

Then, Republicans and Democrats were rivals. Now they are mortal enemies.

Then, people respected the country even if one dod not agree with the policies. Now, people on TV, radio, and the Internet openly advocate the assassination of political leaders they don't agree with.

Now, people who are Americans, born and raised in freedom, express their contempt and hatred for the US and want to tear it down.

Then, we were respected. Now, we are condenmed no matter what we do.

Still, people still move here from around the world.

Our movies, TV shows, music, sports, food, and other cultural items can be found in many places in the world.

Despite everything, we still are the Light by the Golden Door, and the tired, huddled masses yearning to breathe free still come here.

We have changed in the past 44 years. Some for the better, some for worse.

I still have hope.