> Subject:  SHAME ON OLD GUYS
>
> I was embarrassed to read that President Clinton in his recent speech
> said, "The older generation must learn to sacrifice as other generations
> have done."
> The 'older generation' is my generation. I knew eventually someone would
> ferret out the dirty secret; we've lived the 'lifestyle of the rich and
> famous' all our lives. Now, I know I must bare the truth about my
> generation and let the country condemn us for our selfishness.  During
> the Depression we had a hilarious time dancing to the tune of "Brother
> Can You Spare A Dime?" We could choose to dine at any of the country's
> fabulous soup kitchens, often joined by our parents and siblings.  We
> even wasted good cardboard by putting it in our shoes to cover the holes
> in their bottoms....those were the heady days of carefree
> self-indulgence.
> Then, with World War II, the cup filled to overflowing. We had the
> chance to bask on the exotic beaches of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and
> Okinawa; to see the capitals of Europe  and travel to such scenic spots
> as Bastogne, Malmedy and Monte Cassino. Of course, one of the most
> exhilarating adventures was to stroll from Bataan to the local Japanese
> hotels, laughingly known as death camps. But the good times really
> rolled for those lucky enough to be on the beaches of Normandy for the
> boating and swimming that pleasant June day in '44. UNFORGETABLE! Even
> luckier were those who drew the prized holiday tickets for cruises on
> sleek gray ships to fun-filled spots like Midway, The Solomons and
> Murmansk. Instead of asking, "What can we do for our country?" an
> indulgent government let us fritter away our youth wandering idly
> through the lush and lovely jungles of Burma and New Guinea.
> When our world tour was over, we came home to more rest and relaxation,
> the good jobs were already filled by those who had stayed home. Some of
> us were even more fortunate and got recalled from our attempts to get an
> education to go and enjoy winter and summer sports in Korea. Actually,
> it was a continuation of our practical education. In the winter we
> learned that splashed sea water could freeze on your clothes. In the
> summer we learned that, even though the Koreans used human excrement for
> fertilizer, we could, with some treatment, drink from their wells, and
> live. We learned that Russian guns, though crudely made by our
> standards, shot very well. Some of us got to enjoy the hospitality of
> the North Koreans, where they encouraged us to talk and tell all about
> ourselves and our friends.
> Yes, it's true: we were pampered, we were spoiled rotten, we never did
> realize what sacrifice meant. We envy you, Mr. Clinton, the harsh
> lessons you learned in London, Moscow and Little Rock. Thank you for
> setting us straight, for your example of moral courage and virtue.
> Further, we are grateful to you for the great love and respect you have
> shown our Military and it's members.
> My generation is old Mr. President...and guilty, but we are repentant.
> Punish us for our failings, sir, that we may learn the true meaning of
> Duty, Honor, and Country, as you have done.
>
> Robert J. Grady, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret), Colorado Springs.