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To: spirited irish

Don’t think things have changed in America? The following is from Tocqueville’s DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, Volume Two, Part Two, Chapter 15 published in 1840:

“In the United States, on the seventh day of every week, the trading and working life of the nation seems suspended; all noises cease; a deep tranquility, say rather the solemn calm of meditation, succeeds the turmoil of the week, and the soul resumes possession and contemplation of itself. Upon this day the marts of traffic are deserted; every member of the community, accompanied by his children, goes to church, where he listens to strange language which would seem unsuited to his ear. He is told of the countless evils caused by pride and covetousness: he is reminded of the necessity of checking his desires, of the finer pleasures which belong to virtue alone, and of the true happiness which attends it. On his return home, he does not turn to the ledgers of his calling, but he opens the book of Holy Scripture; there he meets with sublime or affecting descriptions of the greatness and goodness of the Creator, of the infinite magnificence of the handiwork of God, of the lofty destinies of man, of his duties, and of his immortal privileges. Thus it is that the American at times steals an hour from himself; and laying aside for a while the petty passions which agitate his life, and the ephemeral interests which engross it, he strays at once into an ideal world, where all is great, eternal, and pure.”

No doubt many still do this, but secularism is taking over.


8 posted on 01/18/2020 12:45:50 PM PST by donaldo
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To: donaldo

Just look at this to see how things have fundamentally changed since the time Reagan was president:

“It’s morning again in America”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-IBF8nwSY

Can you imagine that anywhere in America today?


10 posted on 01/18/2020 1:05:05 PM PST by kaehurowing
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To: donaldo
Growing up we in Virginia had "blue laws". All stores were closed on Sunday. Only drugstores and gas stations could be open. Sunday was so different then. Much calmer, less stress, no hustle-bustle. I wish they would bring back the blue laws.
 
15 posted on 01/18/2020 3:21:37 PM PST by Governor Dinwiddie (Guide me, O thou great redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land.)
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