History tells us that no nation lasts forever and most of us have lived to see how true this is. A little time spent in an early encyclopedia would prove it to you, and many historians believe all great nations eventually find a way to commit suicide. Our politicians are accomplishing that by handing the nation’s insurmountable debt to future generations. They successfully pander to the gullible and naive current population in order to be reelected. But there is another method of committing suicide.

 I’m convinced that by continuing to turn our country into a bilingual or multi-lingual country we are well on the way. Having even two languages causes conflict and antagonism. It’s great when a person can speak two languages, as does my wife, but it’s not a great idea that a nation has two, and judging by instructions on nearly every product sold in America, we do. There is, for instance, trouble up in Canada, where a French minority is pursuing recognition if not downright independence. This brings on turmoil and tension in the rest of that country. And France faces severe problems; not that I mind, with at least four different vocal ethnic groups and languages. A peek at recent news proves my point.

We’ve coined a new word; multiculturalism.

That’s a belief by each culture that all cultures are of equal importance, and equal to what used to be an “American” culture. The word suggests there are no cultural differences. At least two races in America believe their problems are due to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. You can’t even suggest there is any other explanation. It wouldn’t take much to make this country a ‘Hispanic Quebec.’ Should we encourage all immigrants, legal or not, to keep their own language and culture? Many preach we should replace the old idea of “melting pot” with “salad bowl.”

But wouldn’t this lead some ethnic group to believe they were victims (as in Iraq) and their lack of success the fault of the majority, whatever group that was at the time? It’s happening here, now, with political correctness fast becoming a huge negative, and a pain you know where. Apparently we no longer understand that it is unity that keeps a nation together. Immigration for many decades was good for America … but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will always be good. If we don’t get control of our borders we will be dealing with the effect of millions of immigrants, or one person with a huge bomb.

At my age it probably should be of no concern to me. I’ve made it to that point of self-sufficiency and no longer have to contribute to “nation building.” But I smell trouble ahead; the pendulum is swinging that way … we are creating a Third World right here inside the borders of our country.  

Ignore the critics

I wonder how many good films movie fans have missed because they read reviews by movie critics, particularly Mal Vincent. A producer can spend millions and have the theatres sparsely attended because a critic had a toothache, or a snit fit when his butler quit. I read reviews merely to get the gist of the plot and list of characters, paying no attention to his, her, or their, judgment of star count or number of thumbs up or down. It’s that word again, “opinion,” or you could use, “matter of taste.” Most critics are so puffed up with themselves they’d find a way to knock “Rocky 6.”

Before I forget … George Carlin, a nutty but right-on comedian said this. “It doesn’t take a village to raise children, just two parents.” I would add that they be a man and a woman.

The prefect recipe

This recipe is perfect for people who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is cooked thoroughly but not dried out. Give this a try. You need a 6- or 7-pound chicken, 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup stuffing, 1 cup uncooked popcorn, salt/pepper to taste. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush chicken well with melted butter, salt and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn and place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for popping sounds … when the oven door blows open and the chicken flies across the room, it’s done.

Robert Pocklington is a Suffolk resident and regular contributor to the News-Herald