In last week’s editorial (http://www.edgefieldadvertiser.com/2016/12/thoughts-on-pearl-harbor-part-one/) I shared some initial thoughts on two competing cultures, and their success in the last 75 years producing resilient societies.  I tied that theme to the 75^th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, comparing the 1940’s jewel of our republic, Detroit, to the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; cities which in the last three quarters of a century had to be completely rebuilt as a result of the war Japan started with The United States.

Clearly I am not the first to make the comparison between the 1940’s devastated cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima to the then glorious city of Detroit; however, I don’t believe it is something the average American has reflected on as they study the rise and fall of civilizations in High School history class.

I sincerely hope more American High School history teachers will begin making the comparisons, because the reality is, the non-respecter of person issues surrounding the quest for power and the desire to build resilient societies never changes.  What does change however are those who hold power, and the course they direct their citizens.  An educated citizenry provides the best opportunity to create the outcome which benefits the largest percentage of the population.

There are many who choose to look at the millennial generation, those born over 50 years following the attack on Pearl Harbor, with great concern.  I choose to look at that generation with great optimism, because many within this age category are questioning the wisdom of the previous generation and are discovering that the principles which made our country great to begin with have not been followed in recent decades, resulting in many of our urban cities, like Detroit, to implode.  Honestly, many of our rural towns are also imploding.

One such millennial is Steven Crowder.  In 2009 at the age of 22, Steven travelled to the heart of Detroit to produce a short documentary.  I encourage you to watch it – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hhJ_49leBw.

In closing, let me share two other times I wrote about Pearl Harbor and Detroit.  I hope you will take the time to review them as they lay a foundation for future editorials where I will expand on the non-respecter of person issues: the quest for power, and the desire to build resilient societies.

On December 7, 2012 I wrote “Have You Had Your Pearl Harbor Moment Yet.” http://hscottcooper.com/have-you-had-your-pearl-harbor-moment-yet-what-will-you-do-with-it/

On July 4, 2015, following travelling through Detroit and the rest of Michigan, I wrote “This Week, I travelled through Paradise.” http://hscottcooper.com/this-week-i-travelled-through-paradise/

I hope you have a blessed week!