Dear editor:

The big question for members of our society is “Do you have any honor?” Take a minute and think about this.

In the years 1777-1855 dueling was the honorable way to settle a dispute. You had the right to tell anyone anything. Of course, that right came with consequence.

If you told a man that his wife was a so-and-so that man had the right to protect his honor and he would challenge you to a duel, to protect that honor.

Today if someone says your wife is a so-and-so, you have the right to sue him for slander.

Regardless of who is right in court, you had better be able to prove your case. You will need to convince all 12 jurors your wife is not a so-and-so!

When someone insults your honor, do you shoot to kill and preserve your good name with good aim? Or, hire a killer lawyer?

We had a choice then … and now you have another one.

In my youth we had, and many of us still have, a great sense of honor, truth and a commitment to God and our country.

My President (Kennedy) said the following at his inauguration speech: “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom.” Signifying a sense of renewal as well as change.

At the end of his speech he defined a generation of us with these simply words: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

We were left with a challenge. My generation met that challenge! With a great deal of hardship and success.

Today, our president asks nothing of us. He asks only of Congress.

My friends, something got lost in the translation of honor and being an American. We all might want to re-think the message. It still has great meaning after all these years.

Instead of trying to see what others can do for you, ask yourself “What can you do?“ and just do it!

Jeff Schaffer

Lake Monticello