Dear Gabby,

My son attends high school and the business teacher assigned a report, “Restructuring America.” The teacher divided the students into groups of seven and threw in one courageous parent per group to assist. Well, I’m the chosen one along with seven highly motivated 16-year-olds and quite a challenge. Each group was given a card that was to be their key to reconstructing America, our card read: 17 cents. I’m desperate, Gabby. Time is running out, and I need a miracle; the report is due in only two weeks. I don’t have a clue. How does one begin to reconstruct America on 17 cents after all it’s been going through?

Constructively Pleading, Claire

Dear Claire,

Don’t panic! Help is on the way. All we have to do is a little backtracking through history. First of all, gather your group together, throw them into your car and go directly to library, do not pass GO, do not collect $200.

Now sit them down at one of the large conference tables. This will give them a shot of confidence, you know, like the big guys and gals in Washington. (I do wish some of them would stop playing with the swizzle sticks in their crystal glasses. They do look rather childish.)

Don’t forget the pencils and paper because we have letters to write. Have them write their elected local officials and include those in Washington, reminding them of President Coolidge’s statement in 1929: “It is difficult for men and women in high office to avoid the malady of self-delusion.” Let each official know that the letter they hold is a reminder that they are in office as a public servant to the community, and a servant serves. He is not to be served as if he were Mickey Mouse. Don’t forget to thank them for the good job that they are doing, even though mom or dad didn’t vote for them.

And lastly, the best advice that I can give has already been given, but meets the need today: “America’s present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration.” (President Harding in May 1920.) As for the 17 cents, the last time I looked it was just enough money to buy one generic aspirin for the headache you’re going to encounter.

Gabby

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE March 27 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.