As I am reflecting back to the 1970s this week, I would be amiss not to mention the passing of rocker Tom Petty at the age of 66. Petty was one of my influences growing up, along with folks like Neil Young who is 71 years young and still “Rockin’ in the Free World."
Our graphic composer Yoda master Seth Wright once said all my singers have one thing in common … they can’t sing. I wouldn’t totally agree with his statement but I see his point as the vocal qualities of artists I call my favorites are unique. I take it as a personal confirmation of taste on my part most were still alive and singing. So thanks Tom Petty for all the music you made.
So, to get to the point, there was another attack where some nut went on a shooting spree in Las Vegas. A terrorist group claimed him of course, but so far there isn’t any evidence he acted in the interest of ISIS, although it would be convenient if it were true. Then we wouldn’t have to face up to the growing problems in this country of division and hatred.
All old people are known for saying this, but I believe the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Of course I know how the story ends, as it’s written in the Bible and, although there’s a happy ending for all those who are saved, there’s a lot of evil coming our way first.
I feel so fortunate to have grown up in the 1970s when we weren’t addicted to Facebook and cellphones, and the popular video games were Pong and Pac Man, not first-person shooters that advocate kill, kill, kill. We used to have to shout that in the army. Now kids get to learn it in their living rooms. I am not saying video games caused this but they reflect the morality of the times for sure.
Just in case the former doesn’t shout how good the country was in the 1970s, how about a cheeseburger, fries and coke from McDonalds where you got change from a dollar.
For those wanting something more substantial than the price of a Happy Meal, how about the fact mass public shootings have grown more frequent in the United States, according to a new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
The report found that in the 1970s, the U.S. experienced an average of 1.1 mass public shootings per year, a figure that rose steadily over the ensuing decades before reaching a high of 4.5 from 2010 to 2013.
I remember playing sports with my friends, fishing, camping and actually doing things together with friends and relatives. You know, actually interacting with people without the aid of a keyboard. I spent my time reading while today’s youth spends it tweeting.
Our president is a reflection thereof. Wipe North Korea off the map he tweets, which in and of itself is disturbing - the leader of the free world conducts business on Twitter.
I think the '70s was the last decade of people believing we could all get along and the American dream was alive and well. That’s how I see it anyway, but I’m getting to be one of those old folks now too.

Contact Steve Warner at news@smithvillereview.com