Letters to the editor – Tuesday (2-17-09)

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 16, 2009

Movie ‘Seabiscuit’ offers inspiration
“Seabiscuit!” exclaimed my Mother after listening to me rant and rave about our country’s economic woes. I thought she had sneezed, but in fact she had said “Seabiscuit.”
During my military days, I had the opportunity to live all around the world. From these experiences, I learned one very important thing many of us often take for granted; we still live in the greatest country on Earth. Yes, we are engaged in two distinct military campaigns and face economic troubles unlike anything most of us have ever witnessed. And yes, our country has slipped from its sacred ideals and beliefs. But, compared to what many other regions have faced on a daily basis, things will eventually improve in this country simply because of the ingenuity, goodness and compassion that America continues to stand for.
Case in point: If you never saw the 2003 PG-13 movie “Seabiscuit,” rent it at the earliest opportunity. My 89-year old mother, Mary Glover Aycoth, recently asked to see it again, which reopened my eyes to our country’s continuing greatness! Even if you’ve seen the film, it’s worth watching again. I promise this movie, based on true events, will give you much hope during these extremely challenging times. And after you watch it, make a point of “fixing something” or “helping someone else” who may need an encouraging word or helping hand. Although greed and corruption seem to be the current order of business, let’s all work together to be unselfish Americans again and restore the greatness that has always been America’s heritage. We’ve faced great challenges before and persevered; we will do the same again. “Seabiscuit,” in my mother’s humble opinion, is good for what ails us! After all, she lived through the Great Depression. What we’re enduring now has no comparison.
Thanks, Mom, for putting things in perspective!
ó David Aycoth
Salisbury