Born in my generation, the three-time, unequaled world boxing champion, a fighter for human rights and an anti-war protester, became intolerable when he, as Mohammad Ali, proclaimed endlessly, "I am the greatest!" Of course, he was. He actually was the greatest.
But later, as Parkinson’s Disease began to take him down, he became, if not humble, more sympathetic. He even learned to accept the help of others. By the time of his death, he was warmly regarded in many circles. Folks forgot his years of bluster and remembered his good deeds and wondrous accomplishments.
A Washington Post editorial said that there would be no hope for the U.S. if we didn’t learn to accept pity.
In recent months, I have noticed, in German and French language newspapers, a change from satire and ridicule of President Donald Trump’s America to compassion and pity. These publications are not writing from positions of superiority, for their nations have their own problems.
In Revelation 3:17, the church of the Laodicians is condemned. "....thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
Will Americans recognize that we have failed, or will we continue to fuss and fume and bluster and blame?
If we will look in the mirror and see our pitiable self, we will be ready for remedies.
Kristian Nelson
Anchorage
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