Day 2 – the American Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a defining moment in history between the Southern Slave States (Confederates) and the Northern Free States (Union) with the Confederates wanting to keep slavery and the Union wanting to abolish it. We all know the outcome on that one. The State of the Union speeches during this time are a fascinating read. For a more detailed look at this time in American history, this video is a great buy --> The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns
                   

Obviously, the war was a huge part of Abraham Lincoln’s speeches during this time but there was also a lot going on aside from the war. During this time, there was a healthy harvest each year, finances were very healthy which is surprising considering the cost of war. The Department of Agriculture was created and relations with China and Europe were good but sometimes strained with Japan (a sign of things to come maybe?). The plan for a pacific railroad was brought to the table and work commenced, again, surprising considering the amount of men caught up in the war. Similarly, the pacific and atlantic telegraph lines were planned and established.

What boosted the finances during this time was the discovery of gold and silver mines along the pacific railway and the issuing of notes in order to pay the armed forces. It still wasn’t enough though as the public debt stood at $1billion!!! (link to info on pacific railroad)

However, the plight of the Indians was still a problem and an attack by the Sioux resulted in 800 deaths. Likewise, there were problems on the Canadian border.

It seems Mr. Lincoln really had his hands full during these years but handled it very well considering. But within days of the war ending with his Union the victors, he was assassinated.

State of the Union

This week Barack Obama delivered his State of The Union address. Does anyone know where the term ‘State of the Union’ came from? How long it has been an annual event in the US of A? Well read on one and all, this is the subject of the week.

History

The first State of the Union address was given by George Washington in 1790. The actual term ‘State of the Union’ came about from a term in the U.S. Constitution ‘He (President) shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient’.

It was originally an address by the President to Congress but has since become an address to the people. Likewise it was originally a written report but over the years it has developed into an annual prime time televised event.

I could not find any State of the Union summaries so I guess that’s my next job, to read addresses made during key periods in American history….it’s gonna be a long day and night. Those Presidents sure know how to talk!!!

Check back tomorrow, the time frame is the American Civil War (1861-1865) and what Abe had to say in those years.

Day 4 - get involved!!!

I mentioned previously this week about my very active Granny. She may no longer with us but there are many people out there doing similar work / acts of kindness as she did.

If you know of someone who could benefit from some inter-action please contact one of the groups below. Or maybe you want to give something back by volunteering some time to help one of these groups, it will be very much appreciated.

http://www.homelinkbray.ie/
http://www.activeirl.ie/
http://www.ageandopportunity.ie/
http://www.olderandbolder.ie/
http://www.ownireland.ie/
http://www.ageaction.ie/
http://www.alone.ie/
http://www.friendsoftheelderly.ie/

Day 3 - The Elderly and our Community

So what else can the older generation give to society. Probably the first and foremost is knowledge. Remember, they have been here longer than the youth, they not have ‘been there, done that, got the t-shirt’, but are probably on their 10^th t-shirt!!! . Without the experience of our elders, our society and institutions end up constantly reinventing the wheel, so to speak. Like a tree needs its roots for growth and nourishment, a society needs roots to keep it grounded in its traditional values and history. We need the youth to think of new ideas, the middle aged to make things happen and the elderly to keep us from running so fast we fall over .

Another area that Grandparents are of huge benefit is when the pitter patter of little feet enter our lives. As they have more time than the working Mums and Dads, babysitting is something they provide willingly and happily. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, the grandchildren enjoy being spoiled by their grandparents and Mum and Dad are a lot less stressed. Who else will mind your precious as well and with as much love as you?
Unfortunately, modern society seems to encourage segregation of older people from society, preferring nursing or retirement homes. But families who have active, healthy grandparents have the opportunity to develop strong relationships between the kids and their elderly relatives that can greatly enrich the lives of both generations.
Older adults have countless ways to use their life experience to enrich their communities. They may retire from work and slow down as they age, but this doesn’t mean they are irrelevant or useless. All communities have a lot to gain from the engagement of their elderly citizens.

Day 2 - The Elderly and our Community

Contrary to popular belief, old age does not necessarily mean sitting at home in front of the fire all day and night. We tend to forget that the elderly were once young and age has not dimished their zest for life, sense of humour and general devilment!!

My Granny was definitely NOT the type to sit at home drinking tea, right up to her 80’s she was on the go non-stop. She was Chairman of a very active Old Folks Association which met in the local hall 3-4 times a week for a chat and a game of cards (she was a card shark!!) and organised many day trips and longer trips abroad. She was also the local Post Mistress and just relished hearing all the gossip on pension day. Not stopping at that, she then went on to run for local Mayor and yep, won the election and for many many years was a Peace Commissioner. This woman was LOVED by her local community.

She was also the local free taxi for all her buddies. She was an independent lady who was one of the first to learn to drive and get a car. She just loved bringing people here, there and everywhere even if she never left 2^nd gear. You could hear her Ford Escort roaring up and down the street regularly with most of the community willing and wishing her to change gear but no, that never happened. It wasn’t age that finally put paid to her motoring days, it was the development of dual carriageways and motorways which resulted in a trip up the Stillorgan dual carriageway the WRONG way at the age of 90!!! So she gracefully hung up her car keys acknowledging that progress was more important….Good on ya Granny, miss you lots.