Mentors, Famous & Infamous Individuals

Who Have Had an Influence on Me

Last week, my wife and I were discussing the many issues concerning this administration, and wondering how supposedly intelligent folks, could allow our government, our economy, and our way of life, to be turned upside down, in less than a year.

I laughed a few years ago, when my Granddaughter indicated that she was taking a “critical thinking” course in college. It appears that all of those in power have missed that course.

I started reminiscing about all of those that have influenced me over the past 65 years. I just turned 87 and my wife 83

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Many of those making decisions today, that affect our nation, obviously have no independent thoughts. They are just following the direction of the President. They should know the difference between right and wrong. But do they? They appear to be just “yes” men. That isn’t a “Democracy.”

Most have never seen 18% interest rates, nor have they experienced real economic downturns. They have never served in the military, nor wondered where their next meal was coming from. Have they ever held a “real job,” starting at the lowest level and working themselves up, through dedication and hard work? Have they held menial jobs while in high school and college?

Those of us who have, understand the difference between right and wrong. We know that today’s way is not the right way. Where is the leadership that will stand up and say this is wrong?

Many blame what is happening today on technology. I am sure that is part of it, but what has happened to parenting?

I was born to a lower middle class family, whose father and mother never went past the 10th grade in school. My father worked on the New York Central Railroad for over 45 years, and retired with a pension of $145.00 a month. He came from a railroading family, as did my Grandfather’s on both my Father’s and Mother’s side.

My wife’s parents were both employed by the same company, Sheaffer Pen, for over 30 years. Her father served in World War ll, and saw the worst of the worst, in Africa, Italy, France & Germany.

I started carrying the local newspaper when I was 14, and at 16, I worked one summer on the railroad, and later, after my first year of college, I worked at the local brickyard, repairing their railroad sidings. A dirty, hard job. During high school, I delivered groceries, from a local grocery store. During college, I worked in the school cafeteria for meals.

It was ingrained in me, from an early age, that if one wanted to get ahead, you needed to have a positive work ethic.

Many of my high school teachers served in World War ll. They certainly had a different outlook on life then those today. It came through in the classroom, where discipline and obedience was the norm.

The same can be said of many of my college professors. One economics professor stands out. He served in the Army during WW ll, and he played a major role in rebuilding Europe, under the Marshall Plan. He had a different perspective on the world, than most of today’s Professors.

Throughout my career, I have had the good fortune to have had those with greater foresight than I, to guide me, and mentor me. Many were veterans of WW ll. They had a different view of the world, and the work place, than those of today.

It is a different world than that of 70 years ago, but we should never forget “where we came from.” What do we need to do to make it a better place, for all?

I cringe when I heard our politicians use the language they do, discussing their opponents. It is uncalled for. Where is our civility? All this does, is tend to divide our country, even more.

As my parents used to say, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.”

There is nothing wrong in disagreeing on an issue, but we should be open to sitting down, and attempting to negotiate a satisfactory solution. Both sides may have to give and take, but that is governing.

Those who developed our Declaration of Independence, and our Constitution, knew what they were doing. Why are some today, trying to tear those documents down? Again, my folks would say that “the founders must be rolling over in their graves.”

If we want to remain a Democracy form of government, isn’t it time to tell our elected politicians, today, that “enough is enough.”

Jess Sweely

Madison, Va.

January 12, 2026