We met not long ago and I became intrigued by your story, and excited to view your blog. I came for the first time today to see what you had to say. Frankly I am saddened by the remarks of the previous article. It seems almost like you gave in to the "signs of the times." Hillary made the comment that to offer her virginity to her husband would be the greatest possible gift. I could not agree more, unfortunately too many young people, those in my age group, have lost that choice. They have given up the right to give that gift to their spouse. Jack you claimed to be an “independent thinker” I see very little independence in thinking exactly as the status quo dictates, only because “times have changed.” The reality is that independent thinkers do not do something because the times say that it is ok, they do things because they have a personal conviction that the things they are doing are right, despite the times. We look into history and no doubt many of the great independent thinkers of this and other nations have been progressive, they have attempted to change the general population’s view of the world. But those who were truly successful were not just trying to fit into the future, they were trying to make it better, they had a vision of what was right and would stand up and fight for it. Whether or not casual sex is appropriate should not be a test of an age, it should be a test of character. Many will disagree with me, that is ok, we can still get along and disagree on a few things, but this is something I feel strongly about. And although there are many who disagree, there are also countless young people and people of all ages who determine everyday independent of what the media teaches, independent of what is taught on university campuses, independent of what there parents have taught, that abstaining from sex is the right thing to do. That precious wedding gift Hillary spoke of is still held highly by thousands of young people. I love the concept of crossing generational gaps through communication and open discussion, I commend you for that. I however hope that in the future you can offer more of the Jack that has truly made your life interesting, the Jack who is a leader and an icon, not the Jack who is easily blown in the winds of time. Again thank you for your blog, the gift of the written language is more valuable than any of us realize I am sure.

Michael

Many thanks for sharing your experience. Your time spent in Syria sounds fascinating, as does the 70s – of which we are more aware. You make one point that is enormously important: We must understand each other's culture. In my travels around the world at how little our diplomats truly understood. I spent a lot of time in the Orient, and I actually had one high-placed diplomat tell me that "all Orientals are alike." Not only should we be more cognizant of who shares this globe with us, but we should be talking with them and doing business. Somehow or another, you don't kill people with whom you are communicating. This is one of my major points: Establish a dialogue.

Thanks again,
Jack