76-07-B3
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Tricentennial[edit]
Transcript[edit]All during the Bicentennial year, the Atlantic Richfield Company ran a series of full-page ads in the newspapers inviting people to write in their ideas of what they think America ought to be for its Tricentennial, one hundred years hence. You may have seen some of the ads. It all started with ideas on transportation of the future -- how to make it better than it is. Not too surprisingly, Mr. and Mrs. Average American Citizen don't have to take a back seat to the so-called experts when it comes to new ideas. Later ads asked for broader comments. The latest I've seen in this series has a sampling of the 53,000 responses the "ARCO" people have received so far to their request for thoughts on American life, circa 2076. Their ad makes it clear that the ideas become public property, so I'm going to quote from some that I think should reassure us about the basic values that keep our society moving. Atlantic Richfield reports that an overwhelming number of respondents -- 91 per cent -- told them that they want the family to remain our basic social unit. Those doomsayers who not long ago were talking about the end of the "nuclear" family, wouldn't get much encouragement from these comments: From Michigan, one man wrote, "Small integrated units with no more than two children will be the pattern of (family life), and use of a computer may be the answer to lasting compatibility." A Nevada man said, "We may see more trial marriages before a legal one, but the family is here to stay. It is the one stabilizing influence that everyone must have to live more abundantly." A strong majority -- 62 per cent -- wrote in to say that they think the nation will be better off when there is no racial, sexual or religious discrimination. One writer, from Massachusetts, summed it up this way, "I think that 'power' in any position should go to the most competent, experienced and knowledgeable persons, no matter what color, shape or religion." By the year 2076 there will have been a strong reaffirmation of religion and faith, according to 73 percent of the ARCO respondents. And, nearly two-thirds called for more rapid methods of communication to encourage greater individual participation in government. "Maybe in the future," wrote one New Yorker, "every home will have an 'on line' computer hooked up with Washington so that the government can receive 'instant' opinion." There's a strong longing for a quieter life and a rural setting reflected in the replies to the Tricentennial ads. According to Atlantic Richfield, some three-quarters favor a slower pace. One Florida man wrote, "When you commune with nature many of your hates drain away." The Tricentennial campaign isn't a scientific poll, of course, but it's encouraging to know that so many people are thinking so earnestly about America's future and that it doesn't look nearly so bleak as some of the doomcriers would have us believe. The advertiser signs off with the line, "Thank you for helping us celebrate America's Tricentennial 100 years early." Thanks to them for providing the forum. I have a hunch that active citizens such as the ones who wrote in their ideas will keep right on working to make that Tricentennial a success. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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