There is something bittersweet about derelict old houses. They evoke a nostalgic curiosity of bygone eras. Who were the people who built these places? What kind of life did they lead? What caused these houses to be abandoned? Was it some kind of tragedy, or worse, the end of a family’s lineage? Maybe it was just apathy. Succeeding generations didn’t care enough to appreciate what they had. They failed to maintain and upgrade. The attraction of the shiny and new was just too much to resist. The solidly built family home required too much effort and expense to remodel, so it was abandoned for mobile homes and flimsy new houses with all the modern conveniences.

The people who lived in these places contributed to the evolution of our culture. These abandoned structures provide a historical continuity. Their existence prevents a kind of cultural Alzheimer’s. They stand as a reminder that people lived and died here. Children’s laughter once echoed from their walls. But what was built with hope and optimism is ending with sadness and faded glory. Without someone seeing what once was and caring enough to see what could be, without taking on the monumental task of restoration, they will continue to deteriorate.

In some ways, these houses can be viewed as a metaphor for our country. We have abandoned many of the solid principles on which the United States was built in favor of flimsy new ideas that have led us to a faded glory. We were once the most admired nation in history, but we are well on our way to becoming one of the most reviled. The past eight years has shown an America that is vulnerable to attack. It has exposed an underbelly of cruelty and greed in our government and institutions that has brought us to the brink. What has worked for generations has been replaced with whatever works for the moment. Me first has replaced country first. We are a nation divided by fear and mistrust.

But…… there is hope.

We have elected a man who seems to recognize the value of this old house we call America, and he is bent on restoration. But he desperately needs our help. We must recognize that our focus has to be on restoration rather than abandonment. We must put aside our fear and mistrust and roll up our sleeves. Our foundation is strong, but the remodeling effort is going to be long and costly. I have faith in this country. Together we can do it. Yes we can.