As We Do Unto Women

There is much talk around about the treatment of women in our society today. Don Imus' remarks have sparked much debate concerning how we regard women, particularly in popular entertainment. The discussion is particularly sharp among African-Americans. In light of the recent discussion, here is a quote from John Adams, the second president of the United States, that should give us pause and even give us some insight in to the degradation and the loss of virtue in our culture today. Perhaps Adams was speaking prophetically of America, in general, and African-Americans in particular when he wrote:

From all that I have read of history and government and human life and manners, I have drawn this conclusion: That the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public spirit and their republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.