When we think that having more is the index of being more, we are in deep, deep trouble. The answer to the temptation of the permissive cornucopia is not to impose asceticism through governmental fiat. The answer is to rebuild a life-affirming culture, in which we honor what is honorable, cherish what is truly lovable, believe what is true, think intelligently and learn from all of that how to discipline and channel our wealth so that it frees us rather than enslaves us. A further danger just on the horizon is a variation on the ancient Promethean temptation to steal fire from the gods. In this instance, to remake the human condition and refashion individual human beings by manipulating our new found knowledge of the human genetic code.
Culture counts then for a great deal.
Only a certain kind of people can live freedom nobly. These kind of people are firmed and formed by a certain kind of culture. If we want our children and grandchildren to be able to answer Lincoln's Gettysburg question in the affirmative, it is way past time to attend to the cracks in the foundation of the American House of Freedom.