Two decades of political activism by some who thought they could restore virtue and ethics through the political process has brought no change. In fact, things have gotten worse. Since the problem is not at the top but among the citizens, any restored sense of virtue will not come from the top but from the bottom. We'll notice it after millions of unseen decisions are made to live differently. This is the proper role of clergy and other moralists.
Government can affirm right decisions.
It cannot make them for people. Nonjudgmentalism, the trump card of moral debate, seems to have gained among the people, especially in the sexual realm, and this clearly does not bode well for America. The Post series indicates the divisions that have marked the last three decades are likely to continue into the next generation. That is why even if politicians promise to do something about our moral failings, they are likely to be confronted by masses of people who prefer their parking spaces to shutting down a house of prostitution in their neighborhood, or who secretly prefer the R-rated films to the milder fare to which they only give lip service. Cal Thomas' column regularly runs on Mondays and Thursdays.