In fact, American society seems to be filled with contradictions. Our economy is thriving, and yet more and more of our citizens live in poverty. We have acquired great national wealth, but this prosperity has paradoxically spawned a seemingly endless number of social problems. We pay tribute to principles of equality and mutual respect, and yet incivility, warring factions and special interests proliferate. Our form of government is heralded around the world, but at the same time respect for political institutions and leaders among our own citizens has plummeted.
Unemployment is practically non-existent, and yet many workers are fearful of losing their jobs.
That this uneasy national mood is reflected in our student body should not be a surprise. In this context, let me note that the majority of this autumn's entering freshmen were born in 1980, the same year Ronald Reagan was elected president. The freshmen we will enroll in our bicentennial year of 2009 are now seven years old. They were mostly born following the war in the Persian Gulf. To them, Madonna is an older lady who sings old standards.