A little background first.

The year was 1982. The location was Orem, Utah. During this time the Soviet Union was still in tact and seemed utterly invincible. Although not directly engaged with the reds there were a number of proxy wars across the world that led us to indirectly engage with them.

To support the war effort we in Orem sacrificed much. Rations were few and far between. We formed bread and gas lines every morning to eek out what ever meager living we could. We suffered through what many believe was the most harrowing and difficult decade in recorded history.

Did we complain? Never! We became mentally and physically tough through our hardships. These are things that the youths of today just can’t comprehend. They have it so easy. Anything they want is immediately available. Want to be an Olympian? Just ask! They’ll let you on the team! In our day we had to EARN our spot on sports teams.

Which brings me to my story.

On the morning of September 1, 1982 my fourth grade teacher, the menacing Mrs. Flower, informed us that we would be tested and tried through a variety of physical contests. If we passed, we would earn the National or Presidential fitness award, signed by the president himself.

The steely gaze of President Reagan staring at me from his photo on our classroom wall almost melted me on the spot. But did I wilt? NEVER! I knew our country needed strong young men and I was eager to prove my worth.

Having been to the same mountain top that Ms. Biles is on, I just can’t comprehend how or why she would give up and cave in. There is obviously some deficiency across her entire generation that will ultimately lead to our downfall.

The USSR will rise again and there won’t be enough mentally and physically tough fourth graders to turn them back this time around.

Goodnight fair country. Farewell free people. Hello comrade here we come.