"While we are waiting for the meeting to begin, if any of you have a question you would like us to answer, please do so," said President Jackson.
"I would like to ask what you think of the world today compared to your time," said Dorothy.
"That is a very good question," answered President Jackson. "We could all talk for days on that subject. Would you like to answer first, George?" he said to President Washington.
President Washington looked rather stern as he spoke: "The world has certainly changed since my day. But that is to be expected. Things cannot stay the same if progress is to be made.
"Unfortunately, nearly all of the progress being made is of a material nature. There is nothing wrong with material progress, of course. And science has certainly made some amazing advances since my time. The unfortunate part is that spiritual growth has not advanced at the same pace. As a consequence, the world is presently in a very unbalanced state. We are all quite alarmed by it. Something must be done soon to get people to change their ways — to be more considerate of one another, to show more concern — to have more love in their hearts.
"Our great United States of America must lead the way. We must be a Light unto the world. Yet presently we are much alarmed over the state of our nation. Before She can become that Beacon of Light, there are many things She must put in order. We have the best system of government in the world, but the government must be purified — the people must be purified, and this can only be done by taking the little children and teaching them strong moral principles, the importance of honesty and integrity — of love and compassion — of fairness and justice — of the value of human freedom, of God, and the nature of the universe. To instill in them a great love for all nature, for all mankind.
The adults must become examples to the children. When someone who is in a position of public trust — such as a member of the government — turns dishonest, and the public reads about it, they shrug their shoulders and say, 'Another dishonest politician.' The children hear and see all of this. Then they grow up with a very negative outlook towards politics. Many don't even vote, rationalizing that it doesn't matter who gets into power, for they will sell what principles they have for money.
"Politicians who do turn dishonest and lie to the American people have no idea of the damage they do to our beloved country. Needless to say, most of the people in government posts are dedicated, honest people, seeking only to serve. But it is the dishonest ones who undo whatever good the majority are able to achieve.
"Of course, a few are in politics for the power. Not to mention the lucrative lifetime pensions at the end of their service. They do not necessarily take money dishonestly, but they weaken the entire structure just the same, because their motives are selfish ones.
"People from all walks of life; doctors, lawyers, government workers, factory workers, people who work in stores — all of these people are the strength of our society — of our way of life. But if dishonest; even in the slightest; they drain this strength off and weaken our nation.