We had to unexpectantly do some kitchen renovations. It looks like this thread has died out. I took to heart what you had to say ebrown_p and thought i might do a little digging.
before i start writing, i posted this once in my writings here: the spell checker sucks on this site, so i dont use it, my spelling is horrible, thanks to my public education in a time when those in charge decided phonics was a thing of the past. so bear with my horrible spelling.
Your main points about moral fortitude in our past were, slavery, womens rights, the poor, and segregation.
As it turns out, it was a bunch of religious fanatics who pushed those topics into the ligistraits face. Christians and quite a few Quakers, and others concerned with moral fortitude on a national level.
Along with quite a few of his cabinet members Lincoln was a devote Christian who fought against the weakening of our nation by the confederacy leaving the union, and the issues of slavery.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/al16.html
Womens rights were actually active in this issue as well as pushing the right to vote, the right for equality, and more liberal view on devorce so that battered women could leave their abusive husbands.
Lucretia Mott, Susan B Anothony, Lucy Stone, a few big names in the movement, Mott and Anthony were both Quaker, while Stone actually started the Woman Christian Temperance Union.
http://www2.worldbook.com/features/whm/html/whm010.html
http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/sba/bio.html
http://www2.worldbook.com/features/whm/html/whm008.html
Segregation was brought into the headlines by one little christian woman who lit a fire under the butts of those in power. Rosa Parks was Christian.
http://www.leaderu.com/critical/colson-parks.html
Martin Luther King JR. was a minister.
http://www.thekingcenter.org/mlk/bio.html
Kennedy was Catholic... although he wasnt quick to act on his civil rights promises, he did eventually scoot things along.
For centuries Christian, as well as non-affiliated charities and not for profit groups have aided the poor and homeless at home and abroad. offten pushing these pressing issues into the lime light.
I already voiced my stand on abortion and homosexuality.
These people all fought and bled and argued for moral reasons, along with many others.
So no, I dont believe that these improvements in our history do not count. But instead believe that theyre more proof that people of faith who were convicted by what they believed to be a moral fading in socity around them, fought according to what they believed to make things more moral.
and i believe that just like everyone else, we should voice and fight for what we believe in, whether it is truely right or wrong.
If everyone remained moderate, then any change available would be made some good iam sure, and others harmful. And no one would notice or care, but simply go with the flow. its the people who believe that society is going to hell in a hand basket who push for any kind of change.