Sometimes, money is not that important.

So, he's been salking ever since? *my apologies*

Wow JK, nothing like taking a 'shot' at 'poor' Jonas ! 

Steve

He was a dear friend of FDR (so he had a vested interest while conducting his research) and countless grade schools across the US are named after him. Few men on EARTH (myself included) would ever be so humble, kind & generous. I grew up in the 70's & 80's and simply can't imagine how terrifying it must have been in the early part of the 20th century knowing that the treat of Polio and/or the "iron-lung-machine" was aways present in the minds of parents and children alike.

Dr. Jonas Salk is truly a world (not just American) hero by any measure.

@chris   A stark contrast to the current generation.

@jack-dodds 

True, things have changed.  I realize every generation has "phases," but current technology paired with world events coupled with social-media opinions tainted with baseless facts supported by uniformed nitwits has created a confluence of unrest-normality unlike any other time in world history. Things have changed.

In the 2nd grade I lost my friend Wayne to polio.

When I was in 4th grade we lined up ai the nurse's office where a couple of local doctors gave us all the Salk vaccine shots.

Posted by: @chris

@jack-dodds 

True, things have changed.  I realize every generation has "phases," but current technology paired with world events coupled with social-media opinions tainted with baseless facts supported by uniformed nitwits has created a confluence of unrest-normality unlike any other time in world history. Things have changed.

Quite right sir and the education system's focus on a young person's rights, ensuring that everyone is a winner no matter what place they come in or effort they expend, promotion of every lifestyle and way of being promoted as normal and requiring complete buy-in and acceptance, the practice and indeed presence of traditional religion being discouraged, inadequate teaching of basic English, etc. etc. is producing a generation of people with very different values.  Generational change is inevitable and in fact a positive thing but what worries me is the value system focus on what is good for the individual being paramount.  I am an old fart of course but this wholesale change is very disturbing to me.

@jack-dodds 

..well said, I concur. The "dumbing down of America"  has been ongoing (sadly) for decades.

Thank you, David, for reminding us that a great man was among us, not just a great scientist but also a great soul.  Each of us, in our own small ways, could benefit from his example.  I appreciate your reminder.

Delighted and relieved to hear some Americans are disturbed by this state of affairs, although I have a terrible suspicion you may be in the minority. Fingers crossed that things have just about hit rock bottom and there may be a reaction from a new generation -  but then the new generation is growing up in a world of fake news and mindless instant social media knee-jerk reaction, so you can never be sure. "No Country For Old Men", as the saying goes.

Oh dear, this is depressing. I think I'll retreat back into my own world of facetious indifference (irresponsible, I know, but much more fun).

Thank you Chris, Jack and Graeme for expressing my thoughts exactly. Today our schools are teaching what to learn instead of how to learn. We simply must get government out of our schools and get the family unit back in our society.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Thank you Chris, Jack and Graeme for expressing my thoughts exactly. Today our schools are teaching what to learn instead of how to learn. We simply must get government out of our schools and get the family unit back in our society.

I agree with you Bob; we need to get back to the basic foundation of education and of course include the modern twist as required.  It is sad to see the lack of respect for others and self, lack of social discipline, lack of a standard of behavior and dress and so on.  Young people need to have a "line in the sand" drawn for them to give them direction and support in maturing and belonging.  If they don't get it they often will act out in frustration; usually not even realizing what they are doing.

I am so sick of the agenda of the "squeaky wheel" small percentage of society, who protest and make demands ad nauseum, getting so much attention and compliance from spineless administrators and politicians.  They do not IMHO represent what the vast majority of North Americans want in their lives and for the development of their children.  The media are complicit in bringing the demands of these people to the forefront as well....it sells newspapers and air time.  The net result of all this and other factors is the breakdown of moral standards; which is what is devastating our society.  We need better leadership at all levels to turn this mess around or we will lose our status in the world to the obvious alternative, who is quietly waiting.......

@bob-jackman 

Bob (and to everyone else) at the risk of beating a dead horse (our point has been made) I must tell you that I couldn't agree more with the sentiment expressed in your comment. The sentence, "Today our schools are teaching what to learn instead of how to learn."  is not only a poignant commentary but is perhaps one of the better examples explaining "how we got here." As a college student, after I graduated and to this day I've noted several times: One of the best things college ever taught me was "how to think." Just because it's written in a book doesn't make it true. Just because a Doctor said it, doesn't make him right.

One must always consider the source, know the facts but always be respectful. Lessons I learned decades ago that I wish countless other knew.