"It often seemed like we had become a nation where the only heroes were rock singers and ball players and that there were no large men of probity who could be called upon for the task"

This quote by Elliot Richardson speaks to the state of the nation during his time. He is revealing his issue that the only people who are well known and seen as heroes are those in the show business, such as rock singers and ball players. He is lamenting the lack of people of integrity and ethical character who can be admired and called upon to take on crucial jobs. He is recommending that the nation is doing not have in individuals of probity, or individuals of high ethical requirements, who can be trusted to do the best thing. This quote talks to the requirement for more individuals of strong ethical character to be celebrated and looked up to, so that they can be called upon to handle crucial tasks.