Why the US of America is Great.

I am amazed at the failure of President Barrack Obama and his followers to recognize and respect the basis of US America's greatness. I am equally alarmed that the President, his unelected czars, and many advisers have a vendetta against the rich and a desire to promote class warfare.

From the earliest days when Europeans landed on our shores our "exceptionalism" has been our outstanding record of economic innovation and gains. The Spanish in Florida and later the English in Jamestowne Virginia came to our shores to find treasure. While gold and silver eluded the earliest settlers they found great fortune in their enterprise and hard work. In my opinion, personal liberty, religious freedom, and all the other rights and privileges we hold dear would follow the yearning to make money. In 1607 the only religion in Jamestowne was Anglican and even the Puritans of 1620 were interested only in the freedom to practise their unique religion. As British subjects, American Colonists were afforded a good measure of free speech, self rule, and most of the rights accorded other British citizens at the time. However, the opportunity to break the bonds of serfdom and indenture ship and make a lot of money were unique to those in North America at the time.

Early settlers discovered the possibility of gaining economic security without the heavy hand of royalty, excessive taxation, and regulations. While we clung to the British model of economic classes many loopholes to those willing to work hard and take chances were available. The harsh lines between the lessor, middling, and gentry groups were blurred by the initiative and industry of risk takers. A man in Williamsburg or Charleston could ascend from being an indentured servant to a skilled craftsman or shopkeeper much quicker in America then in England. Humble but hard working tobacco farmers in Virginia and traders in New England became rich beyond their wildest expectations. Unfortunately, in the main, Africans and Native Americans would be the sad exception to these early opportunities.

By the mid eighteenth century Britain demanded more tribute from it's colonies. In response to larger and more diverse taxes to pay for it's wars, the kings subjects in America became alarmed. Their alarm grew to anger when our trade was blunted by the closure of the Boston Harbor and the implied threat of closing America's other ports. Also, leading patriots grew increasingly irritated at governance from a British Parliament of non Americans thousands of miles away.

But, even as we began a revolt against the greatest power on earth, some Americans were more interested in profits then patriotism. It is recorded history that many farmers in the prosperous growing areas around Valley Forge opted to sell to the British in Philadelphia rather then the quartermasters of Washington's beleaguered troops because of payment in the more valuable sterlings of the British Crown. There are many other examples from our early days revealing, that perhaps, Americans were entrepreneurs before they were patriots.

Nonetheless, our nation was born and prospered on the combination of great personal liberty, great natural resources, and an atmosphere that encouraged and enriched the likes of Robert Fulton, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Bill Gates. Before we became the greatest military power and the most charitable nation on the earth we became the richest nation on earth.

A free population operating in a free market has given us the ability and courage to secure and maintain the many privileges of our citizenship. We have lead the world in championing liberty. We have tirelessly endeavoured to correct and compensate fellow Americans down trodden and mistreated in our early history. Though far from perfect, I believe we are a good people because we have always been a prosperous nation with the energy and resources to share our wealth.

While high mindedness has helped America to greatness, I would suggest that the root of our generosity lies in our unique economic system. The traditional American economic model has historically encouraged and enabled willing people to get rich, provide jobs, and set an example for more creative, intelligent, and risk taking entrepreneurs to follow.

As we cast off the serfdom, royalty, and strict class system of a British Empire several hundred years ago we must also reject the Obama assault. In his words and actions, President Obama seeks to demonize the rich and champion a classless America totally dependent upon the federal government. Whether at the ballot box or, God forbid, with bullets we cannot allow America to abandon it's most basic claim to an "exceptionalism" which still inspires billions of people around the globe.

My New Yacht

Over the years and being blessed with waterfront property I have enjoyed boating. Spanning thirty years and 6 or 8 boats I must report a very interesting phenomenon.

Despite the crude urban legend about the size of a mans boat defining his manliness my experience has been different. Every succeeding boat I've owned has been smaller then it's predecessor. The diminishing size of each watercraft may have something to do with the expense of repairing the endless list of boat thingies that break. Or, the trend towards smaller boats may reflect a late in life spat of common sense (this is Peggy's favorite explanation). Or, perhaps swimming my final laps, the question of size, in all matters, is less important !

Now, as you admire my newly purchased yacht atop my old car realize the lack of moving parts and eventual expenses. Indeed, while I cannot entertain any overnight guests or socials, I will save all those Franklin's disappearing down the porta potty. The only real mechanical challenge will be managing my diminished muscles. According to the Wallmart Nautical Instruction Manuel, it seems one must properly smack the waters surface with the oars to cause the damn thing to move.

Wish me luck and bon voyage !

"Day Dream Believing" about Richard, Tommy & Jeff

Recently, my world was shaken by death. In just a few months a first cousin, a boyhood friend, and a current friend were taken from this life. As I travel my final lap it seems as though others are finishing their run a bit earlier than me. I don't like it and I propose a solution.

I find no sense in death and little comfort in the place or space where Richard, Tommy, and Jeff have gone. Also, I have difficulty understanding any deity that would allow a life to flower and mature and then take it away in an instant. How can anywhere so far from familiar friends and experiences be a better place ? My thoughts may be selfish but it hurts to lose loved ones knowing their demise also steals part of my life.

My mind is too simple to cipher answers in the great philosophical questions of life and death. However, a positive outcome is possible in a phrase from a rock and roll song of long ago. Sometime in the sixties, the Monkees recorded a song with the line "Day Dream Believing". This "believing" was something "Day Dream Believers" could do to achieve their most happy goals. In the spirit of these three words one can imagine a better world untouched by disease and death. A place where, if one runs or travels far enough, or dreams hard enough, death can be evaded. I believe seriously conjuring the good images can make it happen.

Therefore, I propose that in the reality of losing a loved one we consider "day dream believing". To hold all the good memories beyond the grasp of death celebrate their lives as ongoing adventures that will live as long as we sustain our ability to day dream believe. Relax and let the heart and mind drift to a consciousness that denies the grim reaper his collection of our fondest friends and memories. If an extra spirited beverage or toke is required to get there, then let it happen.

I refuse to say goodbye to Richard, Tommy or Jeff and I will endeavor to become a "Day Dream Believer". Will you join in keeping the best memories of your loved ones in your day dreams ?