Roger's View of the World, Love and Seafood Gumbo!
Seize the Day! Put no trust in the morrow! — Horace
Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, time to act, time to extend our fraternal relations, time to become better men, time to become better women, time to become better and more independent citizens.—Samuel Gompers, on the 8 hour work day
Highland Falls near West Point with tulips in bloom!
Staying at the Thayer Hotel at West Point is a comfortable and wonderful experience overlooking the Hudson River. One can easily understand its strategic position in the Revolutionary war.
If you are doing business in the New York area of on vacation you couldn’t do much better that spending some time here!
At the Thayer… Everyone feels special!
My daughter Kristin gave me this wonderful book for Christmas “American Sniper” by Navy Seal Chris Kyle. Like “no Easy Day”, I sat down and read it in one day!
What is unique about “American Sniper” is not just Chris Kyle’s perspective… But the inclusion of long sections written by his wife that added a meaningful perspective on the sacrifices everyone made.
For those looking for drama and action it is there… Even a bit of family and romance. The story to me was also about Chris finding what was valuable in this world, moving on and paying back to those who made his life successful and meaningful.
I don’t think it hurts the story to say that Chris is learning the value and contribution to the greater good in being a better husband and father. His contributions speak for themselves… But what he is now doing also helps build a better future.
I am reminded that one of the top Christmas wishes for this year… Was for a father.
Karla contributed this wonderful drawing of her sisters ( alter egos) and her celebrating Labor Day! For those who you might not now the complete history of Labor Day , here is a link to the Department of Labor’s summary: CLICK HERE!
What do I remember most about Labor Day? I remember how I joined Local 93 of the Teamsters Union while working through college, the fun of Labor Day Picnics and the unwavering support of Labor in running for elective offices… I enjoyed winning, but when I lost it was not their fault.
Remember Labor Day! Have an enjoyable time.
Roger
The 4th of July and what some call the ‘American Experiment’ was an attempt by many to try government in a different way. People emigrated from their homes to America to not only make a better living, but hopefully have a better life and escape the drudgery of a life without the chance of upward mobility. If your grandfather and your father were laborers, there was a chance that you could do something else…. here, in America.
America’s goal has been to get everyone to the starting line and this was what made America different. The race was won by the swiftest and most talented and we rewarded achievement and we celebrated inventiveness and winning. By contrast, the old world thought it was luck or chance that determined any person’s destiny,; however, America proved that there was value to working for achievement… and striving to be the best you can be still has value and merit…. at least in some places in America.
We must remember what made America valuable to those who gave up everything to come here…. being ‘good enough’ in an increasingly competitive world, never participates.
Happy 4th! Celebrate this achievement.