"These are the times that try men's souls" wrote Thomas Paine in his pamphlet The American Crisis published December 23, 1776. The Colonies faced the almost certain prospect of defeat in their war for independence--for liberty. Paine implored Americans "don't give up the fight!" As the curtain begins to drop on 2017: we are racked by recriminations, accusations and at times violent "resistance" fueled by an angry election for the 45th President, between two very flawed candidates; our economy remains fragile, the world is a more dangerous place than ever, we face the prospect of a nuclear Iran--still, an ascendant China, rouge-state North Korea, and troubling news about the future of Healthcare; all made more ominous because of poor leadership--on both sides of the aisle--from those we've elected to make good decisions.
We must remember to "keep the main thing," the main thing. The "idea of America" has been the fuel driving our resolve to be one nation, under God, indivisable, with liberty and justice for all; an idea those who traveled this way before us thought to be worth sacrificing, fighting and dying for. Indifference to this "big idea" is the real, the urgent threat to our liberty.
Resolve to do your part; work hard, make informed decisions, be a person of strong character, celebrate interdependence and respect people who disagree with you--but press them to think outside their "box" and you, think outside yours. Don't give in to tyranny, fear or indifference--be strong and of good courage. Don't tolerate incivility; choose kindness.
Invest in a legacy that will inspire a new generation.
Live it well...M6.8 bN
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