Thanks, guys (Hi Scott!)
The best thing about being around here is that a guy can give an opinion and not be battered for it. I guess the "T" word isn't on the list, besides kids don't know what it means in this context. For those I offended, please accept my apology, I got caught in the moment. (I removed it)
I agree that only time will tell, but I guess if I had to refine what I said, it would be (minus politics):
1. Think about what you do and how it affects others, particularly your family and offspring. Do that and you'll never have to wake up at 3 AM thinking bad thoughts about yourself.
2. Never, EVER give up on Americans, even if you disagree with them. Buy American, regardless of how you feel about the American system, it's the ONLY way to truly invest in your country.
3. Get down on your knees every night and Thank God you're an American. You are blessed beyond imagination.
4. Know you have a true friend in me.
Paul
Notes;
Rob, I respect your opinion, it wasn't a lot different for me before I grew older. Once I understood my responsibilities to my children's future, I shifted from liberal to conservative.... consciously. There comes a time when you must choose between what you want to do and what you ABSOLUTELY SHOULD do. That applies to every facet of your life, including selecting vehicles.
Twmattox, I agree, but not sure why. No need to be shy if you do disagree. Hopefully, you're right about this taking years, actually we're stuck for exactly 4 years, then the healing WILL begin, God willing. In any case I have faith in ALL Americans, even those who disagree with what I believe. We're all brothers in God's eye, under whose sweet grace, this wonderful country was formed.
Dave, I agree on most of your points. I was in the UAW years ago and hated it because it sucked the incentive and creativity out of very talented people. I worked in design as a clay modeler, normally a creative endeavor, but pretty much tamped down by the fact that even if you excelled, you could never get ahead of the guy in front of you on the seniority list, so why bother? I DID and was universally hated. As far as the "Buy American" part of my rant goes, the simple litmus test you should use to decide is: Where does the "Final" profit go. In other words, after everyone is paid for their labor, materials, executive wages, even. Where does the last penny go? America, or Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy(Italy? What was I thinking?)? It's irrelevant where they manufacture the vehicle, or sadly who assembles it. Tennesseeans or whoever. If the final profit leaves our shores, we ALL lose. I've been import-free since '84.
Canzo (I forget your real name, sorry), It's true, but then there's a fine line between Socialism and Communism. You analysis is correct, though, and unless Americans work together against both, the shiftless, lazy and greedy in America will prevail and our land and way of life is doomed. I'd hate to think that part of the legacy I leave to my children and grandchildren is that I capitulated to Evil and sentenced them to the resulting chains. Your Jefferson quote is perfect, Thanks!
I have no idea why I'm so windy these days. Maybe it's that I simply refuse to lay down and accept the decrepit path our great country has taken without a fight or a whimper.
Check out my blog at
http://paulsvfr.blogspot.com/ and see my other love. It seems I've split my loyalty a bit. I know, I know it's a Honda, but in this case, I just can't see me on a Harley and what else is made in America. Besides, this thing is really fast(faster than ANY Harley) and with a V-4, really Smmmoooth. Imagine doing 150 on a Hog!!(neither can I)
Take care, drive (and ride) safe