All our attention has been focused on Boston and the small Texas town of West.  One was an attack by Islamic terrorists, the other a tragic industrial explosion at a fertilizer plant. Both need our prayers and support.

President Obama lost out last week on his desire to limit gun sales. Even with West Virginia Senator Manchin promising to exempt all relatives from background checks, folks out in the country just don’t see how such a law would prevent shootings like in the Connecticut and Colorado schools. The President went all out to eliminate so-called assault rifles and clips holding more than a few bullets. He got nothing out of it but pen he planned to sign it with.

The President should have seen a parallel with the Democrats stance on Prohibition in 1929, as described by Will Rogers:
“I see in Washington dispatches that the Democrats are planning to take the wet [pro-alcohol] side and make a direct issue of Prohibition in ‘32. Why a man should dig his grave three years before he is buried is almost unexplainable. I spent three years in 48 states kidding and joking on both sides of Prohibition, and if you think this country is wet, you got a big city angle on a nation that is composed of country folks. It’s the only law we ever had where the small town and country folks know they hold the trump card. You can’t change it without their permission, and you won’t get it. They are just laughing at you.”  (May 1, 1929)

Of course, the ‘32 election turned out fine for the Democrats, based on the economy, not Prohibition.  The wets eventually prevailed, overturning the 18th Amendment with the 21st Amendment in ‘33. Don’t hold your breath waiting for the 2nd Amendment to be overturned.

The Midwest planting season is off to a peculiar start.  In Minnesota corn planters are sitting out in the field, surrounded by snow drifts. In Illinois a farmer who last year had already planted corn was seen water skiing on the same field. Last fall the Mississippi was drying up, delaying barge traffic. Now high water is delaying the same barges.

Stocks are holding steady. Gold has dropped. I’m still high on farmland, even if it’s temporarily underwater.

Historic quote by Will Rogers:
“The biggest marathon race we have in this country finished here today, and an old boy from Canada won it, because he never owned a Ford and didn’t know how to run one. Outsiders won everything. We ride good, but we get out of wind walking to the garage.” DT #852, Apr. 19, 1929