COLUMBUS, Ohio: We are in the middle of celebrating our 250th birthday.
Oddly, we have a lot of Americans who are not celebrating. Their lack of enthusiasm is offset by the wild applause from visiting soccer fans. Why do soccer fans from Europe and around the world love America?
If these disgruntled Americans visited a few other countries for a month, they might come home with more appreciation for the blessings offered here. They would likely experience expensive food and fuel, fewer choices in stores, higher taxes, less or no freedom of speech or religion, and no opportunity to protect yourself with a gun. And during a heat wave in Europe, no air-conditioning.
Socialists are trying to take over the Democrat Party, ignoring the effect if they eliminate Capitalism. I heard a suggestion that we split the country. Half would be a Socialist “country” and the other half Capitalist.
Well, Will Rogers had a somewhat similar suggestion on his radio show, June 9, 1935. Will spent about 10 minutes humorously describing how it could be done, with Democrats splitting the country with Republicans. Allow me to shorten and paraphrase that idea, with “Socialists” replacing Democrats. This is a mix of authentic quotes and my paraphrasing. “We ought to split this country up.” Socialists get New York, California, and several other states; Republicans get the other half. The Socialist half would be led by Mandani; the Republicans would run their half “with a board of directors.” “The Republicans would have all the money, but the Socialists would have all the fun.”
“If the country split that would naturally do away with the national debt. The Republicans would perhaps continue the same way, but the Socialists wouldn’t take long to dig up a deficit.” “I doubt if the plan will ever get very far because this is not a time for common sense.”
Here’s a quote from 10 years earlier, “Half the people in the United States would rather collect one dollar from the Government than get $10 from an individual [meaning business].” WA #119, March 22, 1925
The Great American State Fair is underway on the National Mall. Each state has a booth. Our Governor, Mike DeWine, welcomed folks to the Ohio booth. There you’ll see a map with industries and attractions represented. But, to see the butter cow and enjoy ice cream treats, you need to visit the real Ohio State Fair, starting July 29 in Columbus. (The Iowa State Fair also has a butter cow.)
West Virginia has FFA students showcasing pigs, chickens and other livestock that is a main attraction at most state and county fairs across the country.
The Oklahoma booth includes cowboy culture, small-town life, and famous natives including Will Rogers. Note: Will starred in the 1933 movie, “State Fair.”
The Supreme Court has been busy. For two decisions, they had to explain the meaning of “temporary” (as in, nowhere near 15 years) and “in” (meaning not close by). Tomorrow they may explain the meaning of a complex phrase, “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”
For my farmer friends and anyone who likes nutritious food, the USDA announced a plan to support soil health that is backwards. Taxpayers will be rewarding corn and soybean producers for improving their soil health to grow crops for FUEL. Instead, we should be rewarding farmers who improve their soil health to produce healthier FOOD. (The nutrient density of food from healthier soil is greater, and better for us.) Only a third of our corn goes into ethanol fuel; most of the rest feeds animals, which we then enjoy eating.
Historic quote from Will Rogers: (after an around-the-world trip)
“Oh, boy. I was glad to set my old big feet on American soil, even if it has got a second mortgage on it. Had the greatest trip I ever had in my life and I believe if everybody made it, they might come back poorer but better off in the feeling toward our country.” DT #1730, Feb. 9, 1932