COLUMBUS, Ohio: President Trump spent two days in China with Xi Jinping. The two leaders seemed to be friendly. Trump is more casual and free flowing. Xi is always serious. Trump took about 30 major CEOs with him. They all had something to sell China, or maybe buy. Xi made a few promises, such as buying Boeing airplanes, soybeans, and Nvidia chips. But Xi is like politicians here, as described by Will Rogers 98 years ago, “Promise everything, deliver nothing.” (WA #289, July 8, 1928). There were no promises by either side about the future of Taiwan.

We’re in a new era in warfare. Maybe not new because it reminds me of David vs. Goliath. If a country has a million “Davids” (small armed drones) they can hold off a Goliath with all of their superior stealth bombers, missiles, submarines, and aircraft carriers.  When Trump threatened to arrest Raul Castro, the Cuban leader retaliated, “We may not have much fuel in the tank, but we have enough electricity to charge the batteries on thousands of drones. And we can attack Gitmo and even Mar-a-Lago.”

Last week the Supreme Court outlawed gerrymandering Congressional districts to favor one race or another. This week certain Democrat leaders are suggesting that star football and basketball players avoid playing for a college in the Southeast. This is intended to punish states that obey the Supreme Court and eliminate racial gerrymandering, such as Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and Florida.

But what about the star players? Consider a player who is offered a million dollars, or five million. Would you advise them to play for Syracuse or Boston College or UCLA where state income taxes are around 10% instead of in a state with low- or zero-income tax?

Will Rogers wrote about accomplishments of his children once on a while, including this about his oldest son, known as Will, Jr., who “was in the Stanford graduating class and Mr. Hoover made them quite a fine speech.” (WA #653, July 30, 1935)

So, I’ll do a little bragging about two granddaughters. Last Saturday, Sophie graduated from Ashland University and will continue at Kent State to get a Masters degree in human nutrition. Today, Katie graduated from Ohio Northern University after six years and is a Dr. of Pharmacy (DPharm).

Yesterday, the Ohio chapter of the National Speakers Association gave me the Pat Vivo Award. This is a special honor because she was a fabulous person, funny while teaching important messages, and a dedicated leader.

Historic quote by Will Rogers:

          “Always dodge the ‘expert who has lived in China, and knows China.’ The last man who knew China was Confucius, and he died feeling that he was becoming a little confused about ‘em.” (DT #1696, Dec. 30, 1931)