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Happy 4th of July
Hello America, and Happy Birthday! I won't be dressing up as Uncle Sam this year for my Fourth of July celebration, and that's not just because I may have..."thickened" since last year. It seems that wet shoes and wooden stairs conspired to send me sliding down into my basement, using my rib cage as a sled. I'm not saying that it hurt, but I'm not not saying that it hurt. Actually, let me rephrase that--I am saying that it hurt...it hurt a lot and I've got the bruises to prove it (most of my right side is a very patriotic red, white and blue). And after years of being clean and sober, the pain medication was a real shock to my body--my system's so pure, one Tylenol has me feeling like Keith Richards, so you can imagine how the high-octane stuff affects me ("look at all the pretty colors...hello Mr. unicorn").
So, what does my most recent brush with my mortality and our health care system have to do with our nation's Independence Day? Plenty--stay with me on this. It's times when I'm feeling down and out that I realize how good I've really got it. I'm not talking about material things, but the stuff that really matters--the love and support of my family, friends, co-workers, and people like you. It's amazing how bright the future can look when you're flat on your back and you realize you've got nowhere to go but up (and lots of help to get you there).
It's the same thing with the state of our union. This July 4th we're facing some of the toughest times in our recent history. Not only does the corn on the cob cost a lot more than last year, but the drive to the grocery store is so expensive...you have to think of it like a mini vacation. America may be on the ropes, but don't you dare count her out. I saw the last "Rocky" movie the other day, and there's a line that Balboa says to his son that nicely sums up our situation. He says, "It's not how hard you hit, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." You said it Rock--that's America. From the time we declared our independence through the 232 years that have brought us to today, it's never been easy. We've been hit hard and dropped to the canvas once or twice, but we never stayed there for long. Yes, we've had some friends help us along the way, but the one thing that has always gotten us back on our feet is each other. "We the people" are still our best hope, so whether it's gas prices, the financial markets, or the rising price of corn on the cob, we'll take it on the chin and keep moving forward.
Happy Fourth of July, and God Bless America.
-glenn
PS - I'll be on vacation next week enjoying some time with my family. The newsletter will also be taking a break during my time off and will return on Monday, July 14th. See you then!
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