"These are the times that try men's souls."  These words are uttered so many times and used in a variety of circumstances.  However, do we really know the history behind those words?  President B. Hussein Obama, in a speech he stole from Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts said, "Don't tell me words don't matter, 'I have a dream,' just words..." and he continues quoting famous lines from American History.  "These are the times that try men's souls," just words...  These are not words from Shakespeare or Plato but from the hand of the ardent American Patriot, Thomas Paine (also, the author of Common Sense).  They are some of the most important words not to come from a politician in the course of American History.  They were written in November of 1776 as the Constitutional Army, led by General George Washington retreated from New York City across New Jersey.  Thomas Paine retreated to Philadelphia and penned his pamphlet "The Crisis" in reference to this most crucial time in the American Revolution. 

A passionate plea, a call for the soldiers who truly believed in The Declaration of Independence, to reenlist, to fight for what they believed in was so important to the "hearts and minds" of the patriot call.  Those same words, just words, are just as important today.  It is not required to pick up arms or to march on Washington.  Just speak up against the government that takes more and more of your money, and is now taking more of your children and grandchildren's money.  Don't stand on the sidelines while they destroy what the Founders fought and died for. The Glorious Cause can be refreshed with one voice!   

I encourage you April 15^th stand up with others who believe that, I will be in Cleveland for a Tax Day Tea Party and I encourage you to find one. It is a start; you will see that there are thousands of people that believe the way you believe. It is not up to our children and grandchildren to pay for our excess. 

For more information:   http://www.ohioteaparty.com/

                                    http://taxdayteaparty.com/

So how is my view from the Shining City on the Hill this November night, it is hopeful!

It is a Wednesday night in America, I have put in a full days work, came home and started cooking some legendary chili, and watching the Country Music Awards.  I have now sat down to one of Cleveland, Ohio's finest exports, Great Lakes Christmas Ale.  Though I am constantly worried about where this country is headed I still know that it is a great country, one where everyone can find their niche and succeed.  Great thinkers have discussed the only guarantees in life are death and taxes.  However, another guarantee, and one I feel is amazing, is that if you can find a niche for something you too can succeed.  Just like the Great Lakes Brewery.  Beer is not dominated by In Bev (Bought out Anheuser-Busch) or Miller Company.  There are also the little Brewery's that make an amazing amount of money.  My two favorite beers around are Fat Tire Amber and Great Lakes Christmas Ale.  Both are small breweries that make a substantial amount of money. 

So, this is not an extensive blog but just a thought I am having.  God Bless America, where small ideas truly do have a huge opportunity to succeed!  Who knows where we will be four years from now.  I am very fearful of what it might be, but tonight, from my view I still have hope for a wonderful future!