People who inspire you

There is this friend of mine, named Jim. Jim is an example of a comitted person, giving his very best no matter the task lying before him. Under Jim's guidance, my grandson has matured in his ice hockey prowess. This he has done right before my very appreciative eyes. Admittedly, my son has held a different idea regarding the grandson's progress, but it has been Jim who set the standard bar higher, as development went on. Jim also has two very capable sons of his own, and coaches them all at the ice rink he manages. All this has unfolded within the last eight years. We have all watched the young boys grow, and mature. Now is the time to pay homage to a man of critical substance, and wisdom. I salute you, Jim!

Why do I take this time to pay a debt of respect? The answer lies in being able to compare two differing sets of examples. On the one hand, we are witness to the debasing of our country's core values, and long history of exceptionalism, by Presidential candidates whose primary interest is securing for themselves power over all that the American people now do voluntarily. On the other hand, one man is able through his dedication to an embraced set of values, and ideals, establish worthy standards for young people to themselves emulate, and to embrace. This these young people do. They do so for they realize that goals set, and those same goals met, equals success at a very personal level. Presidential candidates seem to think that pandering to the emotions of dependent supporters will enhance their chances. This may be true, but at what cost to those same young individuals being taught the sense of personal responsibility?

I'll take my friend Jim any day, over the pretenders among us. Any day at all. His job is of his own creation, held onto well, and firmly. His is a history of sacrifice, and more than simply a willingness to give of his own time. His is an example of the same American exceptionalism, however his is genuine in the best of the American traditions that separate us as a people from the rest of the peoples of this world.

And now, back to the education of those who will save us from ourselves...