J. Davy Crockett III

A national survey of young people concerning their hopes, dreams and aspirations revealed a rather shocking fact. Most youngsters today want to become celebrities.

I am not a tax protester. But, as a citizen, I am a tax payer.  As such, I find all the talk about the government at all levels taking "a bigger bite" in taxes – as one commentator called it –very unsettling. We are told increases are needed to pay for the various stimulus programs and to cover the incredible deficits resulting from declining tax revenues.The effects of the recession (depression?) as well as increased spending for massive bailouts and entitlement programs are having a huge negative impact.

In the human experience, there is a great equalizer. No matter who we are, rich or poor, or somewhere in between, everyone has the same amount of it. It is what your life is made of.

Imagine the horror!  A visit to one of the most moving memorials in Washington, DC shattered as a madman rushes in the front door of the building and starts shooting.  It must have been a terrifying few minutes as the gunman exchanged fire with security guards, one of whom was killed.  The shooter, gravely wounded, was subdued and taken into custody, as visitors to the memorial and workers looked on in fear and dismay.

Once, while watching my 13-year-old grandson play a Little League baseball game in an All Star game on a summer’s afternoon, I watched the nation’s favorite pastime unfold in a good example of playing hard by the rules and accepting the outcome graciously. I observed the parents, coaches and umpires enjoying the game, and the lessons of life that the players were learning.