Out of the Trough

Interstate Driving. The passion 0f military visionary President Eisenhower made it possible to drive from one end of the country to the other without really experiencing the feel of "middle America." Ike felt the Germans really had a military advantage with the Autobahn-moving troops about with speed- and used it as a guide for the US interstate system. It is rumored that the system includes straight stretches along the way for possible aircraft landings... in the event of an emergency.

I call the generic vision of the interstate system a trough, as if the roadway was placed after a scoop had cut through the trees and countryside--- making it almost impossible to distinguish whether you are in Arkansas or Oregon... Sure, it's speedy travel- but with no heart and soul.

On a recent drive from Florida to Ohio, to visit the Guru Dr. Byrd at OSU (St James Resort), I pointed the car north, and pulled off the ramp from I-75. I programed Dora the Explorer-my GPS- to keep me off the interstate systems...and take me up the highways driving through the towns that we usually only see as names on road signs on the interstate. Instead of the steady barrage of "Pedro's South of the Border" or Fireworks signs and occasional beckoning from Stuckey's and some Adult shops that promise truck parking, I found neat farms and homes, numerous Main Streets with town squares, ball fields well mowed and ready for the softball or little league games that bring neighbors together. I saw a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit. Flip's Body Shop had signed on both ends of his northern Kentucky town. Local Insurance Agents, Realtors, Contractors, Carpenters all filling the needs of the local population. All Americans who are contributing to our country, paying their taxes, planning their vacations, saving for retirement and the education for their children. I saw American pride...in the up keep of their homes, their communities. Sure there were exceptions- but on the whole, pride abounds. The American spirit lives in middle America.

It gave me a mixed feeling of nostalgia and pride.

This is an America that seems to have slipped by our politicians... an America that works hard- saves wisely, a frugal America. An America that expects the next year to be better than the last. Where neighbors help neighbors---not because they are required to- but because it is the right thing to do...and an America that expects the neighbor to pull themselves up with their help- not languish in self pity- so they can help others as well.

The rampant spending, social programs that inhibit growth and keep a class if not races of people down trodden simply has not worked... It will not work.

Middle America knows this...

This is my America...your America- our America. Filled with legal residents and aspiring immigrants: all looking for the pursuit of happiness, the freedom to live their lives unencumbered...

Please be sure to pull off the interstate sometimes to see it for yourself... and get out of the trough...

Please make sure you vote...

God Bless