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Tom Blair Q&A: What do you think of Ben Franklin?
I am in absolute awe of the man. You could take any one or two years from his adult life and his accomplishments during those years would probably exceed the lifetime achievements of most. His range of experiences: businessman, essayist, public servant, diplomat and scientist, coupled with being at the pivot point of America’s most profound moments, is beyond remarkable, yet he wore his ego as a pair of socks and not a crown.
On Religion, Reality TV, Prejudice, Health and Freedom of Speech
While the written word is surely a wonderful gift, it does permit, as does the executioner’s black hood, the deliverer of a message to remain unseen. And I came to understand that anonymous slander is most harshly delivered; a hood of anonymity emboldens the writer, thus, in turn, stoking the reader’s anger. Each human right holds a firm hand with its partner, human responsibility. The Bill of Rights ensured Freedom of Speech. Who holds that hand? On Reality TV and the Roman Coliseum: Dear Americans, please, do not sit stationary, as a great stuffed animal, in the glow of your television and view those Americans [...]
On Financial Strengths
Those kind-hearted benevolent qualities of America, those sterling attributes that are such a part of your greatness, will if not bridled with financial restraint and reasonableness cause “Greatest” to slowly fade from our Country’s honored title. FDA — Federal Deficit Administration — labeling might keep Americans abreast of the household impact of the national deficit, in a way not unlike the Food and Drug Administration, in all of its enlightened majesty, requires that food products be labeled with calories per serving and per package, as follows: “This year we expect a record $1.3 trillion deficit, which when added to our existing debt, will total $13 [...]
On Politics, Real Americans, Business and International Diplomacy
Leaders must lead. American leaders are elected. To be elected they often perceive they need to follow; follow the polls. Today, newly elected Congressmen and Congresswomen are told they need to raise $1 million to $5 million for their next campaign and the campaign will begin in 16 months. I fear we have traded representation “of the people, for the people, by the people” for representatives who must by needs be professional political marketers and fund-raisers. Logic would demand that the reciprocal of Real Americans must be Unreal Americans. Obviously, curious reader, Real Americans are only in the eyes of other Real Americans. To claim [...]
