Susan Ryan’s Corn and Oil blog always gives me something to think about. On July 4th she posted some interesting comments about the history of our nation:
“As we munched on popcorn and cherries, we talked about the history of the 4th of July. And John Adams and Thomas Jefferson’s relationship and death on one particular July 4th. And the pattern of great nations and/or empires, as they’ve come and gone. And the importance of history documentation and the education thereof. A homeschooler I was chatting with once said that besides knowing how to read when ready and being exposed to overflowing bookshelves; history and math are what our kids need be exposed to on a regular basis. I agree with that in order to be an educated person, as everything else will fall into place as needed.
“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.†~ Cicero
“Last night we talked about Woodrow Wilson and his endeavors as president. One of his concerns being the turning over of much power to a sort of shadow government (a very greedy one, at that)…”
And then Susan posted an excerpt from his book, The New Freedom: A Call for the Emancipation of the Generous Energies of a People, which was published by Doubleday & Co. in 1913. Still worthwhile reading, particularly in light of today’s relentless political posturings.
King Louis (as George Payseur) bought the railroads, the railroads bought the mines, the mills and the forests. With control of all the railroads, 1/2 the land, all the mines, all the steelmills (He hired a young J.Paul Getty at 5% to manage some of his concerns), Western Union and most of the manufacturing and transportation the noose was already around our neck by the end of the Civil War. The Royal Family of the Old World used their wealth and position to usurp the nation and only those blessed by this bloodlined group gain any true power in the World today.
In the words of John Lennon, “Your all *&^% Peasants as far as I can see.”
He wasn’t belittling us, he was just telling us who we are.
“The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy. It denounces, as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw Light upon its crimes. I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe… corporations have been enthroned, and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in the hands of a few, and the Republic is destroyed.”
Abraham Lincoln