Friday, May 27, 2005

Dear Al
I remember you from many years ago in the Amway business. I am sure you do not remember me, but at the time I was fighting with my parents about leaving college to build the business. I remember how your advice shocked me at the time, but I am so glad I took it. I graduated and went on to dental school. Today I have a small but growing practice and I am very happy. I wanted to say thank you and wish you the best of luck with your writing. I am sure you will do great at it.
A friend from Allentown

Dear Friend
Thanks for taking the time to write. While I do not remember you specifically, I do remember the conversation because I had it with a surprising number of young men and women over my years in that business.

I never agreed with the comments from stage at many conferences telling people an education was a waste of time and you did not need it to succeed in life. While there are many stories of people who have managed to achieve without an education, I feel an education must be viewed as a critical component to a successful life. Many of the men and women who achieved in that business with Helen and I are back earning a living just like we are. Things happen in life and if you are prepared or have the tools, you can bounce back.

One needs only look at the state of the world today to see where most of the trouble is. It tends to be in areas where political and religious leaders both are able to manipulate a poorly educated and ignorant populace. These days, I am annoyed with our own congress that is spending an inordinate amount of time and money bickering over influence and power while they ignore our infrastructure and allow our business community to struggle under cumbersome regulation.

It is not about the deficit. They need to pass and fund the highway bill, stop bickering about judges and presidential appointments and refocus on making sure we are in a position to compete economically in a new world. That means creative new approaches to energy, transportation, investment in research, even the controversial types like stem cell because many of our finest minds will go to places where they can study and work. All of this requires vision and encouragement from government and government is a lot more than the presidency. Congress debates, passes, and funds laws in this country. I for one have had my fill of obstructionist legislators who are more concerned about power and influence that the good of the country.

Oops! I slipped onto my soapbox. Sorry. Again, thanks for your note and best of luck with your chosen career.
Al

PS; I would be remiss not to take a moment so say thank you this Memorial Day Weekend to the thousands of brave Americans who have served in the armed forces of our country. I am proud to have served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1970. I am afraid people tend to forget that service is a responsibility in a free nation. I live in America. I do not want to become Europe. When free nations fall asleep is when evil men make their move. History proves it over and over.