AMERICAN STORIES Part 2

12-15-2020

As you and I know, social mores and technology changes. It’s important to look back and see where we came from and how we arrived today.

To actually touch more than a painting, photograph or pages in a book. Statues are a way to help us connect with the pioneers that paved the way, on a different level. We don’t dwell on the past, we learn from it and move forward.

I would not like the story of my life, if one were to ever write such a story, to focus on my shortcomings and failures and completely dismiss all the things I got right. Would you?

We try to get it right the next time and learn from our mistakes. That’s what we as Americans do today and what we have done in the past.

So let’s think for a moment, why is America great? I understand, the list is long. As you think about your reasons, remember we are a unique Republic governed by the people that you and I appoint. We the people have the power. We have our say, our voice via the men and women we elect, as you know of course.

Our Founding Fathers were inspired by the great minds in history, as they themselves were in this elite class. Cicero’s writings, 2000 years ago, inspired them, as they were laying the foundation. Freedom, they understood, was at the center of this foundation.

Cultural change can take time. The idea of liberty, “freedom” for all was merely a dream for generations and generations.

Slavery for example, dates back to before recorded history. In 17th century Britain, it was big business and part of civilized culture around the world. African leaders and traders rounded up their fellow man and sold them across the globe. Slavery would end in Great Britain during the 1830’s and in America, obviously in the 1860’s.

America battled for freedom, we wrote our Declaration of Independence from a foreign power. The Civil War was all about freedom and unity. The definition of this freedom depended on dividing factors. In the end, freedom from slavery and freedom for all Americans under one nation prevailed.

We now have a divide among us that has been brewing for years. Just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I’m sure you love America as much as I do, because we know and understand her history. We know who we are today and look forward to an even better tomorrow. Because of our history, and the sacrifices that have been made, we have that freedom.

Remember, camping in an RV or tent is a great way to explore America! If camping isn’t your cup of tea, the hotel business is ready to receive you with open arms.

Explore America!

Copyright© Morton Imagine Company 2020

12-01-2020

So much of what we cover is simply a reminder, a way to jog your memory and encourage you to take action and understand you are not alone.

You know darn well that History Means Business® to you on many levels. We’ve already explored the wilderness and cultural activities, why not seek out the statues that were dedicated and erected, along the way? Why were they important to the towns, cities, regions and our nation? Check them out as you continue to explore. The rest of us can dream of past journeys and plan our next destination.

We’ve already explored some of the American pioneers that helped pave the way for this great nation. History Means Business® when we have the pioneer-mindset, (worth repeating). Like any mindset, it takes time to form a habit in order to get to that point, it takes vigilance to maintain. Fortunately, we have plenty of American pioneers, past and present, for inspiration. You are at the very top of this list! Remember to focus on your past experiences and tap into others that can really inspire you and help you grow! No matter how young or how old you are, you and I can always grow.

We can always gain a new perspective, as you know, when we look at a situation from a different lens. The American story obviously includes you and it includes me. It includes all of us as Americans, past and present. Some of us are just a number, a statistic included in everything that makes up our lives and those that came before us. At least on paper. I would assume want more, I know I do for sure.

I am not expressing or even eluding to you that I have the answers for you. That’s not at all what I’m stating. You and I decide what we focus on and how each of us see circumstances from the past in similar ways to what is going on and has happened in the world you live in, it’s unique to you and to me. Pain however, winning and losing isn’t unique to you, nor to me, is it?

Let’s take a look at what has happened this year in parts of America and, in some cases, still happening. American history has been under attack. Statues and monuments damaged, destroyed or taken down in far too many cities across this country. People can try as they want, but they cannot destroy our history. It is a part of you and me, we will carry it forward into the Ages. It belongs to all Americans, we experienced it through the veins of our ancestors. The wisdom of our fellow Americans, can never be underestimated. We will never let the misinformed, violent or otherwise tear down and destroy the very people that helped build us up in the 1st place.

The statues and monuments being destroyed or those they desire destroyed are often symbols of our great nation at various stages in our history. It shows our growth, our changes for good and a better way along the way. Like slavery, it’s a snapshot of the men and women i.e., the pioneers, that paved the way for change. It is a window into the past of our social mores and values.

Until photography was invented in the 1840’s we only had statues, monuments and paintings to commemorate our heroes . Mathew Brady captured the images of a nation torn apart, brother against brother, tremendous pain to move America forward in a unified, right direction.

Statues and monuments continue to be a fitting way to honor those American icons that mean so much to the people that honored them, in that snapshot of American History.

As we look at a statue of Washington, Lincoln or perhaps Fredrick Douglas, the meaning we attach to such a dedication is limited to our own understanding of the person whose image we stand before. It has little context to the one with little understanding of why the men and women at that time, voted and sacrificed time and money to detail the creation of such a gift to future generations. In an instant, some inane decision by those lacking wisdom and void of reason and judgement with a foolish ideology destroy what had been intended for the Ages. Contemplate this as you continue your journey.

Explore America!

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Copyright© 2020 Morton Imagine Company