President Obama and Realpolitic
Otto von Bismarck was a legendary Nineteenth Century German statesman who forged a loose confederation of principalities into the modern day nation of Germany. He was the first strong advocate of what the Germans called "realpolitic", a term used to describe power politics in diplomacy.
Last week our feckless and fawning mainstream media was so agog over the First Family's visit to England that it completely missed the REAL story on the world's geo-political stage. It is an important story with implications as profound as they are numerous.
Of Batman, Funerals, and Character
I attended a funeral last weekend. I did not know the deceased personally, but I am close to one of his sons. So out of respect for my friend and his family, I attended.
As I spoke to people there and listened to the two eulogies, I began to learn about the life the deceased man had lived. And as I listened to the speakers, I thought of the movie Batman Begins.
From Sea to Shining Sea
We had the opportunity to take a family vacation over Easter Break. It was great to be together for such an extended period, and as we covered nearly three thousand miles, we were reminded of what Americans too often take for granted - the natural splendor of our country.
Our destination was Savannah, Georgia, to visit relatives and see their shining city. Driving south on April 9th, spring was in full force from Indianapolis on down. We crossed the mighty Ohio River, playground of the Shawnee Indian Tecumseh, and watched its inexorable trek westward to join what Tecumseh called the Spay-Lay-Witheepee - the Mississippi. Crossing into Kentucky we drove southeast through its fabulous bluegrass country, passing farm after paddocked farm, driving through an emerald sea. Dotting the hills were the aristocracy of the region - the sublime nobility of thoroughbred race horses. Such scenes recalled a day over thirty years ago when I visited Kentucky's renowned Claiborne Farms to pay my respects to the region's reigning Monarch. And make no mistake - Secretariat was indeed a King. The mighty horse was, quite simply, the most remarkably beautiful creature I have ever beheld. A fleshly manifestation of grace, strength, beauty, and courage; he exuded personality as he leisurely gamboled about his kingdom. I can see the great steed in my mind's eye. I recall his gazing back at me with an almost sensient awareness of his greatness. I will never forget the great Secretariat.
