I have been living in California for almost 40 years and have a great love of the west and the philosophy that drew me across atlantic ocean back in the 1970’s. \u00a0I have always admired the creative, entrepreneurial mindset of people in the west. \u00a0No class distinctions. \u00a0When you meet someone you either like them or you don’t. \u00a0Everyone is tinkering in their garage, trying to come up with something useful or inventive. \u00a0I love that. \u00a0It is the best of britain, without the problems of class and condescension. \u00a0 I have never understood snobbery. \u00a0What a waste of time feeling superior. \u00a0It is quite meaningless.<\/p>\n
In britain we always called snobs, toffee nosed. \u00a0I guess if a snob knew they were being called a toffee nosed git or toffee nosed wanker, they might think twice about their delusions of grandeur. \u00a0But in the USA it was less about wealth and the perception that it gave you any greater standing or status. \u00a0There was always a greater sense of equality. \u00a0It was about being innovative and changing the world. \u00a0(the omnipresent California sunshine was always a draw for me. \u00a0I think I left Britain the year I did not see the sun for 268 days)<\/p>\n
Today is memorial day and I have been contemplating the men and women who have risked it all for our freedoms. \u00a0My grandfather was killed in WWI, my dad was in India while serving in the British Army and my father in-law was only 17 when he enlisted as marine and went Guam during WWII. \u00a0It is staggering to see people today still fighting for the freedom to speak, women’s rights, the rights of children, the rights of people everywhere to have clean water, food and basic housing and sanitation. \u00a0Sacred rights that should be universal. \u00a0But I don’t need memorial day to remind me of the sacrifice people make. \u00a0Not a day goes by that I don’t think of those young men and women fighting wars and risking life and limb. \u00a0But I also think of the artists, writers, journalists, musicians, poets telling the story and singing their song to uplift us. \u00a0And I think of the volunteers, charities and organizers, lending a hand and showing us a better way. \u00a0 And the doctors, scientists, educators and teachers who are sharing knowledge, the most powerful tool we have, building better brains! \u00a0Take a minute each day to envision all of these people working together. \u00a0Inner vision, not superstition, will bring peace and harmony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I have been living in California for almost 40 years and have a great love of the west and the philosophy that drew me across atlantic ocean back in the 1970’s. \u00a0I have always admired the creative, entrepreneurial mindset of … Continue reading