Sowing Seeds of Optimism
Written by Jim Rearden 
I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the inauguration of the next President of the United States of America next week in Washington, DC.
I believe that this will be an historic and pivotal day. I am not suggesting this as a partisan sentiment. To me, it is a nationalist sentiment. Not only does this country need a leader who can unify the disparate elements that make up this great land, we need a fresh start.
And no matter what you think of the incoming President, you will likely agree that he’s got a Herculean job ahead of him. It’s likely that much of what he accomplishes (or messes up) in the next four years will not even take effect until afterwards. It concerns me though that the expectations are so high that failure is imminent…that the pedestal he occupies now will crumble when the realities of “the art of the possible” set in.
Regardless, I am pressing the “pause” button on my Teutonic stolidity, taking a break from my “I’m from the show-me state” attitude. I am suspending the skepticism that has protected me from getting too excited or seriously disappointed when things don’t happen as expected. I am suppressing these attributes right now because I want to believe we’re on a better path. I am going to rally behind it and shush my inner doubting Thomas.
I have heard that the biggest problem with “my” baby-boomer generation being in power is the need to be skeptical about EVERYTHING. It’s part of the rearing under a nuclear threat thing or something.
Why can’t we just be a little less “skepticynical” and buy into the dogma – the almost evangelical belief that we have a “Leader” and a collective resource of hope and optimism?
Unabashed unity and belief in a bright future and just taking things on faith are what got this country through the depression, world wars, and will now bring us out of this era of fear and despair.
I’m just saying that my generation has sold us on cynicism as a way of survival when we should be getting back to basics, family, faith, loyalty, and teamwork.
Call me overzealous if you want….but look for me on TV on the 20th!
Speaking of Zealousness:
I spoke with the infectiously enthusiastic Ernest Wertheim the other day. Ernest is known as the pre-eminent architect of premiere garden centers and has been around the world of creating environments for selling plants for more years than most of us. My utmost respect for Ernest keeps from even trying to do the math as to what his chronological vintage is. Also the fact that he is more vital than a good number of my contemporaries keeps me from spending much time on this contemplation. I suspect Ernest is a wee bit older than me…but that’s as far as I’ll go.
Ernest believes that the new administration should convert the grounds of the white house from grass to a modern Victory Garden. A place to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Think of what a boon to our industry that would be!
If you love that idea, let Ernest know at WVK@aol.com .