September 29th 2021. I woke up this morning thinking about the people under the bridge in Texas and those who slept in tents last night in the Ocala National Forest or in their cars. I’m sure the reasons they’ve ended up where they are at are different. Some by bad luck and some by bad decisions. Why are there 12 million children living in poverty in the richest nation the world has ever seen? Not a good way to start a day but it does make me grateful to be me and not them. Since today is Confucius Day, I will start with a quote from him: “In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of”. It’s also Broadway Musicals Day, Attend Your Grandchild’s Birthday Day, Goose Day, National Biscotti Day, VFW Day and Coffee Day. A biscotti would be nice with the strong coffee I’ve got. Now to the history of September 29th. In 1798 on this day the U.S. established a regular army. On this day in 1885 the 1st practical public electric tramway in the world was opened in Blackpool England. This is the date in 1915 when a hurricane hit the Mississippi delta killing 275 people. On this day in 1916, John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire. In 1953 on this day, Make Room For Daddy starring Danny Thomas premiered. Since this is Confucius Day, I’m going to use him as my quote source. He died in 479 BC and is one of the most important and influential individuals in human history. Here are a few of his observations from over 2,500 years ago: “Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.” “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” “To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.” I will end this post with this gem: “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” Abide.
