@blatham,
blatham wrote:
Actually, in mid January, Jane and I passed through San Francisco and as we had a couple of Texans with us who'd never seen the city (or the coast) we did the passage slowly. Drove up to the redwoods (where George meets with odd people in that strange tree-worship thing they do) and that drive provides a vista of the city that's really quite awe-inspiring. I do love California very much. Stopped at Carmel which I'd not seen before and totally fell in love with the place.
In any case, what with this election getting closer and what with everything that has happened over the last four years, I thought I'd pop in here and see what sorts of discussions might be taking place. Not a whole lot, my brief glance suggests.
But I did want to say hi to george, one of my favorite a2k folk, ask how he's doing and get some notion of how he is thinking about his party now.
What a pleasant surprise ! I don't frequent A2K as much anymore, but, mostly out of nostalga, opened this thread to see what was happening and .... there's blatham !
Thanks for the good wishes, and I hope that you and Jane are well and happy ... which from your remarks appears to be the case. In Carmel did you stop in the Hog's Breath Inn (about a block north of ocean Ave)? Once a very long time ago I was the arm wrestling champion there for a couple of years. Finally got beat decisively by some skinny wiry guy and couldn't understand it.
That redwood covered place to which you referred is just across the Russian River from the town of Monte Rio. It's the largest unspoiled redwood forest in the area and a very nice experience. Food's good too.
I'm well; still working and enjoying it but Elise has got me travelling now: Germany last year and Latvia & Estonia this fall.
As we watch the impending collapse of government managed economies in much of Europe, it is quite remarkable to note that anyone here would wish to imitate them or travel down the road that got them to where they are. However, there are always those who seek to encourage and swap the illusions of hope and change of others for the increase of their own power.
I like freedom and individual initiative better, even though it is sometimes a bit disorderly. I have always been suspicious of those who ware sure they know what's good for the rest of us and determined to impose their version of paradise on everyone else - with themselves in charge of course. Recent events have added to my convictions in that area.
I recently read a book on related points that you might find interesting and challenging. It's "The Death of Common Sense" by Philip Howard, first published about 14 years ago, but in reprint now.
Anyway, more important than all that please contact us next time BEFORE you pass this way again so we can continue our mutual reeducation.
Regards
George
I would have loved to see you guys again.
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