Monday Quote

If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom.

-Dwight D. Eisenhower

I am not sure what else I can add to this, except to pose a simple question to the progressives who think government can meet all of society's needs:

At what point do think it is good to stop?

Quotable Quotes

"You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth - and the amusing thing about it is that they are."

Father Kevin Keaney, 1st Marine Division Chaplain, Korean War

Remembering :The Twenty Year Anniversary Of A Monumental Speech

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the now famous Ronald Reagan speech, where he encouraged Secretary Gorbachev to "tear down this wall". That wall fell later after he was out of office, but the close proximity of the words and the deeds lead many to believe that this one speech was very instrumental in the dream becoming a reality.

Growing up during the Cold War, no one really gave much thought that they'd ever see a reunited Germany, much less the fall of the Iron Curtain. But, Reagan had a vision and wanted to see that vision become reality, to facilitate a brighter hope and future for those that lived under the oppressive Soviet empire and create a more peaceful world.

How much of that came because of him will no doubt be the subject of many debates well into the future. Where a person stands on that issue will depend entirely on the politics of that particular person. But to deny that Reagan played any part in that event, simply denies the reality of the situation.

Here is an interesting article on that speech and how it compares and contrasts with some others.

Also here is a list of 10 interesting facts about some other famous presidential speeches.

A Quote To Ponder

I am back in a busy stretch again, so posting is light today.

I have posted this quote a couple of times in the past. But I have to say, I rarely tire of it because there is much truth to it.

There are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, and the third is useless.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Here at PYY we have had all three at one time or another. But I have to say, the overwhelming majority have been in the first two classes. Those in the third class have been so very rare and they rarely return. So I want it to be known, I do appreciate all of you that grace this site on a regular basis.

Thanks for reading.