the economy / Fenton

[Richard Brekne]

Hmmm....  

     Hey Ric,
     We'll be just fine, I wouldn't trade places with you.
      Fenton


Well I hope you are right about being fine. There are some entirely 
possible and very dark scenarios that can easily unfold. But as others 
(and for that matter myself) point out there are some bright ones as 
well.  One can at the very least hope for the best and work towards that 
end. I think at least we all share that mindset.

As far as trading places with me.  You really have no idea how wonderful 
it is over here in the North of Europe. Being an ex-American and having 
spent the first 28 years of my life there I of course have many ties and 
visit regularly. The perspective this position gives is rather unique. 
America has changed its spirit rather profoundly over the last 30 years. 
I'm not sure how easy to see that is from the inside.

As for moving over here.... One never really becomes a Norwegian... not 
like those who are born and raised here by parents who were also born 
and raised here, like their parents in turn.  But one does loose enough 
of ones American identity to no longer remain quite American as well. A 
kind of nationality limbo existence if you will. All that a side... I 
feel more freedom in more ways over here then I ever did in the US, and 
even more so now.

All this is very off piano topic tho folks.... even much of the piano 
business talk.  Yet at this conjuncture it seems to me that All peoples 
should be taking time to hash through some very difficult discussions 
about American politics, what freedom is, what responsibilities personal 
freedoms and democracy entails. We CAN loose those if we are all not 
careful to guard them. And we will not loose them to terrorists, 
communists, Islamic extremists or the like. We will loose them simply 
because we take them too lightly and let non democratic forces grab them 
away from us.... which process is right in front of all our eyes for 
those who look closely.

SO... I suggest Andy starts up a temporary Political list and urge that 
as many here as possible engage in discussion on that list for the next 
couple months.  Not just because of the election... but because so much 
of so much import that concerns all citizens of democracy everywhere is 
looking at, if not on the breach.

I thank the list for its patience so far in these few posts that are 
clearly too far off piano related topic and will say no more here on the 
matter.


    Hey Ric,
    We'll be just fine, I wouldn't trade places with you.
    Fenton

Cheers
RicB