Lincoln's Cannots

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

- Rev. William J. H. Boetcker

A Crisp November Morning

There's nothing like fall. The crisp, damp morning air makes each breath even more noticeable. Going for a short walk in this air reminds me what a blessing my life is.

As I walked in this early morning air, I enjoyed the right to go out to the polls and cast my ballot. This right is not taken lightly by me, and for all our country's problems, the solutions lie in our people. Today is just one step out of many, and we're allowed to make mistakes -- but they're our mistakes. This is where democracy starts.

Take this one step today, and go out and vote.