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However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. George Washington, Farewell Address, Sep. 17, 1796

We were certain last year’s outstanding Franklin Folk Festival could not be improved. Recently Gordon interviewed some of the organizers of the 8th Annual Franklin Folk Festival on WFSC. Arriving home, he realized how captivated he was by their enthusiasm, hard work and many ideas to make this year’s festival the best yet.

Book Quote: “I’m sorry, I said sighing, it’s just, I never knew, how much you need green to appreciate blue!” Marcia Mercer, “When I Woke Up the World Was Yellow”

It was Saturday morning and time to head over to Taste of Scotland. Marcia had the 10 to 12 slot at Books Unlimited and was signing her new children’s book, “When I Woke Up the World Was Yellow.”

Rugged Individualism. The term is, for Americans almost patriotic, certainly romantic. We see images of John Wayne, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Harriet Tubman, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and other American heroes. A “Time Magazine” essay by Roger Rosenblatt somewhat sarcastically stated that: “if you would win over a crowd of Americans, use the term rugged individualism; they will salute it like the flag.” We plead guilty.

Philosophers, economists, theologians and historians have all tried to explain the rise and fall of nations. Is rise and fall inevitable? Must nations, in some spiral of destiny ordained by a higher power, take turns with poverty and prosperity? Political leaders, especially those seeking office, are certain the nation is on a downhill slide. Religious leaders tell us we are in a state of moral decay. Are we stuck on a downhill run with a service economy and little U.S. manufacturing to sustain us? Can we change direction?

Gordon Mercer and Marcia Mercer Global Digital Post: “Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay-Love isn’t love ‘til you give it away!” Oscar Hammerstein II

Gordon Mercer and Marcia Mercer Global Digital Post: “Why do people still farm? The local- food revival, it seems to me, runs on passion: people’s desire for connection to the seasons, to the soil that feeds them, to powerful flavors that can’t be manufactured with chemicals or preserved over 1,300-mile delivery hauls. The problem facing local food production isn’t lack of demand: it’s lack of infrastructure.” Tom Philpott

Gordon Mercer and Marcia Mercer Global Digital Post: “Each time you choose to buy an American made product, you help save or create an American job.” Michele Nash-Hoff

It is striking that most languages around the world have words or phrases meaning “Good Luck.” In Norwegian we would say “Lykke til,” in Russian, “Udachi” and in Chinese, “Fu.” “Good Luck” is a universal sentiment of wishing another good fortune or a successful outcome.