Do You Want The Oyster Or The Shell?

"The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell."

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919)

What does that mean?

Carnegie is the quintessential rags to riches story. Moving to Pennsylvania in 1848, he found work as a bobbin boy changing spools of thread in a cotton mill. He worked 6 days a week, for 12 hours a day and was paid $1.20 per week.

Finding a job that paid $2.50 per week (!) as a messenger boy in the Pittsburgh office of the Ohio Telegraph Company, he jumped right in.

Here is where the quote comes in. As a 16 year old messenger boy, Andrew paid attention to the sounds the telegraph made, learning to translate the sounds into letters and could repeat messages without writing the sounds down.

Impressing his superiors, he moved up from there quickly. Networking, and borrowing money from his family, he made his first investment, and then another and then another.

While working in the railroads, he invested in the things the railroad industry needed - steel, bridges and rails. Eventually settling into the steel industry, he, to quote him, "Put all [his] eggs into one basket, and then really, really nurture that basket."

The rest is history, as they say. In 2007 dollars, his worth at death was $300 billion. That is a few Gates or Buffetts. Carnegie is regarded as the second richest man in history, behind Rockefeller.

His dictum?

1. " To spend the first third of one's life getting all the education one can. "
2. " To spend the next third making all the money one can. "
3. " To spend the last third giving it all away for worthwhile causes. "

Carnegie's later years were given to writing and to philanthropy. He especially liked giving money to libraries, educational causes, to schools that were connected with religion and to the education of blacks. His philosophy about money was that it was "debasing" unless one spent his efforts in pursuits of giving it away!

He also developed into quite the writer, contributing often to magazines and newspapers. His most radical work first came out in 1886 called "Triumphant Democracy." His thesis was that American Republicanism, that of voting for political leadership, was superior to the British monarchical system. Democracy allowed people to become all they could be being subject to themselves and their individuality (seeking the oyster and not the shell) and not to the whims of a ruling family.

Later he published "Wealth," in which he argued that a man should first accumulate wealth and then work toward giving it away. Subsequent to that period, he commissioned Napoleon Hill (at no pay) to interview 500 wealthy industrialists, and publish their secrets. In this way he hoped to pick up the "common man," and then have more philanthropy available for "the masses."

Carnegie spent his life utilizing the capitalist system of developing and implementing one's abilities to seek the oyster. He never desired the shell. He never settled for the shell.

And he didn't desire the shell for himself OR others!

AND SO, MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE CONGREGATION, DON'T SETTLE FOR THE WONDERS GUBMENT WANTS TO OFFER! SEEK INSTEAD TO DEVELOP YOURSELVES IN A SYSTEM OF PERSONAL LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH, AND DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT ACCEPT THE EMPTY PROMISES OF SOCIALIST CRUSTS AND THE CONTROLLING OFFERS OF GUBMENT CRUMBS!

DOING SO WILL LEAVE US ONLY SHELLS. AND WE WILL END UP INSTEAD ONLY SHELLS OF OUR POTENTIAL SELVES!

Enjoy A Part Of Mr. Henry's Speech

Patrick Henry lived his entire life in what was to become the Commonwealth of Virginia. His life spanned 1736-1799. He served as Virginia's first and sixth governor.

Elected to the House of Burgesses from rural Louisa County in Virginia, he is most famous for a speech given 23 March 1775 at the Virginia Convention held at the St. John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Still there, as the oldest church in Virginia, the church is located at 2401 East Broad Street.

The church was selected as the site to house the Virginia Convention to determine if Virginia would send troops to assist in the Revolutionary War.

The speech is fiery, and features a couple of themes:

1. The past will contribute to the future, so America needed to break from the past.
2. We should not be swayed by the "illusions of hope." (presciently mentioned twice)
3. The name of God is invoked frequently. After all, they are in church!

A fierce proponent of what he called Republicanism (that leaders should be elected and not inherit public office) and Anti-Federalism (he was a main antagonist of James Madison and essentially forced the adoption of the Bill of Rights), he remained true to the cause of America, and liberty, until his death.

It only takes about three minutes to read the speech. But some pertinent parts are offered here:

" NO man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if entertaining, as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery. And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject, ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of Heaven which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth - and listen to the song of the siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it ...

In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free - if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending - if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained - we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged, their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable - and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace - but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! "

Liberty Or Death?

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."

Patrick Henry (1736-1799)

So here is yet ANOTHER Founding Father's prescience that we have not taken to heart.

Or listened to.

Actually we, as a people, as THE PEOPLE, have listened less and less over the centuries to the wisdom, advice and pleadings of the Founding Fathers.

We have given up our liberties little by little for what we have thought to be protection and security. It has been a mistake.

What are we faced with now? Is the gubment using the Constitution to restrain the people? YES!

Take this "mandate" debate over what has been called "health care."

Mandate - according to Oxford, as a noun, means, "an official order or authorization."
And as a verb, "1. give (someone) authority to act in a certain way, 2. compulsory."

The Founding Fathers had a whole lot of problems with the "authority" of gubment. They REALLY had a whole lot of problems with a "compulsory" gubment. And they REALLY, REALLY had a whole lot of problems with the "official orders" of gubment.

All that caused an American Revolution! And what was installed instead? A gubment restrained by the people!

So, if there is a "mandate" to purchase the gubment's "health care," when that is determined to be "Constitutional," and I fear it will, there will be ASSUMED the "Constitutional" authorization to act in a compulsory manner.

How? They, the ubiquitous THEY, can deny any aspect of any part of the program to anybody they determine unfit to receive it! If you are too old (and no longer contribute via your taxes) you can be denied a necessary, but "expensive," diagnosis or treatment. If you are too fat you can be denied a necessary, but "expensive," diagnosis or treatment, until you meet the gubment's weight criteria. If you smoke or drink or use "unapproved" drugs, you can be denied a necessary, but "expensive," diagnosis and treatment until you quit. And if you have smoked too long and are too far gone with your ailment, well, have a nice day.

"THEY" have been given the authority to do so!

DO YOU THINK I AM OFF THE MARK? DO YOU THINK I AM A WAY-OUT-THERE PARANOID?

Think again.

And how far does this authority go? There is a mandate! It goes as far as "they" say it goes. So, if it is "Constitutional" that we have to buy the gubment's "health insurance," excluding and preventing all other types of insurance, inside the country and out, it is also "Constitutional" for the gubment to demand that we can no longer buy Twinkies.

SIMILARLY, THEREFORE, IT IS "CONSTITUTIONAL" FOR THE GUBMENT TO DEMAND THAT WE DO BUY TWINKIES! OR HAVE TO BUY GUBMENT-APPROVED, PRE-PACKAGED FOODS. OR SOYLENT GREEN...

If "health care" is somehow determined to be "Constitutional," we are done as the country envisioned, fought for and set up by our Founding Fathers. Period.

There will be NO Constitution. There will be no restraint. We will be without liberty.

Remember Patrick Henry's famous line? That came at the END of a really great speech. You should read it.

Where is Patrick Henry when you need him?

Growing Naturally

"Never was capitalism imposed on life as a system, or at all. It grew out of life, not all at once but gradually, and is therefore one of the great natural designs. When it was found and identified by such men as Adam Smith, who wrote its bible, and Karl Marx, who wrote its obituary too soon, it was already working."

Garet Garrett (1878 - 1954)

Two key words in that statement above: grew and natural.

Historically it grew where it had opportunity. Where would that have been? Where markets and voluntary exchange had more and more given opportunity. Where there was less and less dictatorial control.

SUCH IS STILL THE CASE TODAY!

And natural? That means what? It means not contrived, or caused, or made by humankind! It is something normal or expected.

CAPITALISM HAPPENED NATURALLY BECAUSE OF HUMAN NATURE!

We are always trying to improve our position in the world and our condition in life!
We are always trying to improve our status in life, socially and otherwise.
We are always trying to create a better mouse trap than the one we are peddling now and sell more of them.
We are always trying provide a better service, or differentiate ourselves from our competition. We do so out of selfish desire for profit! Why profit? Because profit tells us how well we're doing! It allows us to grow and expand, hire others, open another location or otherwise extend ourselves more so to the buying public. And we do those things, take those risks, in hopes of yet more profit!

Why? Because of our natural desire to improve our personal position in the world and our condition in life!

This is a natural cycle!!

CAPITALISM is a natural system! It is a free system, one of voluntary markets and invisible hands diverting resources and deriving efficiencies nobody can plan. As such it CANNOT be imposed! It is a virtuous system - the scum bags and users in the market place are ground out by those who offer their wares (goods and services) in more honest, and fewer using-of-others ways.

AND WHERE ALLOWED TO GROW, UNFETTERED BY NATIONAL POLITICS AND VISIBLE, REGULATORY HANDS, IT DOES. AND WHERE CAPITALISM DOES GROW, IT IMPROVES THE LIVES OF EVERYONE LIVING WHERE IT THRIVES.

Corruption And Despotism

“There is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other.”

Benjamin Franklin (1705-1790)

What is despotism? According to Oxford, it is ruling with absolute power, especially exercising it in an oppressive way.

Then what does Franklin mean?

Franklin considered the intrusion of gubment into our lives as corrupting.

As individuals we would become corrupted. As states we would become corrupted. As a society we would become corrupted. And our gubment, federal and otherwise, would become corrupted.

His word is "the people." WE ARE THE PEOPLE!! AND WE ARE BECOMING CORRUPTED!!

There is a reason the Founding Fathers sought to break from the despotism of England. They sought to create a society based on individualism, a society with freedoms for its citizenry, the people, to act and not be so acted upon, with abilities to do and create and become!

There is only one economic system that can combine with such a free political system. Only a free-market system, with free and voluntary enterprise, can act with such a political system.

Every day we are delivering our founded freedoms over to the Nannie Gubment to do for us better than we can do for ourselves.

WHY should we feed our own children when school will do it?
WHY should we go to a bank for a home loan or student loan when the gubment will do it?
WHY should we provide our own retirement when the "system" will do it?
WHY should we choose a car to drive when the gubment will make it and do it?
WHY should we select our own light bulbs, for crying out loud, when Nannie will do it?

WE ARE TURNING OURSELVES OVER TO A FOURTH BRANCH OF GUBMENT! THE ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH!!

How many millions of people are employed, in all levels of gubment, to administer the millions of laws and regulations that they create to impose upon our lives?

And how many of these regulations have criminal penalties attached? Who can possibly know all these regulations? Nobody. THAT is despotism.

Think quickly - name something in your house that is NOT regulated by Nannie Gubment?

NAME IT!!

This is creeping despotism. This is creeping CORRUPTION!

This would frighten the bejeebies out of the Founding Fathers.

My favorite line from the Declaration of Independence, which I quote very often is this: "He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance."

Is that not what we have allowed to happen and are allowing to happen more and more every day?

And this has made us and is making us CORRUPT. Not my word, Franklin's word!

We need more free enterprise and freeDOM. FreeDOM to act more for ourselves and not to be so acted upon.

We need to get away from Pogo's Declaration of Despotism, who said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Low Morality Or High Morality?

"Force always attracts men of low morality."

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

When someone wants to spend a lifetime in gubment, it is about force.

When someone in gubment does continual end runs around the Constitution to "get things accomplished," it is about force.

When gubment programs are implemented that leave a citizenry with no choice, it is about force.

The corollary to Dr. Einstein's statement is that force does not attract men of high morality.

Why not?

Because of the law of attraction! Light cleaves unto light, love gravitates toward love, cleanliness desires to be clean, and the godly seek God.

It can be no other way.

FREE ENTERPRISE CAN NEVER FORCE! By definition. It is free.

How can freedom be imposed, instituted by law, or forced onto a society by dictatorship? That's like saying that truth shackles.

This is what prompts classical liberals*, like Alan Greenspan, to say that "capitalism and free enterprise ... holds integrity and trustworthiness as cardinal virtues, not vices. It is this superlative moral system that the welfare statists propose to improve upon by means of preventative law, snooping bureaucrats and the chronic goad of fear."

The preventative law and the goad of fear is ALWAYS the way of those with low morality.

Health "care" anyone?

* Our vernacular would call a classical liberal a conservative...

A Definite Major Purpose

"You can start right where you stand and apply the habit of going the extra mile by rendering more service and better service than you are now being paid for."

Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

If you have never heard of Napoleon Hill, you should get to know him. His book, Think and Grow Rich, is one of the best-selling books of all time, selling over 20 million copies.

Before I even begin, do you think that anyone "occupying" a park somewhere, demanding this and that be provided by other people, would understand a word of that quote above? That lack of understanding is PRECISELY why they are "occupying" a park and demanding freebies from others!

Note: there are no "freebies," just as there is no free lunch. Everything costs somebody something.

Hill got started at the age of 13, writing as a reporter for a small town newspaper in rural Virginia. Just consider that!

He considered it the greatest event of his life to have been assigned, in 1908, to interview Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, most don't realize, was probably as rich in his era as two or three Gates or Buffets would be today. He was incredibly powerful. And Carnegie thought that the process of success could be put into a simple formula that anyone could implement and achieve.

Carnegie was very impressed with the young Napoleon Hill and suggested that he interview 500 very successful people to try to discover and boil down that formula for all to see. You would recognize most of the names on his interview list - many of the most successful and powerful people the country has ever known.

Working quickly Hill published his findings in 1925 in a multi-volume study series called The Laws of Success. That was followed in 1941 by another multi-volume home study course called Mental Dynamite. Hill later called his success teachings "The Philosophy of Achievement," traveling to deliver it in talks to people nationwide. He thought strongly that the freedoms provided by democracy and capitalism were the essential building blocks in a person's ability to achieve. So too, by the way, did Carnegie!

His main challenge to his readers and followers was to have them identify what he called a "Definite Major Purpose," and to have them ask themselves what they truly believed. Hill thought that about 98% of people had no idea what they believed, which put success out of their reach!

You can read about the "secrets" of achievement in the compilation of Hill's formula in the book, Think and Grow Rich today. I highly, highly recommend that you do!

And like most good things, it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.