Sunday, July 25, 2010

Why do you Guys travel?

The Hyatt hotel in Deerborn (I think)
last nights's sunset
We are asked that question fairly often. Other than it is hard for bill collectors to find you, It is a hard question to answer. Our pat answer is, we just enjoy it. I ask Sherry why she likes chocolate so much. It is always the same answer: “Because it is sooooo good, and I feel better after eating it.”

You have unique things happen. Once we were somewhere in Illinois I think. Sherry was in one of those, “I would sure like to have something chocolate”, moods. “Anything, there is a McDonalds, pull in.”
Inside she ordered a cone of chocolate soft serve. These are practically the exact words of the young girl behind the counter, “I’m sorry, we only have vanilla, but you do know there is no difference in the taste of vanilla and chocolate, just one is brown.” See what I mean, My girl did not smack the little girl, she just smiled and said thank you, and we left. The girl isn’t old enough to know what choc-o-holic means.

We drove through Wayne, Michigan. That is the home of a huge Ford assembly plant. There were a lot of new cars out there, but the car transporters weren’t all near full. Visiting Detroit is like it must be to go visit a rich uncle, who is no longer rich, but on food stamps.
It hurts me to see a once bustling metropolis decaying. I think the unemployment is 14% and buildings that were once associated with the auto industry are closed and some boarded up. I am reminded that we were once number one in the world, no one could come close to touching us in the auto industry.

We were innovative and forward looking, now countries that were devastated in 1945, have in 60 years taken over the industry. I am reminded of the fable, the hare and the tortoise, when you are a mile ahead in a race NO ONE should beat you! I could say the same in the economy!

BUT THE GIANT WENT TO SLEEP!

There is beauty in the Detroit area, farmland and huge modern buildings and everythng inbetween.
Thanks for reading the log.

Nite Shipslog

PS:
We are the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies. Imagine if we gave ourselves the same support that we give other countries. I truly feel bad for them, Sherry and I donated and also helped pay the way of a laborer to go help, but I wonder If Americans care about America .. Maybe when that crisis is over………… what do you say? WE can...............!!!!

6 comments:

Jen said...

It surprises me how many people don't like to travel. It gives you a whole new perspective on the world. I wish I could do more of it.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

So much in this entry that I could comment on but I'll just say it was all very thought provoking. It's true, right here, where we are there is lots that can be done.

Anonymous said...

Surely you are able to feel the pulse of time. Great entry. Unemployment currently about eleven per cent over here and from Monday on a strike, which will probably leave gas stations empty from Wednesday on - should get interesting indeed. A nice start for you into the new week !

shirl72 said...

I do think of how some of the people are suffering because of no work. It is sad to see them say I have never had to get food stamps but now need them. The lady was crying because
she felt so bad about doing this. Hopefull
things will turn around. I thank God everyday
because I am so blessed.

Shirl

Fred Alton said...

Great truths contained in this entry, Jack. I've found that people who are willing to help their neighbors here are the ones who line up to help Haiti or whatever other country is having a crisis. So many problems are involved in the whole situation that it's hard to have a perfect answer. I resort to quoting the Bible: "Give and it shall be given unto you". Also, I know the truth of the statement "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I've had to be on the receiving side some. It stinks. Thank God that I'm able to be on the giving side most times now.

In my travels I've met some of those McD employees and am astounded at their knowledge of such things as the taste of chocolate ice-cream vs vanilla! :D

Y said...

It's amazing to me how much compassion we have for those we don't see or know, and how little we have for our next-door-neighbors.
A poor black person in Haiti is a victim; a man who chooses to desert his children in another country to come work (and often procreate)in America is a hero who needs our help.The wealthy and well-conected who break the law are "sick." But the men and women who are our fellow citizens, handed a legacy of poverty and family separation, as the doors of opportunity were kept closed by elitism are thought to deserve shame and blame for their other-imposed failings.