Memorial Day Quotes

As we're off to celebrate this Memorial Day, don't forget to say a prayer for the men and women that sacrifice for our Freedom. The quote below is from an old English Economist named John Stuart Mill. I discovered it when doing research for a paper years ago and it's always stuck with me.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill

As the son of a veteran, I thank all those serving and their families for their dedication and support. Because of the American soldier I get to be who I am, a Texan and American, and that makes for a pretty good life!

Thanks
LB

Spring Finals!!!!

Spring semester is over, and I'm so ready for it! The thought of spending another beautiful evening listening to professors droll on about their subject is torture to the restlessness of my soul. Thank God for the IPhone! :-) I know class time is a much needed requirement for the furthering of education, but whatever happened to having a "walk?" I believe it was Thomas Jefferson that said, "Never let going to school, interfere with your education." Some attribute that to Mark Twain, but I thought it was TJ in some letter to somebody. Anyways, I've always tried to live by that rule. I abide that days off to pursue something else are much needed. So, with that being said here is to finishing Spring semester with two finals tonight and getting back to my life for a short time. I'm up for mowing the yard (after I fix the lawnmower again), riding some neglected horses, catching up with a few dear friends, cold beers on the front porch, getting the boat out (I'm a little sad this hasn't happened yet!) , and much needed time in the back pasture! Thanks for the study break.

Hasta Luego
LB

Happy Mother's Day

A Toast For Mom

Mom, what can I say....It's been 31 years and I'm still here today?

From sacking quarterbacks to gold buckle dreams, you've been an inspiration to all my brass rings. My biggest fan, my toughest critic...and when I'm down on my life, you convince me not to quit it. I say, "I Love You", and those words are so dear. Because what would my world be, without you here. I'm proud of you, and all that you have done. From the amazing teacher you are, to raising two stubborn Aggie sons. I know I've challenged you...sometimes to your wits end, but I wouldn't trade you, my precious mother, for any amount of treasure that's up around the bend!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

I Love You

LB

Rylynn Turns 1!!!

Happy Birthday Rylynn!!!

I never need much of a reason to fiesta, but this past Saturday was a very special occasion!My family and I were honored to help Miss Rylynn celebrate her first birthday with her family and friends. Ry, is the daughter of my dear friends Gilly and Andrea Riojas of Lampasas, Tx. She is such a captivating little girl, that any time around her has "Uncle LB" grinning from ear to ear. Rylynn is living proof that God answers prayers and I am forever gracious for getting to enjoy her. What can I say....I'm a sucker for a pretty smile! Her pony was a huge hit (Thanks Mom) and I'm looking forward to hearing of her adventures with "Uno" the wonder horse.

Feliz Cumpleanos
LB

Aggie Muster

Roll Call For The Absent

"In many lands and climes this April day

Proud sons of Texas A&M unite.

Our loyalty to country, school, we pray,

and seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore

on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill

Fond memory brings a sigh -- but nothing more;

Now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,

On Corregidor 68 years ago today

A band of gallant Aggies, led by Moore,

Held simple rites which led to us doth all to say:

The spirit shall prevail through cannon roar.

Before we part and go upon our way,

We pause to honor those we knew so well;

The old familiar faces we miss so much today

Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,

Let comrade answer, “Here!”

Their spirits hover ‘round us

As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts.

We’ll meet some other day

There is no death, but life etern

For our old friends such as they!"

by Dr. John Ashton ‘06

Of all the traditions of my university this one means the most. Aggie Muster is a time of reflection, thoughts, and prayers for our fellow Ag's that have passed during the year. A way in which our unexplainable Aggie Spirit is bonded to those who came before us, and those who will be there after us. A brief moment to relieve our days in Aggieland, and enjoy the camaraderie of what being an Aggie really means.

So, Softly call the Muster, Let comrade answer "Here!"

Gig'Em

LB

"The Man in the Arena"

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Shame on the man of cultivated taste who permits refinement to develop into fastidiousness that unfits him for doing the rough work of a workaday world. Among the free peoples who govern themselves there is but a small field of usefulness open for the men of cloistered life who shrink from contact with their fellows. Still less room is there for those who deride of slight what is done by those who actually bear the brunt of the day; nor yet for those others who always profess that they would like to take action, if only the conditions of life were not exactly what they actually are. The man who does nothing cuts the same sordid figure in the pages of history, whether he be a cynic, or fop, or voluptuary. There is little use for the being whose tepid soul knows nothing of great and generous emotion, of the high pride, the stern belief, the lofty enthusiasm, of the men who quell the storm and ride the thunder. Well for these men if they succeed; well also, though not so well, if they fail, given only that they have nobly ventured, and have put forth all their heart and strength. It is war-worn Hotspur, spent with hard fighting, he of the many errors and valiant end, over whose memory we love to linger, not over the memory of the young lord who "but for the vile guns would have been a valiant soldier.""

Taken from a speech by Teddy Roosevelt given at the Sorbonne in France.
April 23, 1910

The quote was part of a speech entailing the importance of citizenship in a Republic. I saw it today on a wall in a Bass Pro Shop. Points if you can name what store location it was. I pondered the meaning of that speech as I read the results of my 23rd District House race. My fellow Texas A&M classmate Will Hurd was narrowly defeated in a Republican runoff election. I am sorry he did not win. I don't know Will on a personal level, but I did meet him through being involved in some student government meetings. He was always straight forward and I appreciated that. Let's face it....being at a student gov. meeting that could last longer than needed was never one of my favorite places to be ( I mean...there was always the Chicken), but having clear cut goals and and agenda was never an issue with Will. I know he would have done well representing us, and I hope this small defeat does not persuade him from leaving politics. We need guys who get the big picture, are open to outside the box answers and strategies, and are fiscally responsible!

Fiscally responsible.....As the release of the "Pig Book" makes it way into the news we should really look at where the estimated 6 BILLION of pork spending is being used. I don't personally agree with all of it's contents. In fact, I support the spending on beef research, coral reef protection, and some other obscure bills. However, we should still closely monitor anytime our government spends our hard earned greenbacks. There are too many tragic economic indicators in the news. Example, our nation is extremely close to receiving a lower rating of financial ability due to our deficit spending. Essentially this equates to a junk bond rating in terms of our repayment ability. Thus, meaning a raise in interest rates anytime we as a country borrow money. Another indicator of turmoil....OPEC is considering changing the value of oil to the "euro" instead of the always used "dollar." Then finally, this will be the first year social security pays out more than it will take in. How's that going to work in the long run as more baby boomers enter the system?

Washington, does need a wake up call. I believe the "Tea Party" has started to open some eyes. Let's keep up the good work! My top concerns... if anybody was to ask...and I doubt that will happen. I would stress the need to re balance the deficit plan, put in place tougher regulations on lobbyists, and at all circumstances limit the expansion of government growth. As an economist I understand that when government grows independence stifles. This stifling truncates growth and encourages unfavorable economic conditions....kinda like we are seeing now.

My question is this. When November rolls around who will you be? Will you be the pretentious critic standing on the outside demeaning the government (the guy who didn't vote but knows all the answers). Are you in the bleachers watching and complaining? Or are you in the booth....."the arena"....striving valiantly to make a difference ?

See ya at the polls.

LB

It's 3:45

Nope not quite time to leave yet...but damn close. It's beautiful outside and I'm killing time till I can run to Ol' Blue, fire up her almost 500 horses and head for that place of heaven on Earth I call..."The Back Pasture." Rebel's lameness is turned into more than just a week off...actually maybe a month to two before he's back in competition. So today when I'm free I'm saddling up my stallion Barracho and making my way away from modern civilization. It's too pretty a day not to enjoy some of it.

Besides that...I'm looking forward to being in Aggieland this weekend. The Chicken, Dry Bean, and some other old haunts and friends are beckoning for a visit, and I just have to oblige them!

Tomorrow will be 41 days left of teaching and I'm ready to be done. Whatever the future holds I'm ready for it with Wade Bowen in the background singing, "Let's burn all the bridges, ignore all the signs, put the hammer down, listen to her whine!"

Life is too short.
LB

PS, anybody catch how many times I used a form of amazing in the last post? :-) I do proof read!