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Samuel (Bob) West
Dan your intelect and as one of the premier historians in the U.S.make it difficult and intimidating to express opinions, but since you asked here are a couple of mine.
Growing up in Borger made me very resistant to people who tried to tell me what I should do, think, believe or who tried to bend me to their will or to dominate me..
As to messiahs I never personaly met one. I especially avoid and distrust politicians.
An old story, but it expresses my belief.
A man took his son to the wise elder of the village and ask if there was a way to know what his son would become as an adult. The wise man said he had a perfect test . He put up three tables and one one he placed a dollar bill, on another a Bible, and on the last a glass of whiskey.He told the father to put his son in front of the tables and that the one his son went to would indicate his future. If he picked up the dollar he wotld be a businesman, conserrvative and perhaps wealthy. If he choose the Bible he would be deeply religious and maybe a member of the clergy. If he chose the whiskey he would be a ner do well, lacking in moral standards and bring a lot of grief to those around him.
The son approached the table. Picked up the dollar and put it in his pocket, put the Bibe under his arm, picked up the whiskey and drank it.The wise man said " on no, he is going to be a politician"
I haven't seen a lot to change my opinion over the years. Our presidents since Eisenhower have not shown me much. :Lyndon gave us Vietnam, and inspite of a lot of very brave men, inclufding classmates and my good friend Digger O'Dell, we lost a lot of good people for nothing. Bush gave us the Mid East and that is still costing us. So I am somewhat jaded.
As to race I remember when our school was integrated. Issac Robinson came out for football and he was one of the best on our team. On our way to El Paso to play a game we stopped in Portales NM for dinner. Issac was refused service and asked to leave the restaurant. We all got up and walked out with him. The owner could not change his mind quick enough and asked us all to come back. That was the day I understood the color green was more powerful than black, and that sticking up to what was fair was worth the effort.
Our class has had many outstanding and successful men and women. We also have had or share of less shining stars.One of my good childhood friends died in prison. So we have a mix of people top to bottom.
But, lets not speak bad of the dearly departed.
How to make America Great Again? I don't believe that putting the wealth of our nation in the hands of the top 2 or 3% will get us close. Mexico did that for years and years and never did get Great Again, nor has any country with a small or weak middle class been very great.
I thnk that over the years our country has produced some great leaders in times of crisis but not messiahs, they are outstanding but still human with the same weakness we all have, so I don't worship them, or put them on pedestals, I have deep respect for them and thanks for what they have done, but if our country evers starts thinking about kings or annointments by God we are in real trouble.
I think what made Borger good was the friendships developed. Friends are there and alway reach out with no questions asked. We all have them and that is one of the most important things we can posses.. When we reach out to help others as best we can, everyone becomes greater. Sounds corny I guess but the friends I am lucky to have helped me and still do. Haven't seen any messiahs get up close and personal.
Now I have shown by limited intelligence, but do appreciate you very much. Bob West
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