I remember several years ago playing the Parkland Golf Course in Killarney. There was a wee caddie whose lack of stature was made up for by his wit and personality. As we said good bye he said, “It’s been a pleasure and I hope some day that our paths meet again.” Couldn’t have put it any better myself.

I have had a lot of fun writing Ted’s Head but I believe it is time for a break or maybe a total cessation of hostilities. I was going to call it a sabbatical but that sounds both haughty and requires me to come back. I have posted 90 times over the last year and a half and God bless all of you for checking on well over 8,000 occasions. Those who have read it every week will surely get into heaven because we know they have already been in Purgatory or worse.

Somewhere between Sunday and Tuesday evening I try to assemble my thoughts. Sometimes fiery. Sometimes meditative. Sometimes melancholy. Always from the heart. As I have said many times I hope I have been able to make you think. Not necessarily agree but at least pause to study your own convictions to test their reason.

Kathy and I are going to do a bit of traveling. Taking in sights but more trying to understand this crazy world we live in. I will listen attentively and maybe share some of those insights I glean with some of you in the future. Soon I may be banging on your email box again or then again maybe I will spare you.

As for our country I believe the right path has not come to the fore. I am torn between right and left. I can’t be charitable towards the disenfranchised because I know we don’t have the discipline to pay for it. I also can’t turn my head and say fend for yourself. My heart and my beliefs just won’t let that happen. Ah yes the answer probably lies in the middle but we are too raw and proud to give up any ground.

Actually the worst part is the procrastination. If you have been elected or appointed to lead you must do so. Washington has lost any shred of accountability or decency. I say in all honesty that I think they are all a bunch of bums who have turned service into a career. That longevity has  to be protected at all cost. Giving your vote to the highest bidder in the name of democracy.

As far as a free market driven economy I feel we have distorted that too. Might is right. Crony capitalism has replaced hard work and sacrifice. The playing field is uneven. We scream bloody murder about regulations. On the other hand if people were honest and diligent, regs and inspectors and auditors would not be necessary. Such is the folly of man. Probably my naiveté looks even sillier to you corporate titans.

I may sound down on the United States and maybe even the world. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I have asserted many times I am a pragmatist. Take the hand you are dealt and work with it. Be critical to make things better not just bitch. If you have a gripe have a solution to fix it. Above all get off your ass and participate.

I am going to try my best to work on a couple of problem areas where maybe my pen or my love of public speaking can make a difference. I want my generation to go from a liability to an asset. I want to pass on to those coming up whatever kernels of wisdom I can. Someone asked if they could pick my brain? I told them I there wasn’t much there but they were welcome to it.

I would appreciate any thoughts some of you might have. As to Ted’s Head, things we should work on or whatever. I thank so many of you for offering comments both pro and con over the course of my stay. It keeps me grounded and plugging for more.

Most of all I just want to say thank you for your interest and your friendship. You are all the best.

As always

Ted The Great

Factoids:

Au Revoir is similar to adieu, ave, bon voyage, farwell and Godspeed. I think that covers it.

If one Googles legislative procrastination you come up with page after page of nations and states that can’t seem to make a decision.

Crony capitalism is a term describing an economy in which success in business depends on close relationships between business people and government officials. It may be exhibited by favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants, specil tax breaks.  Crony capitalism is believed to arise when political cronyism spills over into the business world; self-serving friendships and family ties between businessmen and the government influence the economy and society to the extent that it corrupts public-serving economic and political ideals.

I have been thinking since I wrote this last treatise. I have come up with three more things I want to share. Cool it TTG.

Our future lies with our kids and our grandkids. Let’s give them every opportunity to make it right. AND THAT IS MY FINAL FACTOID….FOR NOW

I am now going out on the front porch with a cigar and Vodka and tonic to savor the moment. Please join me. Pax.