"Learn to grow a %$! tomato"

[ChamberedRound]

In light of gold reaching a record $1200 per oz. (and proof that the
value of the dollar is plummeting), here's a thought-provoking and
slightly scary article.

Found it on the Michael Bane blog:
http://michaelbane.blogspot.com/2009...in-tomato.html

but below is the article he references in his blog post:

http://www.growthstockwire.com/archi...009_Nov_24.asp

I Single-Handedly Crushed the Dreams of the Next Generation
By Jeff Clark
November 24, 2009

Last Wednesday was "Career Day" at the local high school. I was
invited to speak, just as I have for the past six years, on the
opportunities in the world of finance. The room was filled with
starry-eyed students – their heads swimming with dreams of
million-dollar opportunities working for Goldman Sachs, trading crude
oil futures, or taking over Ken Lewis' spot heading up Bank of
America.

It took me less than 30 seconds to crush those dreams.

"Every year, I'm asked about how best to prepare for a career in
finance," I started my speech. "And for the past six years, I've
suggested taking courses in statistics, human psychology, behavioral
finance, and demographics. Today, however, I'm going to give you the
same advice I've given my children, the same advice I've given my
friends, the same advice for which people pay me thousands of dollars
every year..."

I paused just long enough to notice the students were on the edge of
their seats. The faculty, standing in the back of the room, stopped
whispering to each other. The parents stopped texting on their
Blackberries and sipping their lattes, anticipating the wisdom I was
about to provide.

"If you want to be successful in life," I said, "learn to grow a
frickin tomato."

I then explained to my audience how the government is devaluing the
dollar, how the politicians are catering to the lowest common
denominator of the population, how the "let's get everything I can for
myself right now" society is leading to the destruction of this
once-great country, and how if you want to take care of yourself and
your family in the future... you need to learn to grow a tomato.

"Take care of yourself," I said...

Take responsibility for the welfare of your family and of your close
friends. Don't count on the government. The Constitution of the United
States of America does not guarantee health care. It doesn't guarantee
home ownership. And it doesn't guarantee cash for clunkers.

You are not entitled to a prosperous life. You are not guaranteed to
live better than your parents. In fact, yours is the first generation
ever in the history of this great republic that will not do so. You
are, however, entitled to opportunity. But that opportunity diminishes
when the government takes from the hardest working and most
industrious citizens and gives to the folks who sleep in until 10:00
in the morning.

Your road to riches in life isn't going to be traveling to Wall Street
and constructing some new way to raise money for an unprofitable
business. It isn't going to be creating a new type of adjustable-rate
mortgage. And it isn't going to be negotiating stock option pricing
for you and your cronies.

The path to riches for the next generation is going to be providing
for your family. Forget about building a better mousetrap. The mice
are more prosperous now than ever.

Instead, grow a better tomato. Take responsibility for yourself and
your family. Take a step backward to ensure your kids can take two
steps forward.

The high school students erupted in applause. I received the only
standing ovation of the day.

My hope, and what I will be praying for when I say grace at the family
dinner this Thanksgiving, is that the rest of our country realizes
what a small group of 17-year-old students understood.

Nothing is free. There is a cost for every benefit the government
provides. The future of our great country lies in the ability of the
population to understand that wealth doesn't come from borrowing money
to buy a big-screen TV. Instead, it comes from the industrious and
hardworking citizens who strive to grow a better tomato.

The youth of our country understand this concept. I only hope our
elected officials do, too.

[DGR959]

All I can say is WOW .... as a 25 year kid that one hits home. I have been lucky enough to have been taught at an early age that if i want something i have to earn it. Nothing will be given away to me, and nothing is ever FREE. I believe that this once great country is headed in the wrong direction, and that when we hit bottom the only people that will survive are those who can provide for themselves, trade with others, and defend there friends and loved ones from those who are desperate and and now have nothing

[redeye202]

When we do reach the bottom,those with basic skills and can work with their hands will prosper,farmers,wood workers,mechanics,plumbers will be the ones who are needed. Look at the Amish,the world that WE are used to can fall apart and to the Amish it would mean nothing except to tell US,we told you so. We need to become more like them.

[40twist]

When we do reach the bottom,those with basic skills and can work with their hands will prosper,farmers,wood workers,mechanics,plumbers will be the ones who are needed. Look at the Amish,the world that WE are used to can fall apart and to the Amish it would mean nothing except to tell US,we told you so. We need to become more like them.

hey I'm a mechanic....maybe there will be hope for me after all!!!

[SilentRage]

Ohhh Hell Yeah , that's exactly what it's coming down to !!!

This guy gets a big "AMEN BROTHER" from me !!!

[cgbudde]

We need more of todays children to realize what he said is the truth, and to act on it. Those who can do for themselves and family will survive, those who wait for gvt handouts will perish.

[RandomTask]

I'm selling my tomatoes futures contracts first thing tomorrow.

[Dave in PA]

something ate all my tomato plants this year. My lime tree has about 20 on it though....... It's only 6 feet tall.

[ProTool]

Exactly the right idea. Gotta have people shopping at your garden, we only accept ammo of course!

[RaisedByWolves]

Learn how to kill a Deer too.



Some tomatoes, a lil spagat, some odd cut of Venison in the pot......


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