Sorry to dive into a partially political discussion this week but I did alert you last week that state law makers were on my mind. I begin by reminding myself that we live in a miraculous country and consistently pull together when times are tough. Time magazine reminded us in last weeks edition there are at least “240 Reasons to Celebrate America–right Now.” The approval rating for the North Dakota state government is 69%. According to Karl Kurtz, formerly of the National conference of State Legislatures, “a really good score is 25% to 30%.” The legislature meets for four months every 2 years, every bill gets a floor vote even if it lost in committee, law makers have no staff, and earn $17,000 per year when in session. Term limit discussion resulted in North Dakotans voting to double the house term to four years. It is a small state but it seemed to me we could learn something from their level of openness and civil discourse.
No surprise that North Dakota is unique. They are the number one producer of sunflowers in the US, they raise enough soybeans to make 483 billion crayons each year, they produce the most honey, and hold the largest French fry feed in the world at the Potato Bowl held annually in Grand Forks – serving 5220 pounds of fries. Rugby is the geographical center of North America and North Dakota shares the International Peace Garden which crosses the Canadian Border. I wonder if we will consider building a wall to keep the Canadians from crossing our border? On the capital grounds in Bismarck participants set the Guiness Record for most simultaneous snow angels formed – 8962 people left an impression surpassing the previous record of 3,784. If you haven’t seen the show Fargo – you will not appreciate that it was not filmed in Dakota but the infamous wood chipper is in a museum in Bismarck.
As I reviewed the many uplifting and enlightening stories, I was amazed to see #212 was titled “Blank verse under a big sky” and was a nearly two page picture taken at the Shakespeare Festival in Boise, Idaho. William Shakespeare has inspired American audiences from our founding fathers to today. Radhika Jones reminds us of how often the bard’s words are spoken and quoted and the timelessness of his stories. Boise’s theatre is a replica of the Globe in dimensions. “What America grants is manifest destiny–backdrops as Boise’s Shakespeare Festival, magnificent enough to reflect the expanse of his imagination. He knew the allure of a brave new world. It’s America’s privilege to stage him in it.”
Thomas Jefferson is respected as one of the United States’ Founding Fathers. Jefferson is often quoted and remembered for his creativity and inventiveness. A few examples; “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” Finally, “honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom”. It was a good reminder. I would guess that Jefferson might be shaking his head in this election season.
Enjoy summers return. The picture is the snow on the ground in McCall on Sunday July 10th this year. — Mike