I am reminded of my departed brother Bob most days as I work through the administration of his Estate. It has been a very positive experience as I have met many of his business associates and friends and stayed in close touch with his family. Bob had a dream of a Mooney retreat on the South Fork of the Payette River and bought an acreage from a friend. The house is 100 years old, a classic barn – it is not without its challenges but the magic is the location and abundant hot water. The decision to sell created a complex set of issues that have now been resolved and the title company is certifying a survey. In the process it was discovered that the original deed was signed by Theodore Roosevelt, yes the 26th President of the United States. I am not a historian but this must have been a duty of the sitting President as the closing officer remarked that they handled another closing in that area where the original deed was signed by Woodrow Wilson the 28th President of the our country. I miss Bob and think of him often as do his family, friends and business associates. Perhaps the best legacy we can leave is a lasting positive memory.
I followed this chain of title back to learn a bit more about Mr. Roosevelt. Teddy, a nickname he did not like, earned a permanent place in history. Born in 1858, Theodore was a governor of New York before becoming the youngest man to assume the U. S. presidency at 42. Without making it a history lesson, a quick read of his biographical sketch is very worthwhile. In our political world today I am still looking for a unifying leader fromeither major party and do think at times we need a new “Bull Moose” party to break the current partisan dead lock. Roosevelt gave us the “square deal”, the National Monument Act, earned the Nobel Peace Prize, posthumously-the Medal of Honor, made some initial steps toward desegregation and women’s suffrage, the Roosevelt Corollary, the Great White Fleet..it is a long list. It was said he was as effective as he was charismatic and was an impassioned speaker with a combination of pounding fists and emphatic rhetoric. Rosevelt is not without his detractors but what a tremendous leader at a pivotal time in our history.
Roosevelt made lasting observations. A few tell the tale: “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” On Leadership: “People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. A leader leads, and the boss drives.” And on attitude: “Believe you can and you’re half way there.”
I am vowing to find a way to make a difference in my community. I will not be riding a horse up a hill into battle but am going to get more involved.
Enjoy the week end. Mike