FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER AD 2009

1143L MDT

I have finished a reading a book on Tuesday and working on a second. I am currently reading the book A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. As I read, I am taken by the motto of the Stark clan: Winter is coming. The fact today is winter is coming in many ways. Here winter is a matter of weeks away. Snow is already falling in much of Colorado. Are you ready for winter? The ice, the snow, and, worst of all, the biting, biting cold.

Not just the fact the seasons are changing, but the fact that the institutions that we have had to rely on are changing makes me think we are in for a long, hard winter. It is hard to believe in anyone or anything without having to verify their words and deeds before trusting them. When two of the three American car companies are sitting in the White House, when many banks have the stamp of approval of the US government, when the government is growing by leaps and bounds, it is time for you to evaluate yourself and what you believe. Can people rely on you? Can they trust you? When things get bad, are you one of the valiant ones or one of the followers?

Winter is coming. How will you fare through it?

SEMPER EXCUBITUM

MICHAEL B. SMITH