Frank Sinatra, right?

And now the end is here and so I face the final curtain, My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain…….. I did it my way

How nice to be free, to be independent, and by the way it is nice to have one’s kids be independent also. Do you happen to know what they call Independence Day in England? Thanksgiving Day! Yes, one is really not independent until one’s offspring is independent.

Freedom sounds wonderful! But as one walks in freedom, he learns that freedom is somewhat of a myth. You see, a free nation only exists because its citizens set boundaries. And, of course, setting boundaries, is generally understood to be the opposite of freedom.

As it relates to philosophy of government, I am glad to live in a “free” nation. But as it relates to individuals, freedom is a mirage. It is not real. Looks good, but it cannot be reached. We must set our own boundaries or else someone else will set them for us. I think of a 6th grade school teacher who told me that I could do anything I wanted to do as long as I wanted to do right! My boundaries must be right and not just right for me, but my desires must not clash with yours, or you might put your fist in my face; my desires must not clash with my government, or I might land up in jail; my desires must clash with my conscience, or I might end up with ulcers.

I once backed into a car in a parking lot. I could have gone on, but I stopped and got out to check the damage. A guy in a pickup yelled, “Did you hit that car?” I said that I did. He said, “You better go report it.” Made me mad. I said, “What do you think I’m doing?” You see I wanted to set my own boundaries. I didn’t want him telling me what to do; I didn’t need him to do so. I wanted to be my own boss.

I’ll be back tomorrow with “the rest of the story.” Meanwhile do you accept what I have said so far?