Our essay contest winner Jake Walters from Peosta, Iowa arrived on July 8th with his father Jeff and got to experience Boston in a very special way. After checking into the hotel the guys met Tagg in Kenmore square and headed into Fenway. While sitting on the 3rd base line they enjoyed a nail-biter Red Sox win that included a David Ortiz home run and a few Fenway Franks. Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks to Jake for a great essay.
The Walters arrive in Boston
Governor Romney calls Jake to say congratulations and talk a little politics.
David Ortiz puts on a show with a homer over the center field wall.
Tagg, Jake and Jeff after the game.
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1. DS
8:53AM July 17, 2009
Yes, congratulations Jake; we're all jealous. How's Tagg?
Missy, would you be OK with posting Mr. Reynolds' effort here? I'd like to see a forum/message-board feature at FSA, and maybe if we posted our mini-essays it would prompt greater conversation here and achieve that end.
Here is what I submitted (I didn't really do a first-person because I don't like writing that wa; instead I tried a formulaic, macrolook at the reality of the situation, which was maybe too broad or generic for 250 words, but it forced me to be succint—so I am happy with it) :
Free & Strong Extant
America has always been at her best when promoting peace and prosperity around the world. Yet neither is everlasting, nor can even be attained, if our primary duties of protecting the homeland and enabling fellow citizens the pursuit of happiness are neglected or hindered.
It is a culture of trust whereupon the ideals of our free society are established and enjoyed. We trust our elected officials to do what is best to ensure our well-being, and they trust us to create and innovate, manage and modify, assemble and trade. As trust diminishes, distrust and cynicism rise; apathy lurks.
Whether ethics failure or lapse in judgement, when our officials disappoint or their policies yield poor performance, the unrelenting fog of blame descends to obscure truth and clarity as accountability makes off like a thief in the night. Citizenry suffers. At home, checks and balances and free elections usually suffice to curb these inadequacies. Abroad, however, can present a different story.
The world is plush with competition for resources, wealth, stature and power. As time has marched on, representative governments have proven to be the best path to peace and prosperity, time and again besting repressive regimes and authoritarian rule. If perception and posture are allowed to affect foreign policy, our competitive advantage becomes compromised and the principles that serve as its foundation are risked.
Idealism may work only when realism provides for it. Realism can only provide for it when strength—the condition that upholds peace and prosperity—thrives.
2. Missy
9:50AM July 15, 2009
Congrats to Jake! However Matthew "Mac" Reynolds, at the very least, deserved an honorable mention!