Every day she wears the same thing, I think she smokes pot...
This morning, before my dad left for the Twin Cities for the weekend, he woke me up and gave me a cash envelope, and this really fancy box with a specially minted constitution coin. There was also a note attached, that he wrote on December 7th, 1987. It sheds amazing insight into what my parents and undoubtedly the country as a whole was feeling that night.
*****
Dear Thomas,
The year of your birth, 1987, marks the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. The coin commemorates the signing of the document. The implementation of the ideals set forth in the constitution have far-reaching affects on you and me.
Today, December 7th, 1987, also is an important anniversary date. This day, in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Initiating America's involvement in WWII. To avoid massive casualties inevitable with an invasion of Japan, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. This brought an end to the war, but began an escalation of nuclear weapons which exists today. The nuclear threat is one of the greatest magnitude and exists primarily between the Soviet Union and our country, East vs. West.
Today, December 7, 1987, is also a monumental day. Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union, will arrive this afternoon in Washington, D.C. He will meet with President Ronald Reagan to sign a mutual arms reduction pact, potentially a most significant step toward nuclear disarmament.
The relationship of the two superpower nations has deteriorated to an unprecedented level of distrust and misunderstanding. Mr. Gorbachev's visit may be the turning point in this dangerous, adversarial relationship.
Mr. Gorbachev's policy of open communication and sincerity is impressive, however, President Reagan has taken a more moderate stance, realizing the opportunity for historic movement. We realize the convrete implications of this treaty alone will not markedly change our situation in this world. However, movement toward trust and ultimately long-standing peace is one of utmost importance.
I can't think of a better gift for you during your first Christmas, than one of hope for peace in your lifetime and understanding between all nations. I pray you will one day read this letter and wonder why the people of my generation did not work together to solve our mutual problems, as you and your generation will.
You enter the world at a time of Great Hope. Have a Merry First Christmas.
Love, Dad
*****
How's that for a priorities-questioner?
***
I'm hungover, motherFUCK.
*****
Dear Thomas,
The year of your birth, 1987, marks the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. The coin commemorates the signing of the document. The implementation of the ideals set forth in the constitution have far-reaching affects on you and me.
Today, December 7th, 1987, also is an important anniversary date. This day, in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Initiating America's involvement in WWII. To avoid massive casualties inevitable with an invasion of Japan, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. This brought an end to the war, but began an escalation of nuclear weapons which exists today. The nuclear threat is one of the greatest magnitude and exists primarily between the Soviet Union and our country, East vs. West.
Today, December 7, 1987, is also a monumental day. Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union, will arrive this afternoon in Washington, D.C. He will meet with President Ronald Reagan to sign a mutual arms reduction pact, potentially a most significant step toward nuclear disarmament.
The relationship of the two superpower nations has deteriorated to an unprecedented level of distrust and misunderstanding. Mr. Gorbachev's visit may be the turning point in this dangerous, adversarial relationship.
Mr. Gorbachev's policy of open communication and sincerity is impressive, however, President Reagan has taken a more moderate stance, realizing the opportunity for historic movement. We realize the convrete implications of this treaty alone will not markedly change our situation in this world. However, movement toward trust and ultimately long-standing peace is one of utmost importance.
I can't think of a better gift for you during your first Christmas, than one of hope for peace in your lifetime and understanding between all nations. I pray you will one day read this letter and wonder why the people of my generation did not work together to solve our mutual problems, as you and your generation will.
You enter the world at a time of Great Hope. Have a Merry First Christmas.
Love, Dad
*****
How's that for a priorities-questioner?
***
I'm hungover, motherFUCK.