You are not the only person who asks themselves that question.

See you, my friend,

Bob

Fantastic writing as usual. Much needed in a day and age where reading and writing are becoming a lost art.

Thanks for sharing your gift! Keep it coming.

Your friend,

Dobie

There is no existing posters of the 70/40 essay. But there can be. I’m glad you like it. feel free to tell me if you have any questions about any of the other stores, if you wish.

See you,
Bob

My heart was touched by your essay “When We are 70 and you are 40″. I thought the messy rooms still mattered!!
Anyway, I wondered if you have printed that as a poster.
Maybe I have it in my inventory, I’ll check in the morning, or when I’m closer to being 67 by nine hours!

From Kansas, my regards to all. Marilyn

It is very thoughtful of you to respond, so thank you. Now, whoever reads my latest story will also read your description of TM, which is welcome of course. Maybe it could be introduced to the US Congress. It couldn’t hurt.

My goal in that last line was to list very different or more obscure organizations, cults or groups that can safely express themselves without fear of suppression in this country. My middle daughter was interested in learning about Wicca and its history. I was happy she was curious and that she was learning, too.

I know TM isn’t a religion. But it is widely practiced and respected, and so I thought:
“Why not include it?”

If you are curious, please read my other stories. maybe you’ll get interested and want to know more.

Thanks again for writing to me.
Bob Katzman

I expect to learn primitive Spanish. My coming grandchild will be 25% Native American and also be bilingual. Sarah is taking Spanish this fall. Joy already took it 40 years ago. I already know commercial Spanish for cut and dried transactions.

I see the future clearly, from my own perspective but cluttered by emotion and a sense of fairplay. I am part of a tiny minority and feel that way…think that way. I also had 12 years of 4 different languages between 1958 and 1970. I was terrible at all of them.

I want your opinion up there because you represent a certain specific point of view. It is not important that you agree with me (although I like you),but it matters to me that you are willing to take the time to be part of the conversation. Better words than rocks. That’s what Israel is, right now, on a good day.

I welcome more civilized perspectives and I want people to read my thoughts in hopes I can influence a gentlness during the cultural transition.

It used to be, among the more demographically alert US citizens that,

“Well, I know that Spanish will be coming here in a big wave,SOME day…” Now,Jyll, that day is here.

Via con Dios
Bob Katzman

I, as do most Americans, come from a family of immigrants; maternally from Ireland and Great Britain and paternally from Germany. Somewhere along the line there was a merger of one of these families with a native American, adding another unique culture to the mix. I also believe that the preservation of these cultures is imperative for our descendants to understand their roots, as is the preservaton of the native languages.

However, I loathe the day that I am required to fluently converse in a language other than my own in order to communicate with my customers. Would it be handy? Yes, indeed! Communication is key to understanding, but should I move to France I would not expect the French to speak English (although many do). I would expect to learn the language of the land. Since we have long lost the dialects of native America, that language in the U.S. is English.

On the other hand, I also believe that having command of more than one language is a great asset. I just don’t want to be told that I have to. Is this a sign of old age? We are a land made of immigrants from many, many lands, cultures, and with as many native languages, yet until recently those who choose to come here have been willing to learn the language of the land. I don’t understand the unwillingness to learn English. People come here for new opportunity and new experiences. One of those experiences should include learning to communicate with 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Americans. That’s just my opinion.

Viva the melting pot!

Thanks for writing another great article. I believe you captured the essence of a true American.

Don