27 July 2013

Remembering the Past, Forging Ahead

There's a reason why older folks (not old, just older than they used to be) start to fall into the "remember when..?" trap, which some younger folk tend to dislike after awhile. The past is a familiar place ... and for them (us?), it's just that there's so much of it. Heh.

You whippersnappers don't remember when cars had personality


In the same way, bloggers of a certain age are fond of talking about the way things used to be ... and there's nothing wrong with reminding everyone that while things change, not all change is for the better.

When more people were aware of our heritage, the Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities under that Constitution, government was watched closely ... and held at bay when needed.

Folks were naturally suspicious of elected officials who wanted more power. Self-reliance was the way people lived, for the most part. We thought government-sponsored "welfare" was a bad idea, and could see almost at once how it produced a dependent class.

Folks didn't need classes on "how to do it yourself" at a big-box store, because Dad taught us. Hardware stores sold tools and parts, and working on a car was just something we did, as did our fathers before us.

Change the plugs and timing, points and distributor, the oil, brakes, axle seals, engine components ... no problem. We took pride in a job well done.

We liked doing things for ourselves, and viewed with dislike the increasingly-difficult task of maintaining a vehicle as more and more of the controls became computerized, enclosed, or otherwise inaccessible to the back-yard mechanic.


People took pride in their independence, and didn't back down from governmental bullies. We spoke up when necessary, and insisted that the powers-that-be must listen to us. Too many now, it seems, are either content with the way things are, or feel hopeless and overwhelmed in the face of such rapid and sweeping changes.

We can't allow ourselves to get so caught up in the way things used to be that we lose sight of what lies before us. The Apostle Paul wasn't talking about this topic, but his words in Philippians 3:15 are appropriate: "I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal...".* 

Keeping in mind our heritage, and the lessons of our forefathers, we must press on, fighting the good fight. Society may be in disarray, but there are too many of us who know what can be, to settle for a long, slow slide into 3rd world obscurity.


Time to get to work

We know what to do, so let's keep going!


* J.B. Phillips English New Testament

10 comments:

Borepatch said...

Bet you can't hack that car.

Rev. Paul said...

Nope, I'm thinking she's bullet-proof. Unlike these modern fiberglass PCs on wheels...

Keads said...

I know for a fact there are three cars here that are NOT based on the CAN system and cannot be hacked. I have DeviceNet at work, a variant of that system. My autos look very similar to your photos.

I have a fiberglass PC on wheels. I have 1600 miles on it after 10 months. It is the most surefooted, fastest, and most stopping car here. I am reminded of an old quote. "Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither." I know it has a black box device and location tracking.

I love the convenience of this thing with the technology it has. At the same time I as you had a Father that taught me skills that carry today. It pains me to ask anyone for help no matter how slight.

This was a great post Shepard!


Rev. Paul said...

Thank you, Kelly. You've made my morning!

Old NFO said...

Nicely done, and that is either a Road Runner or Charger from the early 70's... :-)

Rev. Paul said...

Thanks, NFO - and close, but no cigars. It's a '68 Super Bee - the car I drove in college. :)

drjim said...

GREAT post!

My father taught me many things, and I've tried my best to pass them on to my son, who seems to have picked things up quite nicely.

I had him over here to "help" me change out the rear struts on my wife's car after I got out of the hospital, and he wound up doing ALL the work, and he did it 100% correctly.

Even wiped off the tools and put them way when he was done.

Brought a tear to my eye....

I knew it was a Dodge as soon as I saw the dashboard, just couldn't decide if it was a Charger or Super Bee.

Is it a 383 or 440?

Rev. Paul said...

Thanks, drjim. Sounds like your raised your son right.

The Bee is a 383 ... the one rated 335hp. You know, the one that actually produces 400hp on a dyno. :)

Six said...

Makes me so thankful for my beloved grandfather who taught me the things a man needs to know. Great post Rev.!

Rev. Paul said...

Thank you, Six. Sounds like your grandfather would have been a good man to know.