Walking in the hollow on a mild October morning always brings me in mind of Washington Irving. He saw what was there and imagined something different. He saw a man on horseback, late for home, carrying a pumpkin and imagined an American classic. I see what is around me and wonder about those who walked before me, centuries ago.
I wonder about those who were allowed to grab land given to them by the government with the stipulation that they worked the land. These people were called settlers and pioneers and were adored in our history. Sometimes, when the winters were harsh, the government would throw their way a little feed for the livestock and food for the families. When the original land occupiers (Native Americans) returned to chase them off, the government provided military protection for these settlers. Individual pioneers couldn't fight off a band of Indians.
I wonder about another time when the down trodden were given a chance to regain their dignity. Folks that tried and failed were called pioneers and their names were sung in song.
Today, these settlers would be part of the "47% of our nation looking for a handout".
I wonder about those who were allowed to grab land given to them by the government with the stipulation that they worked the land. These people were called settlers and pioneers and were adored in our history. Sometimes, when the winters were harsh, the government would throw their way a little feed for the livestock and food for the families. When the original land occupiers (Native Americans) returned to chase them off, the government provided military protection for these settlers. Individual pioneers couldn't fight off a band of Indians.
I wonder about another time when the down trodden were given a chance to regain their dignity. Folks that tried and failed were called pioneers and their names were sung in song.
Today, these settlers would be part of the "47% of our nation looking for a handout".
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