America...

I don't talk about politics anymore, and that has worked well for the last couple of years. But I have reflected on the "make America great again" slogan many times recently, and I have to say that whoever decided America isn't great at the moment was mistaken.  Let's go for a quick cruise...

If you've ever driven up or down I-95, or ridden in a bus, cab, tow truck or on a train that runs near it, you have seen signs for South of the Border. Yes, the heart of Americana (and thus America), just a few hundred feet into South Carolina, is a shining example of America's greatness. Loved by northerners for easy access to fireworks, and loved by southerners for its kitschiness, South of the Border represents the American dream (albeit under a giant sombrero).

How the heck does S.O.T.B. represent America's greatness, you ask? Well, ask yourself this: What other countries in the world have opportunities for entrepreneurs to build tacky gift shops, and advertise them for so many hundreds of miles that the kids are begging you to stop there and get them a t-shirt? That is a uniquely American phenomenon, and it a perfect example of what continues to make America great. If you have a dream, you can chase it here in America. Even if your dream is to sell key chains and salt and pepper shakers in Dillon, SC.  People want to come here because it is a great country, not because it used to be one...

Again, I won't get on a political bandwagon here (or anywhere else anymore), but I think America continues to be pretty great.  If someone had a slogan that said "make America even greater" I might be inclined to listen to some of his or her rhetoric. But I don't think we'll see that rolled out any time soon.  And by the way, if you've never stopped at South of the Border, you really should.  It's a fun little place, and they have been around for over 50 years. Pedro is aging better than I am...

http://www.thesouthoftheborder.com/