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Why I’m Planting a White Rose Bush in My Garden This Year
Resistance to tyranny doesn’t have to be violent, just persistent
My garden is one of my primary joys in life. I grow food and flowers, but more for the pleasure of doing it than for the result. If I had to make my living as a farmer, as my grandparents did, I’d surely starve.
I grew up in a family business. My parents owned and operated a florist and nursery in New Paltz, New York. They were of the Greatest Generation, two of the finest people I’ve ever known.
My parents taught me about gardening, but more importantly, they focused on character and values. They led by example. From their words and examples, I learned how to be a good citizen, neighbor, and friend. They instilled in me things like honesty, modesty, kindness, reverence, consideration for others, and self-respect. I was expected to meet my responsibilities and take responsibility for any actions that fell short of those expectations.
When I grew up in the aftermath of World War II, America was on a high. We had joined with allies across the globe to defeat the forces of evil and build a world where there would be opportunity for everyone, no matter where they started, to end up in a better place.
