Words to Live By Since 1993 A SPIFF Publication Vol. 3, No. 2 Why don't you just fax it to me, just between you and me? Free at Last! As promised, your intrepid WTLB publishers were witness to history last week as the balance of power in Washington shifted after forty long and dark years. The feeling in our nation's capital was nothing short of astounding as hordes of joyous Republicans filled the city with parties, ceremonies, and dinners. Yes, it was exciting to see Tennessee's two new Republican Senators sworn in. Yes, it was a thrill to be in Washington as Speaker Newt rammed through sweeping changes in the House, and placed a headlock on the libs that will be tough to break. It was incredible to watch as Maxine Waters, of the thirty-year-old Los Angeles utes, screamed incredulously, "Why can't I introduce my amendment?!" on the House floor as the stark reality of her new powerless status began to sink in. But more than anything, last week was a time to reflect on the enormity of our recent accomplishments and the size of the task ahead. If there is to be a brave new world, the men and women sworn in last week will be those who lead us toward it. If we are to change not just the policies of the government, but the way our nation thinks, it will take time. Eventually, if we are successful, people will not look to Washington for answers to their problems. Their solutions and their money will be found in the neighborhood, the communities, and the schools. One day, this government monster under which we have labored for so long will be found only in the history books that our children and grandchildren read. When that time comes, we will also see a rebirth of the values that made this country one that people died to find, to settle, and to defend. Oh, sure, there are still those who think the old way. As one of your Spiff leaders was passing by the Capitol on Tuesday morning, a member of Congress was having his picture taken in front of the dome and was joking about the little newspapers back in the rural parts of his district that would print anything he sent. Some of the old thinking remains. As we were touring around the Capitol, listening to the conversations of the members and their staffs, it struck us that the people in the building did not live up to where they were. In the rooms where Henry Clay, Abraham Lincoln, Sam Houston, and so many other great Americans forged this nation's path, we now see people like Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer. It doesn't seem to fit. They will make it difficult to create that brave new world, but if we can get rid of Jim Sasser, we can do just about anything. We cannot possibly end this article without mentioning the man who gave voice and spirit to what they now call a revolution. In 1988, Ronald Reagan, The President, speaking of our relationship with what was then the Soviet Union, said something that rings true as we assume the responsibility for this great undertaking_ this brave new world. "We do not know what the final outcome of this journey will be, but we are hopeful." Just So You Know Against our better judgment, while in Washington, your Spiff publishers decided to take a tour of the White House. After waiting outside the gate and being fitted for our bullet-proof vests, we entered the White House. To our stunned, yet happy amazement, we were immediately greeted by a picture of Mrs. The President in the entrance hallway. Although upon further reflection, we realized that it was probably placed in the entrance hallway because President Clinton never uses that entrance. (Neither does Bill.) We would not want reminders of what it was like to have grace and style in the White House while we are going about the daily business of socializing the country, now would we? We passed through many of the rooms, taking note of each important event that happened there and remembering that The President had been in each of them for one reason or another. And as we finished the tour, we were passing the stairs up to the living quarters on our way out, when we looked up on the staircase and saw a huge, wonderful portrait of The President. The first thought we had was that we hoped President Clinton and Bill use those steps every night on their way to bed. The security guards would not allow us to get close enough to see if any current occupants had allowed Socks to use the portrait as a scratchpost. We would not be surprised. But who cares? The Reagans may be gone, but the revolution lives on. Quote of the weak: "The Middle Class." White House Communications Director Mark Gearan, on the two (?) words that make up President Clinton and Bill's agenda for 1995 Quote of the strong: "I do." Speaker Newt Gingrich, taking his oath Words to Live By is published every week at about this time by Spiff. You can send a fax to us here in the Spiff Executive Plaza, towering over beautiful downtown Donelson, Tennessee at 615-883-0435.