Remember – help is always needed. Even if we don’t ask, we appreciate it. If we fail to say thanks, don’t think we aren’t thankful. If a problem is getting you down, don’t be afraid to call a friend. He just might be waiting for the call.
Howdy Folks,
I’m starting this letter with something I wrote in March of 2010. It pretty well sums up the way I have felt for the last couple of years. I want to thank all the members of the Association who have given their time, friendship, prayers, and support to me and the NMCGA. To the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, thanks for the support you all have given. I always felt I was backed by the best crew of hands in the whole of America. Thanks to the Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs for all that was done to have successful meetings. Folks, we should all be thankful for the staff and office help that we have. I don’t think there are any better. Also, thanks to my wife, Debbie, for all her help.
A big hats off to all the sponsors. Without your support, it would be tough putting on the convention. Thanks to all who supported the silent auction, by donating gifts or by bidding on items. The money raised goes a long ways to keeping our presence known in Santa Fe. Cowboy Christmas was also a big success thanks to the authors and artists that attended.
Congratulations to all the award recipients. They were well deserved. Each of you has gone out of your way to help strengthen the Association and the cattle industry. We could always count on you in times of need. Good luck to Rex with his term in office. I know he will do a great job and we are all lucky to have him representing us. I also know Carol and the boys will keep him lined out on the right trail while in office. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone, but if I failed to say thanks, don’t think I’m not thankful.
I think back to what was affecting us when my presidency began. The nation was in economic turmoil, natural disasters were happening worldwide, prices were going through the roof, the border was insecure, unemployment was hitting highs, and the state was hurting for moisture. Boy, what a difference two years have made. I wish I could say all is hunky-dory, but if anything, we are probably in worse shape than we were two years ago. Obama promised change — we sure are experiencing it. He is trying his best to make this nation swallow a pill that won’t fit down our throats, and with no water to wash it down with. History may show that his cabinet and the departments they control may be one of the most corrupt or inept our nation has seen in a long time. You name a Department and someone can bring up some shady deal that department was involved in. The Interior Department doesn’t give us a warm feeling of security for grazing, logging, mining, or gas and oil production on multi-use lands, the Justice Department sure makes us feel safe with all the gun deals with the Mexican drug cartels, USDA can’t tell the difference between grass from cactus, the DOL wants to control our kids, the head of the Treasury can’t fill out a tax return correctly, and I won’t even mention the Environmental, Energy, Transportation, or Education Departments. Even with all their corruption and ineptitude, what worries me more is the amount of control they carry. Congress gave them the power to do almost anything they want without oversight and boy howdy they have chosen to do it. I pray that we can stand strong and bring back this nation to the grandeur that we have all seen in her.
Well, I’ve rode this ‘ole horse for the last couple of years, been down many trails and seen lots of country. It’s about time I unsaddle and turn this ‘ole pony out to pasture. I know Rex will do a great job keeping the herd together and headed up the best trails.
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. – James 4:17 (N L T)