America’s 250th anniversary. My first thought on the 4th of July was how much gratitude I had to be here, especially during this time period.
There are a lot of feelings about America as a whole, both positive and negative, so I thought I’d take some time to look back on why we’re the greatest nation the world has ever seen.
For many, America’s “greatness” lies not in perfection, but in its unique ability to continuously self-correct and strive toward its founding ideals. I think too many conversations have focused on our mistakes instead of the great culture we’ve formed here in America.
It was fun to look around at some of the top things our great nation is and should be known for. I pasted some of those at the bottom if you want to nerd out a little on our history.
Spent this past week in Denver with Elizabeth and her friends. I had a great time! Exploring Denver was our goal, and we did great. I know it’s a place where she would consider living long term, and I’m happy to investigate with an open mind.
I learned a lot as per usual.
First, a good reminder: getting myself all worked up is never a good idea. I let a broken down electric scooter and some heat get me all pissed off.
Was I hangry? Yes. With that said, I needed to breathe.
About 10 minutes after that incident went down, I sat at dinner with Elizabeth, who was visibly frustrated (reasonably so). I told her I was aware I got worked up and that I am addressing it. I asked her, if she were to see me getting worked up, to tell me to breathe if she remembers to do so.
It works 100% of the time. It’s not her responsibility, but I trust her and would take her gesture seriously.
Next up was some great time with two of her friends, Matt and Will.
These guys do a lot of things much differently than I do. I enjoy hanging out with them because it allows me to see the world, in many ways, through a different lens.
To be clear, I see us with more similarities than differences (by a mile), but we have different lifestyles and also have some different political views.
That led to a very nice conversation with Matt. He has a really interesting and valuable view on capitalism. I really enjoyed listening to him.
Something that stuck out to me was his opinion on Capitalism. In short, there’s a better way to do this, and he didn’t have the answer but believes there is one.
I can get on board with that. I liked hearing where he was coming from.
It’s nice to see good people who are passionate about positive change in the world, especially when their vision is somewhat different than mine.
It’s even easier to listen to a different opinion when the actions of that person are GOOD. That’s the case with Matt.
It was a really fun and exploratory experience in Denver. I very much enjoyed watching the boys play in an AVP tournament as well as playing a little myself.
Of course, I always enjoy beautiful dinners and exploring with my dear Elizabeth.
I’ve officially chosen my favorite Denver brewery. If you end up in Denver, head to Cerebral and order their flagship Hazy! You’re gonna love it.
On the business front, it’s an action packed week. We’ve officially expanded our sales team and the risk/reward is ON. Brian has had a great start to a more robust Sales Director position, and we’re only getting started.
Amongst the rest of the companies in my portfolio are growing pains, steps forward, and short term losses. The good thing is, those short term losses will lead to long term wins when handled correctly.
My mindset this week:
There are a lot of good things I can do for people if I focus on the right things.
I want to continue to do good things, great things, for people that deserve them.
It starts by taking care of myself, and I’ll be spending extra time this week doing that.
Chin up, shoulders back, and cheers to 250 years of this great country.
– SJ
PS: I get to spend the whole week with Wilbur. Can’t wait!
Enjoy a few of accomplishments in our great history below:
- The Spread of Constitutional Democracy
The U.S. Constitution (1787) is the world’s oldest written codification of government still in force. It pioneered a system of checks and balances, federalism, and individual rights (via the Bill of Rights) that served as a blueprint for modern democracies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
- Defeating Totalitarianism (WWII)
As the “Arsenal of Democracy,” the U.S. provided the industrial might and military force critical to defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in World War II. Following the war, the U.S. funded the Marshall Plan, donating over $13 billion (well over $100 billion in today’s money) to rebuild Western Europe and prevent economic collapse.
- The Invention of the Internet and the Digital Age
Originally conceived as ARPANET by the U.S. Department of Defense, the internet was developed and commercialized largely by American scientists and tech companies. This, alongside the personal computer and smartphone, fundamentally transformed global communication, commerce, and access to information.
4. Global Aviation
From the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight in 1903 to the creation of the modern commercial aviation industry, American innovation effectively shrank the globe, making international travel, trade, and diplomacy accessible to mankind.
- Eradication of Diseases and Medical Breakthroughs
American funding and research have saved billions of lives worldwide. Key examples include:
The Polio Vaccine: Developed by Jonas Salk in 1955 and given to the world without a patent.
PEPFAR: Launched in 2003, this U.S. government initiative has saved over 25 million lives by providing HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The Green Revolution
American agronomist Norman Borlaug led the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant cereal crops in the mid-20th century. His work, heavily backed by U.S. institutions, is credited with saving over one billion people from starvation worldwide, particularly in Mexico, India, and Pakistan.
- Space Exploration and the Apollo Program
In 1969, NASA successfully landed humans on the moon. The Apollo program not only expanded humanity’s horizons but also catalyzed massive technological leaps in computing, materials science, and telecommunications that the entire world uses today.
- Establishing the Modern International Order
Following WWII, the U.S. was the primary architect of the global institutional framework designed to prevent a third world war and foster economic stability. This includes the creation of the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and NATO.
- Mass Global Philanthropy
The U.S. consistently ranks at or near the top of the World Giving Index. Beyond government foreign aid, American private philanthropy—driven by organizations like the Gates Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and millions of individual citizens—pours tens of billions of dollars annually into global poverty alleviation, education, and disaster relief.
- Cultural and Technological Globalization
From Hollywood and jazz to blue jeans and fast food, American culture has served as a global lingua franca. More importantly, American companies pioneered modern mass production (the assembly line) and corporate structures that optimized global supply chains, lifting millions out of poverty worldwide through trade.