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Special Edition - September 11th, 2009 

 

 Angela Lao
 
In thinking about this special and tragic day in our history, I thought I would reprint some of my words from eight years ago, at right.
 
As I looked at what I had written, at first I feared I was too optimistic. Upon further reflection, though, I realized I wasn't, merely a little premature. The New American Renaissance is not lost, just
sidetracked a bit.
 
This is a tough time, no doubt. We have lived through a series of financial crises only to see them punctuated with a partisan and contentious political environment. It seems our elected officials have forgotten that they work for us, not the other way around.
 
I know it never feels this way, but we have lived through all of this and worse before, and we have always emerged better and stronger in the end. History will repeat itself and the New American Century, The American Renaissance, will resume. 
 
Cordially,
Robert
 

REMINDER FOR ESTIMATED TAX FILERS 

 
Tuesday, September 15th is the deadline for your 3rd quarter payments. 
 
Don't be late! 
 
   
 
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The next issue will feature a review of the tumultuous year in finance.
 
 

A Few Thoughts on September 11th 

October 1st, 2001 (reprinted)
 
First and above all, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who have suffered due to the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Of course, there is not one of us who has not been touched by this in one way or another.
 
As we try to comprehend fully the human cost of what has happened, and each of us grieve in our own way, I look forward today with great optimism; perhaps more than at any other time in my quarter century of advising people about their money.
 
The attack on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon and the attempted attack on the White House was not an attack on human lives or real estate. That, in the hideous words of the perpetrators, is collateral damage. The real target was the American Economy, the American Government and, more than anything, the American Spirit. 
 
THEY MISSED ON ALL ACCOUNTS!!!
 
Six days after the attack, the American Capital Markets were functioning perfectly. It does not matter that the prices of stocks dropped dramatically on that first day and continued to do so before they began their recovery. Remember, every share of stock that was sold was purchased by someone else. The attack was not on the price of a share of stock, it was on the system,
AND THEY MISSED.
 
The American Government was not touched! While mourning their friends and loved ones, and managing their own level of shock, our government never stopped operating. Certainly, I have differed with policies and individuals in our government before and I am sure I will do so again. However, never for a moment did I doubt that what the founders of this nation died for over two hundred years ago is the most precious creation in the history of humankind. The IDEA of America is unbreakable. They hit a building in Washington, they killed our sisters and brothers, but they had aimed for our government,
AND THEY MISSED.
 
More than anything, their target was the American spirit. If they could not bring down the economy or the government directly, then the panic and the discord and the partisanship would do it for them. What have we seen instead? A rebirth and invigoration of the American Spirit. Sure, the cynics will tell you that the flags will disappear soon. Unanimous votes in Congress will again be a thing of the past and serious debate will return with regard to what we do next, as well it should.  But this American Renaissance will continue.  It might even be the beginning of a Global Renaissance. The events of three weeks ago did not polarize the world, as they had hoped. Instead, they galvanized America and the world against these kinds of acts.
 
THEY AIMED FOR THE AMERICAN SPIRIT,
AND THEY MISSED !!!

 
We survived the most vicious attack from outside our borders that we have ever seen, and emerged, undeterred, stronger than ever. Cast in sorrow and forged by our inherent strength, let this be the real beginning of the new American Century. If that is not cause for optimism, I don't know what is.

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