Your quarterly newsletter from American Values Investments, Inc.

Morning in America

Weeping may last for the night,

but a shout of joy comes in the morning.

Carter LeCraw, CEO

"It's morning again in America" were the first words of a TV ad used in Ronald Reagan's 1984 reelection campaign. I found it on YouTube.

It highlighted the signs of life in our nation's economy as an example of the positive results of Reagan's first term in office. Optimism may have ruled then, but today, with so many economic, social and moral problems, many are struggling to see even glimmers of an early dawn much less a bright new morning for America

But in reality the stage IS set, our people ARE ready, and the world IS watching. Like other pivotal and precarious times in our history America is poised to rise to a brave new level of leadership and example on the world's stage. Today's deepening darkness is precisely the catalyst that is awakening millions of average Americans to act. Strains of, as Francis Scott Key put it, "dawn's early light", are here, and, like other times past, "Morning in America" is just around the bend.

My son (Peter, age 14) and I had our own first-hand glimpse of the dawn as we paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC on 9/12/2009 with, what some estimated as over one million, people. Some say we were protesting Big Government, but I say we were promoting faith and freedom which together are the best source of hope and change for America and the world. The atmosphere was safe, warm, friendly, and fun. We all experienced a remarkable kinship of people ready to act for positive cultural renewal. I was on a "high" for next two weeks.

It's great to have a pep rally, but now it's time to act. I have some thoughts.

First of all, we can NOT give in to discouragement in the face of the negative "waves" that are so prevalent and constant. It's disturbing that even some religious leaders seem to have forgotten America's historical habit of righting herself in times of great upheaval and distress. Yes, there are numerous examples of how evil is winning many battles, but genuine goodness is much stronger and can and will ultimately win the war.

Next we must NOT focus only on fighting what is evil. This is, of course, important, but it only keeps us from full scale retreat. Defense helps, but we need a strong , inspired offense to score some points. As Calvin Coolidge said, "Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil; our great hope lies in developing what is good." The watching world wants to see positive alternatives to supplant, replace and ultimately destroy the "bad stuff".

Opportunities to heed the advice of President Coolidge are increasing. Some are even influencing the entertainment industry. One example, about which I am particularly excited, is a new movie, "Letters to God". Movie Guide, an organization that rates movies based on family friendly content, states, " 'Letters to God' is an entertaining, heart-rending, and inspiring story about a boy with cancer whose letters to God change the lives of the people around him." What a great alternative for movie audiences across America. I am grateful for a visionary financial professional and personal friend, Glenn Repple, whose organization, GA Repple and Company, raised capital for this inspiring project.

Whether it be in entertainment, the business arena or simply our homes, there are jobs for everyone who loves and cares deeply for the principles and values that represent America. No matter how insignificant it may seem, each positive act of patriotism will help. Be creative, just do something. If you are lacking ideas call me.

We, at American Values Investments, are trying to do our part. Actually, we do little, it's what our investors do that REALLY matters. By investing in public companies that are immersed in, exude and are operated by timeless American values, investors make a significant contribution to rebuilding the values upon which our country was and continues to be built.

These companies, we call American Hero Companies, are on the front line of culture fighting to create products and services that make a difference and help move America forward. What they do is important but HOW they do it is critical. Temptations abound to cut corners on key values like Integrity, Humility, Diligence and Caring, in favor of public opinion or short term profits. They deserve our financial support. More often than not, these companies outperform their competitors, but this should not be our main reason for investing; we invest to build a better America for ourselves and future generations.

The patriotic season, which runs from Memorial day to Independence Day, is a great time to refresh our resolve, with God's help, to do something for the country that has done so much for us. Above all, be encouraged, for beyond the glimmers of "dawn's early light" is a bright new "Morning in America".