I wrote this letter early in the morning of November 5th, 2008. It was sent to all our employees at Nashville Wraps as a statement of encouragement. I did not intend to publish it to the internet, but because of requests from several people I decided to put it on our blog at least for a little while. My hope is that it will help heal our nation and remind us all of our responsibilities… So here it is, including the preface.
Dear Friends and Associates,
You have not really heard me say much if anything about our political system, leaders, taxes or other matters that would somehow put you in an unfair position or hinder you from exercising your freedoms in the workplace. I feel that my responsibility to you is to direct the company so that we all will have the opportunity to live well, contribute, and prosper as best we can. To that end, I have always voted Republican. This election is no different. But like life, business and the rule of law, things change. We adapt, and find ways to grow regardless of circumstances.
My government may take a different path in the next course of years, but my responsibilities remain the same. Who am I? Read and see.
Who am I now?
November 5th, 2008
Am I one of the thousands of Republican businessmen licking his wounds and crying “oh woe is me”? No.
Am I disenfranchised with my country because of this election? No. Is President elect Obama the Democratic President and somehow not mine? No. Am I worried that the face of my business may change because of a more social minded congress? No.
Who am I now?
I am the same person I was yesterday, and the day before that. I do not lick my wounds and neither do my friends and associates, rather we choose to make the necessary changes to our lives and business that will allow us to continue to live and prosper. I am not disenfranchised with my country, rather I have heard the loud voice of its people for change. I have lead our businesses through inflation, recession, apathy, war, life, death, sickness and health and have found ways to not only hold on, but to succeed. Only in this great country are their opportunities such as this, so no, I am not worried about the American government becoming a socialist government. No, I am not going to be a dissenter and no I am not going to cry about this election.
Who am I now?
I am an American small businessman. I am resilient. I have opportunity. I am limited only by my own intelligence, determination, effort and sheer will. I am only as good as the people that surround me, understand me and work with me, and they are the best. I am an American citizen, supporter, mentor, catalyst for change, and steady hand on the keel.
Who am I now?
I am an American citizen and taxpayer. I have seen income taxes far greater than 50%. I was leery about an actor becoming president but watched him turn into one of the great leaders. I have grown a family and a business through, with and even despite Presidents; Nixon, Ford, Carter, Regan, Bush, Clinton and Bush again. I have heard a man with a dream talk about equality, decency and freedom and hope that it will be applied fairly. Equality is the equal opportunity to prosper, not taking from those who prosper and equally dividing it to those who don’t. That isn’t crying. it is simply exercising my freedom, performing my duty and shaping my future and the futures of my family, friends, employees, and fellow citizens regardless of their walk of life.
God Bless America
Robby Meadows, Nashville Wraps
