"DON'T LET THE MAN GET YA"

"MY PAPA SAID SON, DON'T LET THE MAN GET YA, AND DO WHAT HE DONE TO ME"

A while back I got word that my health insurance plan was being 'eliminated', and I had to pay the New York State $80 to ask them to give my youngest daughter permission to learn to drive. So I took the advice in the title above (from “Born on the Bayou, CCR).

A few of my sons and I (including Ben and Jon) did a road trip to Albany and met up with Colonel Mark Tallo, my wild and crazy 'little' brother. We then spent two and a half profound hours with the man called "the Old Testament Prophet of rock and roll"

Yes, I refer to Mr. John Fogerty, who came through the dark night of the soul a while back and speaks through his music like a preacher crying in the wilderness.

And what is his message?

Brutal Truth

Family

Faith

Courage

Hard Work

Say what you mean; mean what you say.

Excellence in everything you do.

An honest soul

Check out a newer song, "Train of Fools", and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I have never met him, yet we are kindred in so many ways. He sees the "man" as he is:

Self-absorbed, and consumed with power (and winning the next election, of course).

So, my brother and my boys and I drank in 2 1/2 hours of excellence, from a guy now in his 70s, who loves his family more than his own life.

Reminds me of the MAN I preach about every Sunday. Hmmm. So, if you see a "Bad Moon Rising", it probably is.

What can you do about it?

"Keep On Chooglin" with integrity, do the little things well every day, remember that we are truly "Fortunate Sons (and Daughters)", and love your family until you cross the great river when your name is called.

Thanks, John, for being the real deal for so many decades. Not many people can say that. And thanks for caring about us 'little folk', who still work for a living.

May your generations walk in the King's blessings.