Disney Park Countdown- #5 Disney California Adventure

Drum roll, please... Coming in at Number 5- Disney California Adventure!

Once the laughing stock of the stateside Disney parks, Disneyland's younger sister is in the midst of a makeover fit for an ugly duckling. And what an ugly ducking it was!

Boasting the most unappealing entrance ever to a stateside park, DCA was an enormous failure for the company that produced it. Although the marketing frenzy was in full blitz upon its opening in 2001, the end result was a mish-mash of ideas and quality, and the public was smart enough to notice.

The place couldn't decide exactly what it was. Once inside, an ugly carnival made up the largest piece of real estate in the park, the Hollywood Backlot resembled a junkyard with all the exposed steel, and the quality and quantity of attractions made decades old Disney fans stand up and take notice for all the wrong reasons. The park was so cheaply designed, the concept art even looks mediocre! (Follow my "Bargain Basement Imagineering" series starting here.)

However, there were bits of elegance to be found in the Golden State forest and Winery, with small gems of attractions hidden inside the amazing Animation exhibit. Although the Wharf area consisted of only eateries, all combined these areas did give the park a slight World Showcase feel.

It's been almost a decade since opening, and the park has changed for the better overall. Things that were once weaknesses are beginning to be a small part of its strengths. In an economy still struggling, the many attractions that were imported from Walt Disney World are now saving me a trip to Florida!

I love The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Turtle Talk with Crush. Glad they are here, even if the former comes in an abbreviated form! Two 3D movies from Florida also show up - one from Animal Kingdom and one from the Studios, the Muppets. Then add in an Animation attraction that is better then the one in the Studios. The Great Movie Ride is the only attraction as an excuse left for visiting that Florida park. And it is one that will probably get passed over if I'm ever short on time. 

As far as original attractions, Soarin' Over California, is a favorite! I still consider myself a Californian at heart, so flying over my home state never ceases to thrill me and add a tear to my eye. This attraction so perfectly fits in the park's Condor Flats area. Much more so than it ever can at Epcot's Future World! (But then, Crush fits so much better in The Seas pavilion!) Grizzly River Run seems like an entirely different attraction than the bland and too short Kali River Rapids, even though they are the same commonplace ride system. Lastly, as much as I hate the fact it is without a theme as strong as the other Disney coasters, California Screamin' is just too much fun! Still, there are not many unique attractions, unless you count the state fair types found in Paradise Pier- and I do not.

Of the newest additions, Tower aside, the Monsters Inc. dark ride succeeds the most. The story is great, and the execution far better than most of all the similar "C" ticket rides at Disneyland. Yes, I'd rank it up there- almost with Peter Pan! Other additions fall all over the scale. Bugs Land? Great theming, more carnival rides. Midway Mania? Fun and engaging but the park really didn't need it- aside from being the first piece of a Paradise Pier makeover. The theater presentation of Aladdin is the best Disney theme park production period.

Shopping? California Adventure is hardly worth the time and effort aside from Rushin' River Outfitters and Off the Page; the first for smartly themed outdoor gear and the second for Disney movie fans, as the place is filled with animation art and books on the subject. Everything else? Well, think High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

On the other hand, the dining options were once varied and plentiful, then shabby, and now getting better. (A coffeehouse inside a train? How cool is that?) I think the Disney suits decided its guests really love some great choices along the lines of those found at Epcot's World Showcase and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Looks like eateries and atmosphere for dining are going to get better and better- especially if the terrific Marachi Divas continue to play on the Wharf!

In 2010, we are almost at the half way point in the park's one billion dollar makeover. The results have focused on making the Pier truly a slice of paradise by revamping the steel rides with a fast and cheap cosmetic makeover. The changes to the games, shops, and restaurants are in process. A lavish Little Mermaid attraction is on the way. (Had they built the originally conceived Circle of Hands, would we ever see Mermaid?) There is finally a nighttime show- the well received World of Color. More is on thee way. (In fact, my blog series on California Adventure's art has transformed into a series entitled Imagineering a New Dream- and you can find it here.) As the park now stands, it currently holds some of my favorite attractions from Walt Disney World and will soon add a version of another (Radiator Springs Racers is Test Track transformed.)

Longtime readers of this blog might ask, "What changed your mind about California Adventure?" after noticing it is now above the two lesser parks in Florida. The answer is pretty simple. With a much better variety of attractions and experiences than at opening, the park is becoming a place that is just plain fun! It doesn't shove an agenda in your face like Animal Kingdom, and it isn't just an excuse to push the latest Disney film and its merchandise like the Studios. The future also looks bright with the coming Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. In fact, there is so much change coming, my next "Best Of" list may be revised in a few years.

Speaking of this list, like the transformation of California Adventure, we are also at the half way point. Just as the Walt Disney Studios Paris is in a (poor) class all its own, the three I just ranked are still many notches below the ones remaining. The Top Four ranked parks are so close to each other, it is making committing to my decision difficult. Very difficult.

(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Mel Gibson Waiting Repair

For a man once on top of the world, Mel Gibson has sunk to the bottom of the heap. He is a brilliantly insane actor and producer, a man with a sense of how to tell a story. Be it something inspiring as Passion of the Christ or as playful as What Women Want, Mel knows how to put it together. That is, in his professional life.

In his personal life, well, Mel is certainly proving how broken and human he is! Too much wine, women, and song. Sadly, he has become abusive in too many ways to fathom. Regardless of any facts, wounding, addictions, etc., he is still responsible for his actions. There is only one excuse for this kind of behavior- he is broken just like the rest of us. I'm broken, aren't you? I am so thankful for Jesus and the hope and transformation he brings as we give ourselves to Him!

Disney Park Countdown- #6 Disney's Hollywood Studios

We continue on with my countdown of Disney's parks, based on the eight I have personally visited...

Let's talk about Number 6: Disney's Hollywood Studios, also known as the park that opened as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. A very brief hgistory of this park gives us a glimpse of the problems still associated with it.

Back in the 80's, things were booming in Central Florida, and The Walt Disney Company was trying to compete with the soon to be built Universal Studios. The fiercely competitive Michael Eisner was at the helm, and plans were quickly announced to the public. Disney would open its own film based theme park by the end of the decade along with a massive expansion unprecedented in the history of the company. (Just how massive? Take a look at a series of postings about the expansion of Walt Disney World in 1989 starting here. I was there- and I have included dozens of my original photos.)

With the time crunch of the Imagineers and the thought this would be Disney's first official "half-day" park, the Disney-MGM Studios debuted with the smallest attraction roster ever seen in a park built by the company as well as the smallest amount of acreage used to date. The park's layout was awful at opening. Flash forward over 20 years later, and it is much the same.

Why do the Studio parks seem to rank so low with me? Too many theater shows, too many attractions using film as the primary storytelling medium, and not enough rides that move the guest.

However, the strengths of Disney's Hollywood Studios are plenty! The park still has the premier version of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Regardless of the hoopla surrounding the benefits/detractions of the fifth dimension room, the surrounding gardens and overall presentation and placement makes the original Tower stand tall compared to its sisters in Paris and California.

The elaborate but somewhat dated Great Movie Ride remains a must see as it is filled with great sets and Audio-Animatronic figures. Could it use an updating and refreshing? Absolutely- and Disney should be ashamed for letting the park's centerpiece attraction lay mostly unchanged and then obstucted from the outside by the large Sorcerer's Apprentice hat. A very bad show on both counts- but the ride itself is still great fun!

One Man's Dream, reminding guests of the incredible man who started it all and his vision, is a new century version of The Walt Disney Story once housed at Disneyland and in Florida's Magic Kingdom. Any true Disney geek/historian has got to see this place to believe it! The combination of park models, the artwork, and the movie about his life make this a must-see attraction.

Star Tours is on par with its cousins in other locales, but the unique Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular remains as thrilling and fun as it was at my first viewing. This attraction is nowhere else to be found, making it another Florida only attraction. The concept of unique attractions at individual parks makes each resort special, something forgotten with the current Disney management.

Dining here is a mixed bag, but when it is good, it is great: The 50's Prime Time Cafe and Brown Derby are terrific. Even though the Sci-Fi Dine In serves some pretty overpriced and bland dishes, how can you beat the atmosphere?

Shopping used to be pretty good, and it is still better than many of the other parks. At the opening, the authentic looking bungalow housing Sid Cahuenga's was one of many places to go for enchanting Hollywood memoribilia. Nowadays, it seems like mostly the latest Pixar stuff or Hannah Montana trash and trinkets, but you can still find some great things if you look for them. Time to update and retrofit the shops, I'd say. The whole park as well.

It's not that the park hasn't been updated. The wonderful Monster Sound Studio has been replaced by the disasterous attraction starring Drew Carey. (And I really like the guy!) The timeless Superstar Television has given way to American Idol; something I am sure the suits will one day regret. The once terrific Studio Tram Tour is now as empty an expedition as the one in Paris.

Certainly, there are aspects of the park that have not been updated or have been demolished to poor effect. Florida's Fantasmic! pales compared to California's version. The Beauty and the Beast stageshow is past its prime, the Animation Tour has lost its heart, and the park has lost its focus.

Park layout is as frustrating and confusing as ever. The terrific looking Pixar Place creates a huge traffic jam as folks love the showhorned Toy Story Midway Mania. (If they truly do open the oft rumored Monsters Inc. coaster, the Imagineers had better create a lengthy in building queue for the throngs of folks waiting to ride.)

Crowd control is even worse surrounding the American version of Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show. Yet areas of the park are strangely empty, creating pockets that feel like a ghost town.
It is clear twenty years later that Disney was rushed in creating the place, leaving a jumbled mess of a puzzle to be solved by someone else- someday. There's no leader here as with Bob Weis for California Adventure (who was very involved with the Studios at conception), Tony Baxter for Disneyland or Joe Rohde for Animal Kingdom. Will the problems ever be truly addressed or will the park remain in limbo?
(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Space Mountain: Excitement All Over the World

Note: While I finish up my next post on the Disney Parks Top Ten (Minus Two) list, here is one of my most popular posts- ever:
Space Mountain. The name alone evokes excitement for theme park fans all over the world. Whether it is the classic, iconic structure found in Florida, California, and Tokyo; a similar takeoff placed in a Tomorrowland that almost feels kid drawn in Hong Kong; or the elegant Jules Verne styled masterpiece in Paris, the sheer sight of the mountain makes millions of visitors run toward it with anticipation. For this generation, blasting off through the universe has become a right of passage for young Disney fans, but it wasn’t always this way.

Walt Disney had long passed away when Space Mountain debuted at Florida’s Magic Kingdom in 1975. The thrill ride was part of a slew of much needed additions for Tomorrowland. Like most all of the early classic attractions, however, its roots came from Walt himself many years before, and this ultimate thrill adventure was initially planned for his beloved original park in Anaheim.


America’s obsession with space travel provided the perfect timing for an attraction such as this. The future fascinated Walt. He loved science, space exploration, and new technologies. In addition to being an under appreciated businessman as well as a dreamer, fortunately, Walt was also a doer, and he assembled a team that could dream and create with him.

As discussions continued with the team, concept art for Walt’s Space Port, as it was originally named began to emerge. Many different looks were considered before settling on the timeless exterior familiar with fans in the States, and Imagineers Herb Ryman and John Hench each came up with designs that would be somewhat merged for the final result. Plans for Disneyland’s new Tomorrowland of the sixties included the attraction, but other priorities took precedence, leaving Florida to open the attraction a couple of years before it finally hit California soil.

Once the design was settled upon, a detailed model was built, giving the Imagineers a chance to view how the attraction would fit into the Magic Kingdom.

Upon its opening, Space Mountain became an instant fan favorite and theme park classic. With its thrills, the experience was a strong bid for the youth market who found much of the Magic Kingdom park too tame with its emphasis on slow moving attractions and cabaret shows like Tropical Serenade (Enchanted Tiki Room), Country Bear Jamboree, and The Mickey Mouse Revue. The trend setting Mountain transformed into a park staple, with pale imitations created all over the world in an attempt to capitalize on its success. Even if you are not a Disney fan, chances are you know the name, probably recognize its timeless form, and are well aware of the adventure within. Another Walt inspired masterpiece.


“The blessing of size” as Walt said with regards to his Florida project, enabled the Imagineers to create a dual tracked Space Mountain for the younger Magic Kingdom park. Disneyland’s smaller footprint demanded a similar but much smaller mountain back in Anaheim, bringing with this change a single track, different loading zone, and a much tighter flight course. Debates continue as to which mountain provides the better experience but both are beloved and appreciated for their differences.

Living in Southern California during the time of its construction gave me the opportunity to watch the attraction grow over time. Prior to the opening of California Adventure, it was possible to enter the parking lot area by Space Mountain with your car, and I took advantage of the opportunity to drive by often, inspecting the progress. When the attraction finally opened in 1977, I was among the first in line to take flight. And what a line it was! At one point, the queue snaked down Main Street and the hours passed as flights were on then off during its test period. The experience was quite the rush as at opening with the atmosphere darker, the rockets faster, and the journey unfamiliar. Even after thirty years and multiple changes in exterior color and interior enhancements, the thrill has not grown stale.


The ability to hand pick from two differently designed Disney kingdoms resulted in giving the Japanese guests a very interesting version of the first overseas Disneyland. When the park opened in 1983, guests found this one to have an entirely different feel, a blending of both American parks and few unique elements at opening. Surprisingly, even with access to the larger Florida version, the Japanese chose the California attraction as the one to be duplicated.

European fans that trekked to the Sunshine or Golden States for a Disney fix were surprised when the lovely and uniquely designed Paris park added Space Mountain in 1995. The iconic white mountain was replaced by a gorgeously themed and wonderfully executed Jules Verne inspired adventure.

Originally planned as Discovery Mountain, the attraction inside was as different from its cousins as was its exterior: the open air loading station sends its rockets into a smoke-spewing cannon as guests are launched into the mountain. The track layout included multiple inversions- the first for a Disney park- and the inclusion of a majestic musical score to accompany the journey. This new twist on an old favorite brought in the crowds. Some would debate it even saved the resort.

Although the exterior building concepts remained largely the same, the Imagineers presented several different ideas for what was to be built inside the mountain. In addition to Space Mountain, ideas ranged from a Nautilus adventure including a restaurant inside the submarine to a unique use of the technology that makes The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror so popular for an additional attraction themed to a different Jules Verne novel. (For more information and concept art, track down the wonderful book Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality by Alain Littaye and Didier Ghez.)

Upon our first visit to Paris in 1998, Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune, and Phantom Manor were at the top of my must-do list. The ride was as wonderful and thrilling as I had imagined it would be! I couldn’t wait to ride it again and promptly returned to the queue for another trip. In its own unique way, viewing the mountain and watching the Columbiad cannon send explorers on their journey was as compelling as seeing the beautiful Eiffel Tower. I couldn’t take my eyes off the attraction. Beautiful during the day and absolutely spectacular at night with its magnificent lighting, this Space Mountain is the ultimate execution of the concept.

The opening of the first Disneyland in China, Hong Kong Disneyland (2005), provided an opportunity for building yet another version of the Magic Kingdom classic. Due to budget adjustments and misguided opinions of what should constititute the park, it remains short on attractions. However, the famous Space Mountain was a must for opening day. The setting of the Chinese Tomorrowland is more akin to a Saturday morning cartoon than previous versions, but the mountain itself is a near duplicate of California's. In a new take on the mountain's use and design, it also houses an attraction based on the main character from Lilo and Stitch.

Where will the next other worldy mountain show up? Some folks are sure it will be in Shanghai, but only the Disney executives truly know. For all the questions we may have, one thing is certain. Space Mountain in all its incarnations, will continue to thrill and fascinate millions of guests looking for a chance to explore the universe and then return safely home!

(All concept art and Tokyo Disneyland photos copyright The Walt Disney Company; all other photos by Mark Taft)

Issues of the Heart

Cannot stop thinking about this.

What do you say to a family that has just lost their 18 year old son to a heart attack, especially when it is caused by an undiscovered heart defect? The poor father went to wake him for a family vacation only to discover his son had passed away in the night. No drugs, no alcohol abuse, no warning, no nothing.

Our hearts cry out to God for answers in situations like these. All I can say is "I'm so sorry", but words don't seem enough. The mystery of what God allows and how it intersects with our choices...

Amazingly, their faith hasn't failed them, as God alone is the one giving them truest comfort in the midst of loss. It is as if God Himself is saying, "I understand- I lost a Son, too." And He did for our healing, for our freedom, and all because of His great love. It's a love that makes a difference. Just ask these guys...

Disney Park Countdown- #7 Disney's Animal Kingdom

Before anyone screams "Fail!" for placing the beautiful Disney's Animal Kingdom just above the horrible Walt Disney Studios Paris, let me state up front that there couldn't be a larger gap between any other two parks on the list when it comes to quality and presentation.

With any "Best of" list, there is an automatic time stamp on them once they are completed. Had this list been created a few years ago, the ranking would be somewhat different as Disney has made some great strides with other parks, all while letting some- like Animal Kingdom- slide by neglect.

Joe Rohde and team's Animal Kingdom had a terrific if slightly shallow roster at opening. The addition of Expedition: Everest in 2006 gained new fans for the park and raised hopes for its future. We waited. Imagineering moved forward. The suits did not.

(The park's history is fascinating. The chronology of its development and growth - including rare concept art and photos- is found on my blog series starting here. In fact, you could almost consider this article the next piece in the continuing series!)

Let's discuss the park's strengths before observing its weaknesses.

Theme and execution of theme: With a wide open and embracing theme of man's love for animals, the park is broad in appeal and possibilities, yet focused in its presentation.

It is almost impossible to stroll through this place without being in awe of the surroundings. The abundance of plant life astounds, creating an instant refuge from the real world. The animal displays are designed with such care, it would be easy to forget this is somewhat your basic zoo. Elegant, Disneyfied, and lush, but still an animal exhibition at the core.

The execution of the theme only falls short on a few attractions. Kali River Rapids fails with its pedestrian presentation and lack of continuing story. Dinorama tries to pass on cheap quality carnival rides for true Disney Imagineering. In contrast, the remaining pieces of the park are stunningly beautiful and incredibly detailed. The term "feast for the eyes" could have been coined by guests at the park!

Dining: Some of the best meal opportunities in all of Walt Disney World exist within this theme park. Africa's Tusker House serves delicious and authentic fare, with the restaurant much worse for the wear when it transformed into a character meal location. By the same scale and with the same high price tag, Yak & Yeti in nearby Asia, offers exotic cuisine in a lavishly decorated series of rooms. On the carry out/take away side of meal options, Flame Tree Barbecue presents top quality, mouth watering meats. It's secluded seating location next to the lake makes for a relaxing meal.

Shopping: As with the dining, Animal Kingdom's merchandise used to be among the most unique in all the World. That said, the variety is still fairly good but it is sliding, with much more Disney character and cable show merchandise finding its way into places it doesn't belong. (Like the entire park!)

Unique Attractions: With Kilimanjaro Safaris leading the way, Disney will probably never build these type of attractions or ones on this scope and scale ever again. Why? First, animal care is expensive. Audio-Animatronic versions will never match the real thing, but they do not require the same type of upkeep. 

Additionally, Disney continues to move forward with a movie character based mentality when it comes to designing new attractions- especially under the Robert Iger/John Lasseter watch. These two reasons alone will keep Animal Kingdom a unique experience that will not be duplicated.

In spite of its breathtaking scenery and unique attractions, Disney's fourth park in the Walt Disney World complex suffers from a couple of near fatal flaws: too few attractions, including too many of the same type, too much reliance on theater shows, no night time hours, and lack of an evening spectacular.

Viewing animals in and of itself will not satisfy the bulk of Disney's hardcore guests who return year after year. National zoos are also giving Disney some competition, upping the ante and making the experience less unique. (Look here.)

In spite of these facts, the money barons at Disney seem to be letting Animal Kingdom stagnate. With broken special effects, including the star of the thrilling Expedition: Everest; closing attractions with no replacement; stale parades and a decade old theater show, the experience is becoming less fun and alluring as times passes.

I really enjoy this park, yet after our last visit, it has now moved to the bottom of the rung in the Walt Disney World Resort. Will a new attraction bring me back? A definite "maybe", depending on which one is built.

Number 6? Well, I think this one will cause some debate...

Stay tuned!

(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

Today is my youngest daughter's birthday! Here she is with her sister on her sister's wedding day. There are many things I love about her: She is full of joy, integrity, playfulness, and most of all, she loves her Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. Certainly makes this father very proud! It's tough to be a young person with passion for God and to live with integrity and humility, but Lauren does it with a focused determination. Happy Birthday, Lauren- I love you and am so proud of you!

Notable and Quotable: John Bevere

"What we learn in the presence of God cannot be learned in the presence of men."

John Bevere, author

Disney Park Countdown- #8: The Walt Disney Studios Paris

This second Parisian Disney Park is in a class all by itself- and that is not a compliment!

The lack of world class, unique attractions, absence of good dining (in France!?!) and abysmal layout make this theme park the poorest excuse for one in the history of the Walt Disney Company. Clearly, the powers that be had to satisfy an agreement with the French government, so they did it as inexpensively as possible.The view from the entry gates looks somewhat intriguing, even promising. The looming Studio One building welcomes guests into a nighttime Hollywood. However it is themed as a set instead of trying to deliver a great recreation, thus leaving exposed steel, catwalks, and studio set pieces to create the magic. Like the Backlot at California Adventure at opening, it misses the mark and left me somewhat disappointed by what I would find there and elsewhere as I explored the Walt Disney Studios Paris.

Stepping outside the covered and enclosed entry area, it only gets worse. Our visit in 2007 meant the elaborate facades and small shops created around the soon-to-open Tower of Terror were still behind walls. In its place: a vast amount of ugly concrete with little attempt at landscaping, offering no warmth and an amazing lack of charm.

Things were slightly better as we approached Crush's Coaster. At least the big building housing the attraction was lightly themed, and the ride itself was a lot of fun. Even better, it showcased the first Audio-Animatronics in the park: the same set of birds found at Disneyland's renewed submarine voyage.

The mini Carsland, complete with spinner and small scale versions of the landmarks from Radiator Springs, brought some life, color, and fun into the drab surroundings, yet at the same time only emphasized the lack of it elsewhere.

To the lovers of the park, the unique attractions CineMagique and Animagique are must sees, but for us, we do not spend big bucks to sit in theaters and watch film (Soarin' Over California being the main exception). We tried to see the former but constantly missed the show times. The latter, apparently a blending of character and black light shows, was of no interest.

The Studio Tram Tour was on par with what is now in Florida, in other words, forgettable. Rock N Rollercoaster was happily equal in experience, but the standout attraction was the special effects show built around the Disney movie Armageddon. Here, finally, guests were immersed into the world of film making. It was a thrilling show, leaving us with a feeling on par with the old Magic Kingdom frightfest Alien Encounter.

Stopping for lunch meant heading back to Studio One for a strangely bland and overcooked burger. We shopped for a few souvenirs, buying only a small photo book, and quickly headed back to the gorgeous Disneyland Paris to finish the day.

The addition of Toy Story Play Land is a strange choice for a park trying to change its reputation and earn its place among Disney fans. Screaming "carnival", it will temporarily give families another reason to visit. Yet it won't bring us back. That may take the opening of the much rumored Ratatouille attraction, as it is one of my favorite Pixar movies. Then again, maybe not.

Next up at Position #7, a choice that may surprise you...

(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Disney Park Countdown

Just a few days back, I was counting my blessings- something great to do on a day your mind wanders. It keeps life in perspective!

Anyway... it dawned on me I have had the opportunity to visit every Disney park in the world with the exception of the parks in Asia! Wow! (And I hope one day that I will get to see the incredible Tokyo Disney Sea park...)

Of course, this all means my travels have taken me to Disneyland Paris as well as the Studios there, Walt Disney World (before and after adding three additional parks besides the Magic Kingdom) and my "home" park, Disneyland with its rapidly improving California Adventure.

All said, I thought it would be fun to share my Top Ten List (Minus A Few) of Favorite Disney Parks. I'll throw in some photos with my observations as well. I'll be curious to see if you agree or disagree- and if you are surprised by my list and reasoning. If all goes well, I'll start tomorrow with Number 8. See you then!
(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

Let's Celebrate!

In spite of all our troubles and the ongoing selfishness of our politicians, we have much to celebrate as citizens of the United States of America!

Be thankful for our freedoms- they are being taken away in much of the world. Be thankful for our relatively high level of peace. Even though there is violence in our world- we are not torn by civil war. Be thankful for the opportunity to worship as we please- even if we choose to focus on no one but ourselves, we have the right to live life as we choose.

Be proactive to protect these freedoms and our foundations. Choose to serve others and use your vote to protect them, avoiding the historical mistakes of socialism and communism that remove these freedoms from us.