Today in preparation for America's Birthday party, Mary Ann and I went to one of the most American stores around, Costco. As we wondered why we were walking out of the parking lot and into the store, we looked at all the cars and people going in and going out and said what are we thinking.
But we were brave and entered, after duly showing our membership card. We went looking for some old people drugs, CoQu 10 and Fish Oil. It was in the Rx section where I started to have my epiphany. We were looking for Fish Oil 1000 mg capsules. There were 200, 500, 1,200, basic fish oil, Salmon oil, and various other types that astounded me. In the process of determining if 1200 mg capsules were worth $0.023 more than 1000 mg capsules, I realized that for an additional $0.018 I could have 100% Salmon capsules. You have to realize I really like Salmon, but is it worth 2 cents to get Salmon oil encased in a capsule, so I can get enough Omega3 fatty acids? In the end I opted for the standard 1000 mg concentrated dietary supplement. I think it was so I could give you my 2 cents worth here. As I strolled off I could have sworn that the Salmon oil bottle shouted out to me, "But I have Omega 4 fat!" But I was on to other things.
As we turned the onto next isle it began to strike me how much food there was in this big box of a store. Here were people filing down every isle stuffing their carts with every kind of food imaginable. I remembered an incident from the 50's or 60's when Premier Khrushchev visited America for the first time. He and his aids asked to go see where the American people bought their food. They were taken to an Albertson's or some such place and thought that they were in a CIA prop. They could not believe the isles and isles of food stuffs that were available. Can you imagine how they would respond to todays big box stores. Anything you want and can dream up to eat is there for purchase. Lots of pleasant ladies are handing out samples of the latest creation that can be purchased for only $5.99, today only(the day after tomorrow they will be $4.99). Complete meals in a box, some that are ready to drop on the TV tray and some that may require 5 minutes in the microwave to warm up.
It took me 3 minutes just to compare the competing brands of Soy milk to see which was the best buy. Funny enough it was cheaper to buy 6 one quart jugs than 3 half gallon jugs, go figure.
In the end my mind was whirling around like a merry go round, thrilled at the bounty that is ours in America and amazed at what this old free market economy produces and provides for us. It is an amazing thing to think about. We can now buy Salmon, probably cheaper than the hamburger that Khrushchev was looking at. Or we can just buy Salmon capsules, get the fatty acids, help our hearts and not even waste the energy to cook it or enjoy the smell and taste. Maybe we have gone to far.
Well thanks for taking time to read this poor attempt to wish us all Happy Birthday, America!!! God Bless us.
May we realize the blessings that come from living in the land "choice above all others".