September 15, 2015 (Tuesday)
Did you know there were two World’s Fairs in the United States in 1939? I’ve known for years about the one in New York City, but only last week found out about the one in San Francisco.
The fair in San Francisco was celebrated on a man-made island which had been just a big sandbar in San Francisco Bay. Treasure Island was created specifically for the celebration, and is still there, having had many uses through the years. The Golden Gate International Exposition was held to celebrate the opening of two bridges, the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge.
The optimistic spirit of both fairs (San Francisco, left, and New York, right) were dampened to a degree because of World War 2, already under way and a threat to America. Even so, spirited competition was the order of the day.
Competition is vital to the American way of life. The idea of a Robin Hood government that forcefully seizes the riches of some and distributes it not only to the unfortunate, but also to those who lay claim to an income but refuse to do anything to merit it, is foreign to the history of this country.
The simultaneous existence of two great expositions in 1939 is symbolic of the “better mousetrap” motivation that has brought us innovative inventions and ideas that have improved the quality of our lives. The automobile, for instance, was not invented by Henry Ford. There were many on the road under different names when Ford got his ideas about assembly lines and cheap transportation for the average person. He brought competition that fostered new ideas among those already in the business. Edison invented the electric light, powered by “direct current,” but his competitor, Tesla, offered “alternating current” which we use today because it is not limited by distance. Competition. It made a great idea even better.
We can safely say to each new generation, you will be limited in life only by your own negative thoughts. You can become whatever you set your sights on becoming. This is the United States of America. Whatever you find to do, do it with everything you have. Expect competition. Expect obstacles. There will be problems and stumbling blocks. But if you keep your eyes on your goal, and never quit, the way for you will still be open.
Two World Fairs? Go to both. Enjoy your life. It’s up to you.