This poem was inspired by a remark made by Rush Limbaugh the morning of January 23, 1996 and is, therefore, dedicated to him.

          Because I am an American
          I have freedom to choose,
          To succeed or to fail
          To win or to loose.

          I can rise to the Top---
          Learn to live like a Swell.
          I can choose to eat slop
          I can sink down to Hell.

          It's all up to me
          I alone make my Fate.
          I cannot shift blame
          For the food on my plate.

          All of these options
          Are basic to life.      
          You cannot have glory
          Without having strife.

          Pay attention to Rush.
          He has made his own way.
          He has been there himself. 
          And he knows one must pay.

         If it's possible for him,
         It is possible for you.
         If you learn to persist  
         You will find your way too.

          Don't give up the ship.
          It is bound to reach port.
          Be careful, don't trip,
          Never think to abort.

         Stay steadfast, commit
         To your heartfelt desire.  
         The universe fulfills 
         When your heart is on fire. 

          For this is the law
          Which binds us to life.
          "We get what we earn---
          Vibrant health or the knife."

          There is no one to blame   
          For our poverty or wealth.
          Our joy or our sorrow 
          Our sickness or health.

          We earn it ourselves
          By the actions we take.        
          The results of our choice 
          Molds the Fate that we make.   

          Because I am an American
          I have freedom to choose    
         Unlimited opportunity.
          I have only to use.

          So, listen, out there, 
          "Let them know, here I come.
          I've decided to win
          In Life's Marathon Run!"

                         Tom Curtis © January 23, 1996

                        Northridge, California