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And Europe can sink on it’s own.

They've been doing a really good job, aren't they?

What the typical liberal does not understand is the world is a much safer place when America is strong. However, our elected officials often make the mistake of using our military as a police force throughout the world, with rules of engagement that get our military killed.

I used the above paragraph to great effect during the weeks leading up to the Reagan victory in 1980. My German neighbors were convinced that he would start WWIII. I really enjoyed the conversations I had with them at the local gasthaus, and I pulled upon my knowledge of world and military history to make my points...in German. I was nearing the end of my 4th year in country, and my last 2 1/2 years of that tour were so enjoyable, as I spoke German quite well, and without an accent.

I was all of 26 at the time. I had a great, well-rounded education, and my stepfather was a brilliant man who supplemented my formal schooling. It was also fortunate that I went without TV during those 4+ years, so I spent my time reading and traveling the local area. It was an amateur historian's dream: the lower to middle Mosel was settled by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and their influence was strong up to the 8th/9th century.

One of my favorite trips was a 30 minute drive to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Open air cafes within 50 yards of the Porta Nigra were a great place to enjoy an adult beverage.

I also spent numerous Friday afternoons at my favorite winery in Briedel. For 2-3 hours, I'd drink wine with the owner, who instructed me on the varieties of Mosel wine, which I continue to apply today. Before leaving, I'd buy only enough wine to last me 4-6 weeks, until the next trip.

Thanks to the internet, I discovered the website to the winery, now operated by his son. Surprisingly, they ship to Texas, and I'm now a regular customer. Between that winery and a winery south of Fort Worth, my wine needs are more than satisfied.