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It's like thunder and lightning,
the way you love me is frightening.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby

Knock On Wood
-Rachel Stevens

With a little more than a week remaining in 2013, it feels like the nation dodged a worst-case scenario, and actually has a little wind in its sails.  The question is the level of confidence needed  to build enough momentum, or will the prevailing notion be that the country simply got lucky, so knock on wood -let's see how 2014 fares. 

We head into next year with an economy that's stronger than it was when we started the year, more Americans. More Americans are finding work and experiencing the pride of a paycheck. Our businesses are positioned for new growth and new jobs. And I firmly believe that 2014 can be a breakthrough year for America.

Press Conference December 20, 2013
President Obama

I actually agree with President Obama; there was economic traction in 2013, although I wouldn't conflate "strong" with "better", nor would I say 2014 will be a “breakthrough” year.   There is no doubt 2014 could be the best year in the last six- years, but that's not saying anything about potential.  The fact of the matter is the foundation of America is capable of delivering blessings for everyone, which is a lot different than delivering free food and shelter.   Although his political decisions say otherwise our Commander in Chief was spot on about the pride of a paycheck, rather than an EBT card or an unemployment check for the 100th week.

People feel heroic when they earn a living, especially during this time of the year.

Elysium

Throughout the history of early Greek mythology, Elysian Fields or Elysium, evolved from a magical place at the edge of the world to a paradise consisting of two islands to a part of heaven.   The idea that heaven can be a place on earth has long been a dream of man from the beginning of time and while there are places that can claim to be paradise, the inclusion of man always messes it up.

 To get to such a place requires a great leader.

Rhadamanthus was known as the wise king, the son of Zeus and Europa, he was lord of Isle of the Blessed.  Many say this is Elysium, whose name derives from being struck by lightning.   This place is where the heroic and virtuous went in the afterlife.  The thing is we have a system when not under attack, that rewards the heroic and virtuous in this life.

In order to make it thunder and lightning in 2014, President Obama has to call off the dogs.  We must reel in government gone wild. The IRS, NSA, and the assortment of government agencies that have been given a green light to go on the attack must be reeled in.  Citizens, already gun shy from the severity of economic recession and lackluster recovery, must also continue contend with losing personal freedoms in ways never advertised.

The tone of Friday's press conference was confrontational and defensive.   There is increasing frustration and mistrust that now reveals itself at these gatherings, which includes many reporters that openly admire the president, but who want straight answers.  I also think many want action on Section 215 of the Patriot Act that unleashed the NSA under this administration.

The mighty economic machine that is America has saved the day;  there has to be a real spark and we need more than beating mediocre expectations.  The blessings have already been bestowed; we simply have to take advantage of them.