Praise to the Praise-less

Despite my, and our, tendency to continually notice the downfalls of others in the world, today I am compelled to give credit, praise and encouragement to the achievements of those who work diligently for little reward and largely go unnoticed.

I recently heard a joke of an achieving salesman who sold two milking machines to a farmer with one cow--and then he took the cow as a down payment. Is there any greater achievement in salesmanship?

We often view a large monetary gain by a man or woman as a noteable achievement--at times with no comment on how the money was gained. However, I would like to thank those who strive daily and perform regularly for less to no monetary gain for doing what you do unselfishly. To you should be given the credit for making America, and every other country, great. To you should be given the credit for making neighborhoods, classrooms, policies, cities and states productive and successful. Indeed, to you should be given the title of high-class citizen no matter what economists or sociologists suggest.

With a heart of humility I say thank you for who you are and what you represent. Far too often the results of your work seem worthless and are not implemented. But someday, somehow, your efforts will make the world a satisfactory place.