I was at a meeting yesterday in which salespeople were talking about their product, which saves major cash for customers. “They like it because they feel like they’re sticking it to The Man,” one said.

The CEO looked puzzled. “Who is The Man?” he said.

You know what? If you have to ask who The Man is … you’re The Man.

Well, you wake up in the morning
You hear the work bell ring
And they march you to the table
You see the same old thing

Ain’t no food upon the table
And no fork up in the pan
But you better not complain, boy
You get in trouble with the man

{Refrain}
Let the midnight special shine a light on me (3X)
Let the midnight special shine a ever-lovin’ light on me

Creedence Clearwater Revival made that song famous, but Leadbelly wrote it. He was sent to prison twice for murder but sang his way out both times. Alan Lomax brought him north, literally out of the penitentiary, and made him famous. That’s an American story.

Here in America, with the economy circling the drain, it’s easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves. But, you know (retail angle coming up!), most of us still have the cash to go to the store every now and again and buy stuff made in Chinese factories by people who really are working for The Man. We can stand up to The Man without going to jail. We can vote against The Man and not be beaten with crowbars. We have it good. This is a great country. Happy Fourth of July.