Living the American Dream

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.“— Nelson Mandela

You know me from writing my letter each issue for the past 12 years. I published my first book, “Words of Wisdom, Encouragement and Inspiration for Life,” last year as a collection of those letters. My goal has always remained the same; to inspire, motivate and let my reader know that their future can be better than their past and that the best days are ahead. If I can do it, anyone can. Yes, You Can!

As my former partner once said, “Ralph your secret sauce is tenacity.” I am from South Africa. I know I sound Australian to some, but no, the accent is South African. My wife and I arrived in the United States with two suitcases each. We landed in Miami International Airport in October 2002 on my birthday.

I left my home in South Africa because we were in harm’s way. Close friends and family had been killed in their homes because of the color of their skin. I fled because I did not feel safe for my future. The first thing to go in “The New South Africa” was law and order. When the police are more corrupt than the thieves and murderers, you know you have a problem.

I made it in America because I believed in myself! I persevered.  Heck, it took me a year just to open a bank account. I knew I would go through whatever obstacle I faced for as long as it took, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Yes, I have worked 365 days in a year with no breaks. You either want it badly or you fold and find excuses.

“You can make excuses or get results, but not both.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Today I live in my dream house, have a successful business, work with a truly dedicated team that allow me to live the life I always imagined with my wife and family. I am an immigrant that achieved The American Dream. This tangible dream is the reason millions of people all over the world aspire to come to this great country.

I love this country. It has so much to offer anyone who wants to pursue their dreams. But trust me, to defund and dismantle the police is a recipe for disaster and disorder. No police, no peace. Who will protect your family, your home, your school…You?

I have both Democratic and Republican friends. Ultimately, we all want a better, safer future for America.  I left my home because I did not want to be told what to watch, what to say, what to read, and give all my money to a government that quietly enriched itself.

This will be my last letter before the November 3rd presidential election, which in my opinion is the most important in our lifetime. In no other election in modern history have American voters been faced with such a stark choice between two fundamentally different visions of America’s future. I believe this November election will either keep The American Dream alive or it will be gone forever. The U.S. Constitution states, “We the People” not “we for the government.”

We all have an important decision to make come November. Make sure you vote wisely. Your future depends on it.

–Ralph