Never Thought You Would Amount to Much of Anything
July 7, 2026 in News by RBN Staff
source: newswithviews
By Frosty Wooldridge
July 6, 2026
“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….” President Thomas Jefferson
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, many of our adult and younger citizens disparage America because they don’t like what’s happening as to politics. Nonetheless, our unique Constitution, the first in world history, allows every citizen to vote, demonstrate, rant, rave, choose their own religion, choose their own sexuality, choose their own mate, choose their dress, choose their educational level, choose their jobs, and choose where to live.
In America, you might come from the lowest socio-economic conditions possible, yet, with hard work, creative ideas, and steadfast determination—not even the sky can hold you back from your dreams. This past 4th of July celebration of our 250th birthday gave the same promise. During those hundreds of decades leading up to July 4, 2026, men and women of every color, race, ethnic group, religion and class—-have distinguished themselves on the scoreboard of America’s history.
Who are those historical figures?
Henry David Thoreau lived in Massachusetts, 1817-1862. He built a cabin on Walden Pond. He made lead pencils for a living. Most people ignored him for his entire life, which ended at age 40 from tuberculosis. Along that lifespan, he wrote a book, WALDEN, which most people ignored during his lifetime. Nonetheless, today, he is considered one of the great American writers, and he is quoted often and by other distinguished authors.
He said, “If you advance confidently toward your dreams, and endeavor to live the life which you have imagined, you will meet with success unexpected in common hours. You will pass through invisible boundaries. You will engage new and liberal laws. And you will live with the license of a higher order of beings.”
With that quote, Thoreau inspires millions of Americans right into the 21st century. It’s timeless. It’s priceless. It’s brilliant.
Another great American rose out the poverty of mountain living in Tennessee, to become a legendary singer, song writer, and entrepreneur: Dolly Parton. She grew up poor with 12 brothers and sisters. Her poverty defined her, but then, it propelled her because America encourages every citizen. She’s a tiny 5’0” wisp of a woman, yet has written thousands of songs. She’s inspired millions of women. Her love songs are song and listened to by millions of Americans: “I will always love you.” Just carries your heart into another spiritual zone!
Now in her 80’s, she still performs. She still writes songs. She hobnobs with the rich and famous. She’s plain spoken, common-sensical, and rich beyond all measure. Known for her sharp business acumen and incredible songwriting—having penned around 5,000 songs—Parton famously addressed her own public image. She once stated, “I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde.”
Dr. Martin Luther King rose from a simple church in Atlanta, Georgia to lead African-Americans into equal rights amendments, voter rights, and human rights. Whether you like him or not, he was a force that could not be stopped. Well, yes, he was stopped by a bullet.
James Earl Ray killed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by shooting him on April 4, 1968, as King stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Killing King did not stop the Black movement for equal rights across America. America has seen its first Black president in Barack Obama. Dozens upon dozens of House Members, U.S. Senators, mayors, governors, generals and cabinet members. All of them enjoying their new-found ability to excel in America.
The highest-ranking Black military officer to serve as a military chief of staff is General Charles Q. Brown Jr. He made history in 2020 as the first African American Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and later served as the nation’s top military officer as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Oprah Winfrey: Born into rural poverty in Mississippi, she was raised without indoor plumbing and faced significant early trauma. She eventually built a multi-billion-dollar empire, famously transforming The Oprah Winfrey Show into the highest-rated program of its kind. She commands a billion dollar bank account and huge influence across America.
Sylvester Stallone: Experienced periods of severe financial hardship in New York City, working odd jobs and famously selling his dog for $50 to pay bills before securing funding for Rocky. He became one of America’s greatest action heroes.
Another action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, arrived in America penniless, unknown and an immigrant from Austria. He became Mr. Universe multiple times and Mr. Olympia. From there, he became an action hero. Then, governor of California. He commands a multi-million dollar bank account. Such things only happen in America.
Known as the founder of Starbucks Corporation, Howard Schultz grew up in Brooklyn, New York in the Canarsie Bayview Housing Projects. The son of a truck driver, Schultz found his identity in sports, where he excelled, and earned a scholarship to Northern Michigan University.
“After graduation, he found his footing as the director of marketing at a fledgling Seattle coffee bean roaster/retailer called Starbucks. When Schultz suggested that the owners should open up full cafes that would serve coffee, espresso and tea, they balked at the idea, prompting Schultz to open his own coffee shop.
“Two years later he found the opportunity to purchase Starbucks from the original owners, and turned the franchise into the coffee shop we know today.” He is a billionaire many times over.
Here’s a personal story from yours truly. I am a farm-boy from LeRoy, Michigan, population 500 farmers. Lot of poor folks in those parts where I grew up. When I attended 10th grade, I read the chapter on world history about the Great Wall of China. I raised my hand in class, Mrs. Barbara Rainwater picked me to speak. I said, “I’m going to walk the Great Wall of China someday.” She said, “Frosty, you will never walk the Great Wall because China is closed to foreigners.” I replied, “My daddy said things change.”
In 1982, China opened its doors. I purchased a round-the-world airline ticket with a stop in China. I bussed, trained and finally rented a bicycle to ride up to the Great Wall. Kids sold me a T-Shirt for 50 cents. I still wear it. I walked on the Great Wall. I took pictures with my camera on a tripod. I sent a picture back to the school where Mrs. Rainwater was teaching.
Several years later, I bicycled through town on one of my 15 coast-to-coast bicycle adventures. At that point, I had bicycled across six continents. I wrote a dozen published books. I spoke at colleges on environmental issues. A reporter gave me an interview, along with a TV crew. Next morning at my mom’s house, the phone rang. “Wooldridge residence,” I said. “Hello, is this Frosty Wooldridge?” asked Mrs. Rainwater. “Yes, ma’am,” I said.
She said, “I saw you on TV, and read about your world travels. I received your picture on the Great Wall of China. I must say that I never thought you would amount to much of anything. But, it’s obvious you’re living a very interesting life.” “Yes, ma’am,” I said. “I’m living a very interesting life.”
What do these stories mean for average Americans? First of all, I grew up a simple farm boy. Nonetheless, from hard work and following my dreams, I’ve traveled across six continents on a bicycle. I’ve met people from around the world. I’ve read books from all over the world. I’ve enjoyed America’s endless possibilities for all citizens to live to live their dreams…whatever those dreams entail. I know that endless millions of people never get to live their dreams because they live in dictatorial countries, poor countries, and treacherous countries. Thus, I am grateful, thankful and humbled by my good luck of being American citizen.
“Someone once said that “Time” stalks us all our lives. I rather believe that “Time” is our companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.” Jean Luc Picard, Captain of the Starship Enterprise.
No matter what your political persuasion in America, just remember that politicians and other leaders come and go. But our Constitution stands the test of time. Enjoy your freedoms, your ability to vote leaders into office, and the unique privilege to enjoy “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Show your pride in being an American citizen. God bless America, and Happy 250th Birthday to all of us.
© 2026 Frosty Wooldridge – All Rights Reserved
E-Mail Frosty: frostyw@juno.com
