Howdy there, friends and patriots! Patriotic Pete here, coming to you from my front porch in beautiful Tennessee, where the bourbon is smooth, the Bible is close, and the American flag flies high.
Each week, I’ll be answering your questions about navigating this wild and wonderful country we call home.
So pour yourself two fingers of the good stuff (or sweet tea if that’s more your speed), and let’s get to some straight talk!
DEAR PETE: My brother-in-law and I used to be fishing buddies, but since the last election, we can barely speak without arguing. My wife is upset that family gatherings are getting tense. How do I fix this without backing down on what I believe? – DIVIDED IN DALLAS
DEAR DIVIDED: Let me tell you something about fishing and family – both require patience and knowing when to reel it in.
I’ve sat in plenty of bass boats with folks who don’t see eye-to-eye with me politically, but we still managed to catch fish and share stories. That’s because out on the water, we remembered what really matters – the fellowship, the quiet mornings, and the thrill of the catch.
Your brother-in-law ain’t the enemy, partner. He’s family. And family is one of those God-given treasures that we’re called to cherish, even when it gets uncomfortable. The Good Book tells us in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Notice it doesn’t say “only live peaceably with folks who vote like you do.”
Next time you see him, bring a bottle of bourbon, two glasses, and suggest hitting the lake like old times. Make it a politics-free zone. Talk about fishing lures, family memories, or those Cowboys’ chances this season. Remind yourselves what you loved about hanging out before politics got in the way.
America’s strength has always been that we can disagree but still break bread together. That’s what makes us exceptional. Be the bigger man and build that bridge. This great nation wasn’t built by folks who couldn’t talk to their neighbors, and it won’t be saved by family feuds either.
DEAR PETE: I’m 28 and still living at home. My parents are supportive, but I feel like I’m falling behind. All my friends own homes and are getting married. The economy makes it so hard to get ahead. Is the American Dream even possible anymore? – STUCK IN SACRAMENTO
DEAR STUCK: Let me tell you something, son – the American Dream ain’t dead, it’s just requiring a little more elbow grease these days!
I came up in the 80s when interest rates were through the roof, and plenty of folks my age were bunking with mom and dad longer than they planned. There’s no shame in your game. You’re being smart by saving money instead of burning it on rent you can’t afford.
But here’s some tough love from Uncle Pete: it’s time to make a plan. The American Dream was never about instant success – it’s about the freedom to chart your own course and the opportunity to work hard toward your goals.
First off, what skills are you building? The trades are begging for good people, and they pay well. I know plumbers making six figures with no college debt! Or maybe there’s a side hustle you can grow into a business. My buddy’s kid started power-washing driveways on weekends and now runs a successful small business.
Second, are you saving? Even $100 a month in an investment account will grow over time. Start building that nest egg now.
Third, get involved in your community. Join a church, volunteer, or find a local club with like-minded folks. Connections lead to opportunities, and maybe even to meeting that special someone!
Remember, America’s greatness isn’t handed to us – it’s built by Americans who face challenges and overcome them. Your generation has some unique hurdles, no doubt, but you also have advantages we couldn’t dream of. The tools of success are still there for the taking.
This country’s best days are still ahead, and you can be part of making that happen. Keep your chin up, your faith strong, and your work ethic stronger. I’m betting on you, partner!
Well butter my biscuit, looks like someone’s wantin’ to know about my secret BBQ rub!
Y’all know I don’t normally share family recipes – my granddaddy would roll over in his grave faster than a tumbleweed in a Texas tornado. But I’ve been prayin’ on it, and the Good Book does say “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And, bein’ that it’s my first column here, I feel like we ought to get to know each other a little better.
Besides, in these divided times, ain’t nothin’ brings Americans together like proper BBQ done right.
This here rub has been perfected over three generations of proud American pit masters in my family. We used it when celebratin’ election victories (praise the Lord for President Trump!), at Fourth of July gatherings, and for Sunday suppers after church.
There’s somethin’ about the smell of meat smokin’ with these spices that makes a man stand a little taller and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy.
Now, I ain’t just givin’ away the family jewels without a little wisdom attached. Remember, a good BBQ rub is like a good life – it needs the right balance of sweet and heat, patience in application, and faith in the process.
Don’t rush it, friends. Let that meat sit with the rub for a spell, just like you gotta sit with the Lord’s teachings before they really sink in. And pour yourself a finger of good bourbon while you’re waitin’ – not too much now, just enough to appreciate the blessings of liberty and the bounty of this great land.
God bless America, and God bless your BBQ!
Patriotic Pete’s All-American BBQ Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (the dark kind, like my coffee)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (ain’t nothin’ fancy needed)
- 2 tablespoons paprika (gives it that patriotic red color)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (coarse ground, like my personality)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (keeps the liberals away, ha!)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you’ve got grit)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (my secret ingredient, don’t tell a soul)
Mix it all together with pride and apply generously to your meat of choice. Let it sit for at least 4 hours – longer if you’ve got the patience of Job. Works best on pork shoulder, beef brisket, and ribs that’ll make you wanna slap your mama (but don’t, ’cause the Good Book says honor thy parents!).