‘A few dollars and a dream’

When our forefathers were establishing this great nation that we are fortunate to live in, they never intended that we should all be equal. Rather, their goal was for every individual to have equal opportunity.

This simple philosophy or concept has produced more “rags to riches” success stories than any other economic system in the history of the world. If we do not see opportunity all around us, in most cases it is not because it is not there; it is because we fail to see it.

In my opinion, what it takes to get ahead in this country can be answered in just six words “a few dollars and a dream.” There is a story behind these six words that has given them a special meaning. When the United States was celebrating the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty many stories were told about people who had come to this country with very little but over the years had become very successful.

One story that can be told is about Casey Rowe who came to America from South Korea after the Great Depression. All he had was a wife, seven children and $700, however he had “a few dollars and a dream.” He had no job, no friends and except for a few personal items he had nothing else.

His first job was as an ax grinder. At night he came home very tired and went to bed knowing he would have to get up the next morning and do the same thing again, but he did not give up.

Finally, Casey saved enough money to go into business for himself and both he and his family worked at the business and got its total yearly income up to over $1 million a year, which was lots of money back then. People who did business with his company had on idea of the things he and his family had to go through to get to the financial success they finally achieved.

The fact that the Rowe family came from another country may have been an asset because life there may have been harder than in America. On the other hand, there are thousands of folks who come from other countries who do not achieve financial success. Many of these people have returned home broke and discouraged while others stay but have to struggle to survive.

The message of Casey Rowe’s story is simple. If you want to achieve greater financial success, all that you need is “a few dollars and a dream,” and then be willing to work hard for the next 10 to 20 years to make your dream come true.

While it may be harder today to save a portion of what you earn due to higher taxes, saving an amount of your income is the key. Put aside so much every month until you have enough in the bank to start the business you wish to be in.

Over 55 years ago my wife and I had “a few dollars and a dream” to own our own newspaper business. With God’s help and a lot of hard work today we have been blessed to publish 36 newspapers in four states.

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