In 1944 an American Soldier named Justus T. Schreiber (that’s right, his name was Justus, just like “liberty and justice for all”) fought in a little known WW-II battle in Europe where 400 men stood for five days against two German Panzer Divisions in an operation known as “Parkers Crossroads”. By doing this, they gave other Allied units time to regroup – a tactic known as an “Alamo Defense” – a rigid resistance of a position carried out to the utter destruction of the unit with the objective of forcing the enemy to expend significant amounts of men, materials, and time. Mr. Schreiber was one of very few who survived, and this veteran celebrated the American Bicentennial with a special flag…
In 1976 Bryan Levernier (a.k.a. “Foxfire Cummins”) celebrated 200 years of the USA by buying this legendary, special-edition rig (only 100 were made) to become a truly free man – a proud owner operator and businessman. In the 70s, independent men were still the soil of this land, which is why National Socialism never stood a chance here – no need for government when people are strong enough to control their own lives. The American Trucker is a self-made man who works hard and needs no social welfare program in order to survive. He simply must be left alone to do his job. He must take care of his customers and his rig, as well – which is what Foxfire Cummins has done since 1976. Today, he still drives his 1976 “Patriot” Peterbilt and has logged four million accident-free miles – and it is still going strong.
In 2006 I bought my first and last Peterbilt. I came from Poland, where we tried hard to stand against Hitler and then Stalin as much as we could, but these evil socialist dictators were already too strong to overcome. Once in control, they made every citizen just a little gear in a big, inefficient, grinding machine. I ran away to “the promised land” where guys like Foxfire were still roaming free. I followed their advice and worked hard and became part of this great country. For the past nine years, I have provided for my family and been independent, just like the old truckers said I needed to be – and I never took one dime from the government.
Some people believe now that my still new truck and reefer are “expired” and that I need to buy a new one or go get a driving job at a big fleet. Well, wait a second, I know this talk… that’s exactly what I was running from in Poland… now they wanna steal my dreams again! But I’m 42, so I will be okay. Question is: what will happen to all those kids we have? Where are they going to go to find the “freedom of choice” in their lives? Asia? I think not!!
If the government gets its way, hard-working trucks like Foxfire’s will be taken off the road and sent to the scrap heap, even though they can still earn their keep. What a shame that would be. What is happening to freedom and the American Dream? We took this cool photo, which includes Old Glory (the actual flag Justus T. Schreiber used to celebrate America’s bicentennial back in 1976), the soon-to-be-outlawed “Patriot” Peterbilt, and my still new but “expired” reefer trailer, to show that these things are still valuable and still worth fighting to keep.
We all need to stand together for the future of our country. Thank God we don’t have to fight like Justus T. Schreiber did, but we do need to do something. Whether it be to join an organization, contribute to a group, attend a hearing, or whatever, please find a way to get involved and join the fight. Make a stand. Be a part of the solution – while you still can!
2 Comments
Amen brother, amen. I was a independent in Canada, the question was, what are we going to load this week. I came to the United States of America and the question was still the same…..however, the meaning was entirely different. There is so much opportunity here it is almost mind boggling. What saddens me is that more Americans don’t see what they have. America has been the beacon of freedom since the beginning, a wonderful experiment that has never been duplicated anywhere in the world. One nation under God, when the government becomes god, and people look to that for their provision, that’s when freedom is lost. I love this country and am proud that my son is serving in its armed forces.
Thank You, Art, for your Service and Patriotism. Your Rig is beautiful! I hope many Americans get to see her either online or on the road.
And, Marvin, hats off to you as well. My late father was a Member of the Greatest Generation as well.