October 2024

“Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian
must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car.” -Garrison Keillor

Darla and I had the chance to see Garrison Keillor recently for his 50th anniversary show of A Prairie Home Companion. Has he really been doing it that long? He is 82 years old and looks it. However, I could not help but be struck by his energy and enthusiasm. He claims that he keeps writing and performing because he is too scared of retirement to do anything else. Yea, me too! He is living his best life and sharing it with all of us. In his words, “You get old, and you realize there are no answers, just stories.”

Garrison epitomizes what I love, American culture. He packages it in poems and stories and a mock radio show and wraps it in nostalgia. Who will do that for us when he is gone? One skit had somebody on the stage singing a bit of a Taylor Swift song. Later, at intermission, Mr. Keillor remarked that he doesn’t hear girls, or women, singing Taylor Swift songs. He pointed out that much of her music is specifically written for her to sing and for us to listen. As he lamented, much of his time is spent lamenting, he pointed out the difference by asking the audience, which he referred to as his “Lutheran Choir,” to join him in singing some songs. His 82-year-old voice led us on a sing along starting with Beatles songs and other singable songs form the 60’s and 70’s. Later, we moved onto songs like America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and even Swing Low Sweet Chariot. You know something, he was right. As he led us, his “Lutheran Choir that paid to see his show,” we all seemed to know the words to every song and most audience members skipped their intermission bathroom break to stand and stretch and sing with him. He is truly an American treasure.

Who will carry that torch going forward? We talked about this on the way home. We hear many performers in this country, but the Garrison Keillors, Johnny Carsons, Jay Lenos and such seem to be less and less. Those talented people that draw us together and get us to see our culture for what it is. Those who unite us and have us laugh at ourselves and the things that we think are differences are truly needed.

I am not sure who will be there to take up the mantle in the future. Carrying on with his positive attitude and recognizing that nature abhors a vacuum, I look forward to seeing who fills these roles and hope that I am open enough to embrace and enjoy it.

Brien’s Bits was originally started as a way for me to pass on to our beloved clients (we have no other kind) some of the great information and factual material that crosses my desk on a regular basis but does not seem to make it into the media sources. Too much of what passes for news or even information these days at the retail level is either linked to an agenda or spinning so fast when it gets to us it is sometimes difficult to actually grab hold of. I started putting “bits” of that information into an envelope and adding a few comments of my own as a cover letter. Turns out many of you liked my cover letters as well and with your encouragement I have continued to write them. Periodically, I like to mention this history since we are always gaining new readers. Thank you for your support.

Keeping this Bits a bit shorter, because I am inserting a lengthier piece this month from a wonderful thinker and writer, Howard Marks, who posed the rhetorical question about suspending the laws of economics. Many of you ask my thoughts on the presidential candidates or more to the point, some of their proposed policies. Howard covers this and more in his latest memo in a succinct manner that I could not attempt to come close to. I will close now to give you time to read his memo. It is quite good. If it is too long for you, jump around a bit and read a section or two. You and our country will be better for it.

Have a super day!

Sincerely,

Brien Krank

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Senior Portfolio Manager

Managing Partner – Collins and Krank

Hear me on the radio Wednesday mornings from 7:35 to 7:55 on 1100am The Flag and 970am WDAY.

Opinions expressed are those of Brien Krank or of the author in the attached articles and not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is not guarantee that these statements, opinions, or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Individual investor’s results will vary. Raymond James is not affiliated with Nick Murray or First Trust.