Appreciating Our Freedom

Date : 03-July-2007

I think that one of the most important aspects of Asset Protection, that we rarely speak about, is the fact that you are allowed to choose your options of protection, providing your assets are free from duress or attack. The July 4th holiday is the perfect time to gain insight on subjects like freedom, liberty and rights from all types of amazing people whose core beliefs are very similar even though their platforms may vary from politics and government to business, philosophy and religion. You will see that the thought process and evolution of Asset Protection has existed for centuries.

So here is a little game for the holiday. See if you can guess who uttered these quotes.. If you get a perfect score – you really paid attention in class!

On Freedom

Quote: In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.

As citizens, we have choices and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to create the many opportunities in our lives. You have the freedom to protect your wealth and the wealth that you pass to your heirs.

On Responsibility

Quote: Everyone to whom much is given to him will much be required.

No matter how we try to make a stand for or against separation of church and state, this statement holds true for every asset that we are born with and every asset we acquire; this means our talents, our material success and our relationships. The responsibility that goes to those that are “given much” is to be grateful and thoughtful in protecting this richness, and further to be humble enough to respect this fortunate aspect of our lives.

On Business

Quote: The growth of large business is merely the result of survival of the fittest. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God – just as the instincts for art, music, literature, the doctor’s talent, the nurses – yours- to be developed and used to the best of your ability for the good of mankind. Having been endowed with the gift I possess, I believe that it is my duty to make money and still more money and to use the money I make for the good of my fellow man according to the dictates of my conscious.

I’m guessing that you are pondering whether the answer is among three or four of the great financial tycoons. Let’s just keep going.

On the Right to Privacy

Quote: The right of the people to secure their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures…The Constitution of the United States

Although there is no specific Amendment on privacy, this document was created to provide privileges allowing us to protect ourselves. This is the heart of Asset Protection. You are entitled to protect your wealth.

On Presidents

Quote: A President is at liberty, both at law and at conscious to be as big a man as he can. His capacity is the limit.

If you believe that you are the captain of your own ship and your own destiny, then this is true whether you are the President of the United States, or just a plain Joe.

On Power

Quote: Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Knowing and believing this, we should all realize that we are vulnerable. We know that the more powerful your business is, the more likely it is that someone will attack. There is a magic formula to how powerful and how vulnerable we should appear. Zero plus zero will always equal zero.

On the last one, I’ll give you a clue. I would like to leave you with some thoughts quoted from a President of the United States.

On Patriotism

Quote: Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

When our attitude about patriotism becomes "a genuine commitment to citizenship" rather than an obsession over particulars and issues, it seems to me, then and only then, is patriotism a genuine quality of merit.

So as you are kicking back and celebrating the holiday, I hope this article gives you some thoughts to ponder. Have a good, long enjoyable holiday.

Until next time,

John

Answers

On Freedom - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945)
On Responsibility - Jesus – Luke 12:48
On Business - John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839 – 1937)
On the Right to Privacy - The Bill of Rights – Fourth Amendment
On Presidents - Woodrow Wilson (1856 – 1924)
On Power - Henry Kissinger (1923 - )
On Patriotism – George Washington – First President of the United States (1732 – 1799)

ABOUT THIS EDITOR:

John Dietz is a strategic advisor at Trustmakers.com with a passion for client solutions that can encompass your business, your real estate, and your personal assets. Mr. Dietz serves to educate you on the latest in asset protection planning.

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