The largest economic expansion in American history by far occurred in the wake of the Civil War after President Abraham Lincoln signed The Homestead Act of 1862 into law. This legendary piece of legislation GRANTED citizens 160 acres of public land with the understanding that they live on it for 5 years, improve it (i.e. build a home), and pay a small registration fee. In all the US government GRANTED more than 270 million acres to 1.6 million homesteaders who collectively opened up America west of the Mississippi.

We have all had quite a year! This elections, the economy, and the challenges presented by Barack Obama, and all we have been through personally have been really draining. I hope you are all using the holiday to rejuvenate and recharge. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING FAITHFUL READERS AND FOR