I sold a Mazda pick up to a guy one evening. He came in and asked for me. He had talked to my buddy and co-worker, Pat, before and Pat had to be somewhere when he wanted to come in and buy the truck. Pat told him to see me, so I knew it was gonna be a split deal. Mazda pickups didn’t have much profit in them at sticker price, so I also knew it was gonna be half of a mini, (Minimum commission which I think was $100 each then). But he knew which truck he wanted and the deal was easy.

He had a hyphenated last name and one half was Ziglar. Now, salesmen across the land all knew who Zig Ziglar was.  He was maybe one of the most elite trainer/motivator/speakers in the world. I was a fan. So I asked if he was related. My customer was married to Zig’s daughter. This guy was pretty young and he had a long ponytail and wore construction boots. He was a carpenter. He was very earthy. I learned he and his wife had a small farm near Marysville they shared with some other folks, and they raised all their own food, were vegetarians, and were gentle hippies making a communal life. This kid was a very kind and ardent socialist hippie.

He talked about Zig. Even though his values were entirely opposite of what Zig preached and lived as a very rich man, he loved the man. He said he was the most generous person he’d ever met. Not just with his money, but with his time, his love, his devotion to humans, animals, and the rest of the world. Zig Ziglar was as capitalist as you might ever meet and my new friend was a commune type, but there was no bridge for him, he loved Zig with all he had, I could tell. We got along great and the deal was easy and quick. I came away with a new perspective of life to look at.

I knew about communes. I had been involved in one for a short time but moved away. Not because it wasn’t for me, I think I could have made a life there, but I wasn’t ready and an opportunity called me. I am what I consider a devout capitalist. Industry and trade runs the world I believe. Money is the tool we define ourselves with, and my life has been devoted to working the system as well as I can, not with any goal of getting rich but as how to survive and be happy. But a commune life would also be a good way to live, and I can reconcile the socialist aspect with my beliefs.

I won’t ever live in that environment, but as long as there are no bad crosswinds or bickering I can respect anyone who wants their own life to be good, fulfilled, and happy, however that is. I think the Constitution points that part out. And I don’t have an issue with contributing to all things that make life better collectively. I like thinking I have a vote in deciding what is needed along with all who agree or disagree with me. The debate gets heavy, but like in the case of my new friend and his father-in-law, Zig, there can be much mutual respect and love. I know there can be. But there’s not much I see today. It’s sad, but it doesn’t have to be.