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The
Friday afternoon before Easter finds me not sitting in my usual chair.
The regularly scheduled mix of political banter and folk music at WDVR
FM has been preempted by a bit of dated radio drama
depicting those
events that fueled Christian beliefs. At least my left flank is still
guarded by my good friend, producer, co-host and creative director of
this publication, Ed Petersen. it is his recommendation that has
brought me to the BRAVEHEART HIGHLAND PUB.
Between pints of Belhaven Scottish Ale we are
escorted on a tour of
this fine establishment by Robbie, the manager who has found his way to
Hellertown, Pennsylvania by way
of Manchester, England and Ayrshire in
Scotland. I am very impressed by this structure. For a new pub
attempting to capture the spirit and look of the land of William
Wallace and Robert Burns, it has not given into the temptation to
overdo the theme, as so often is the case with most American attempts
to recreate the UK or Irish public house experience. The building is a
good balance of historic renovation, local craftsmanship and Caledonian
authenticity.
The Saturday afternoon before Easter finds me back on the same
stool I
had warmed twenty-four hours earlier. This time my wife, Fran is riding
shotgun. She shares a similar appreciation for Belhaven. Once more,
Robbie is on the floor with Kenny, a mate who has found employment via
a similar journey to the states. As Fran and I raise our glasses, we
recall the acquaintance of another young Scotsman who had come to these
shores in hope of acquiring his piece of the American dream.
AN AUTHENTIC SCOTLAND PUB
EXPERIENCE
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While we've never had the chance to share
the
finer details of Scott's
time abroad, there have been messages of thanks and well wishes from
Inverness. On one return call, I was able to speak with the matriarch
of the Mackenzie clan. She thanked Fran and I for looking after her
son, who was unable to take my call because he had already gone down to
the pub.
CHARMING ORIGINAL ART
IN THE RESTROOMS
When I think of Scott, I remember the
countless young men whom I've
known and worked with over the years; men who by fortune or misfortune
have broken ties and crossed borders in order to share in the bounty
that is America. In most instances, I have no knowledge of how their
aspirations played out. There have been no calls from other countries,
or words of appreciation from grateful relatives. There are just
memories of generous and hard working souls from other lands that have
enriched my life, and I believe have enriched the life of this
nation.
THE
THISTLE IS THE SYMBOL OF SCOTLAND
We are now engaged
in a debate to determine the
status of many of these
people. One can easily argue the merits of both sides' point of
view; but we must not lose sight of the simple truth that the status of
a man is not the measure of the man. What is to be deemed legal
or illegal is largely determined by the whims of policy makers and the
pens of politicians.
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WILLIAM WALLACE
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ROBERT THE BRUCE
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The vast majority of those who cross oceans or step
over
borders do so for the same reasons that have always driven men to seek
a better life. Like others who have gone before them, they will be
called invaders and interlopers by those who seek to protect the
sovereignty of their own established territory.
MEMORIES
FROM THE OLD SOD
I can respect the resolve of either side, but in this instance I choose
to toast those intrepid individuals that risk the journey. I raise a
glass to Brave Mackenzie.
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