The Johnson family owned a small farm in Canada, just yards away from the United States border. Their land had been the subject of a minor dispute between the United States and Canada for generations.
Mrs. Johnson, who had just celebrated her seventieth birthday, lived on the farm with her son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. One day, her son came into her room holding a letter. “I just got some news, Ma,” he said. “The government has come to an agreement with the government people in Washington. They’ve decided that our land is really part of the United States. They say that we have the right to approve, or disapprove the agreement. What do you think we should do, Ma?”
“What do I think?” his mother said. “I say we jump at the opportunity! Call them right now, and tell them we accept! I don’t think I can stand another Canadian winter!”
