Writer Offers Praise For Music Festival

2009 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion was a success. I loved the music, the food, and the sharing of stories with old and new friends. What I loved the most, aside from lunch with my family at the Troutdale Bistro, was observing the dance of free enterprise with street vendors and tourists as partners.
No vendors had to be “incentivized” (other than with the opportunity to compete and profit on a level playing field) to set up shop on State Street.
No shoppers or diners had to be given dance lessons. If the price was right, dollars flowed. No need for price controls here; the free market was the ultimate price controller.
This was capitalism in its pure, original finery; the “fair” in laissez faire. Adam Smith would have loved Rhythm & Roots.
We at EMBARQ/CenturyLink’s booth traded freebies and information for a different kind of currency – that of listening ears, pleasant conversation and smiles. In business school vernacular, we directed potential customers to appropriate business channels. Adam Smith? Still proud. 
To those who suffered my humor Saturday, Sept. 19, strolling by our booth between 2 and 4 p.m.:  Thanks – and congrats to the lucky winner of our free telephone drawing.
To all who participated in this year’s Rhythm &Roots Reunion, thank you for your contribution to the Great Discussion – not just in the stories you shared with us, but in the message heard ’round the world – that free enterprise works. That capitalism is not a zero sum game, but a win-win for all – even more so when the fiddler and the funnel cake baker are invited to the dance.

Mark Hissong
Bristol, Tenn.

Hissong is the area plant supervisor for EMBARQ/CenturyLink.