I'm going to pin a few notes to the top here, and I'll probably add to them as more feedback comes in. (1) Heartfelt thanks to everyone taking the time to share their thoughts, advice, offers, etc. I'm very grateful. (2) The thing about not shooting me was a joke, folks. I don't actually think anyone wants to shoot me. (3) A commenter, Dr. Jen, articulated my original idea for this project, which I failed to articulate ... "just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they have lost, what they still hope for, and capturing it without a filter." If this goes ahead, something along those lines is what I'm after. I would want to let people from all across the political/cultural spectrum express themselves, without judgment from me, and restrict my usual satirical shtick to narrating the journey itself and whatever (mis)adventures Hugo and I get into on the road. (4) Re filming, which a lot of people have suggested ... filming kills authentic interactions/conversations. Life becomes a "movie." People start performing. That's not the kind of portrait I'd want to paint.
Would definitely support the book and road trip if you came through Boise, ID. Good bit of americana here; hippies, beatniks, ranchers, farmers etc. and, like me, a lot of disaffected Californians.
Yeah you're right. We all wanna watch YOU instead of starting our own road trip and conversational adventures, and that's a huuuuge part of all our problems.
YES, PLEASE!! And bring a documentary filmmaker along to capture the experience, posting them as YouTube videos (and at Substack, too, of course, but for additional popularity/revenue) along the way and then editing them into a feature-length documentary (or series) for posterity. There's no one I'd rather eavesdrop on as he embarks on a journey through the heart of America than you, CJ. You will be able to glean truths most would leave buried. Plus, it would get you out of Germany, which would be a great relief for all who are concerned about you. I do hope your wife can join you, though, so she isn't left behind enemy lines before the border closes.
Thanks, Margaret ... not sure about the filmmaker. Expensive, and it seems like everyone and his brother is on the YouTube. But we'll see what, if anything, develops.
You really should film your interactions/interviews. Even if it's just setting up a GoPro on a mini tripod and letting it roll. Don't worry about editing or framing or whatever but I think it would be worthwhile to have that footage down the road if you do, in fact, decide to do some video/doc. Video can capture a lot of nuance and emotion and I think this type of project definitely will be full of that. I would be willing to chat/be interviewed. I recently moved to the heart of Texas after almost two decades in blue New England and may have some interesting observations for you. Cheers.
I bet there is a Gen Z kid out there who would love to do a road trip and learn about gonzo journalism to pick up the torch. You'd be surprised how conservative the current teen population can be since they watched the total madness of "the Emperor has no clothes" from the Bidentimes. People have filmed movies with just iPhones and a gimbal.
Yes! There are not enough old timers willing to take on an apprentice. There ought to be many, one in each city if you feel the need to ditch the odd one along the way.
Yeah, I was realizing maybe Hugo could just do some filming himself since he's planning to shoot photography, anyway? Capture some of the dialogues on film and post them as tastings while the project unfolds?
If you are looking for a way to generate funding and reach a larger audience, having a filmmaker come along and do the videos for YouTube and TikTok can open up several possibilities.
Asking a Gen Z filmmaker come along for a different generational view might really add some useful insights to the project. The three of you could discuss what you heard in the interviews and compare and contrast your perspectives.
Filming might make for a better presentation, but I suspect that some who might otherwise be willing to talk wouldn't want to be filmed, thus limiting you somewhat.
Remember Apple IPhones produce marvelous quality film and pics. Cheapish compared to vid gear, a great way to,record YOUR tjoughts as you travel and not as obvious
I think you would be surprised by how many would be willing to speak with you. Especially if you don't come across as some kind of a person with an agenda. People are desperate to speak with someone about what is *really* going on in the world and, more importantly, their little corner of the world. Things are *not* as they are being portrayed in the media. In many areas, there is *not* the division, etc we see constantly regarding weather, "vaccines", "trans", LGBTQABCDEFG", "scary" gun rights, food production, etc. I would consider speaking with you and possibly purchase a book like this... especially if there were beautiful pictures of *real* people from all walks of life. Sounds like an incredible, and rewarding, project to me... regardless. The financial cost may reap rewards in other ways you wouldn't, at first, consider... like your sanity, your peace of mind, etc. You may find out that reality is nothing at all like we are being told it is. Good luck!
I think you are right about people being willing to speak to someone who is interested and not agenda-driven. Real life encounters aren't the ultra-polarized type we are used to online.
Yes to support. I know a couple of bookstores in Florida that would host readings of yours.
You won't be shot, silly. All the hate that you've experienced is from on-line trolls - probably not in real life ( just guessing, here).
I just drove across 2/3 of the country - and it was fun - illuminating - and people aren't as on opposite sides of the fence as you think - except in blue cities and under 35 (especially women - they are completely rabid and most likely to shoot - though they're anti-gun, allegedly. So stay away from Soros funded rallies:)
This could be like the bucket list with Morgan Freeman and Jack. I'd watch, read, buy the book and even a TV shirt.
So what "data" do you believe? Data coming from "Red States", or coming from anything "Red", such as billionaire felon Trump who tried a fake elector scheme and other tactics to STEAL the 2020 election? You can believe anything you want, but why should I (or anyone else who cares about the TRUTH regardless of politics) believe it?
But billionaire felon Trump is telling the truth and was "cheated" out of a win in 2020? When his approval ratings at the time were in the toilet because of his failed leadership leading to the highest death rate of any Western country? When even Fox polls showed him losing BADLY in 2020? I have a beach house to sell you for a dollar.
Corruption knows know color - SEF. You are truly myopic. There is a corrupt uniparty running this country - and has done so since the 1990s- until right now. Both sides of the Uniparty helped steal 2020 in a myriad of ways and to the tune of 15 million "votes". That's why they orchestrated Jan 6 - to HIDE THE STEAL. And, those uniparty psychopaths have a ton of sway over Trump. He can't see what's going on at times - it's called the fog of war. That said - millions of us DO see what's going on. You aren't one of them, sadly.
Your comment makes SO much sense to an intelligent, rational, truth-seeking mind. So answer this: if you claim there's a realistic possibility 2020 was stolen, why not 2024 stolen to put billionaire felon Trump in office? 2020 was lost by 7 million votes, but 2024 was lost by only 2 million votes. Why are conspiracy theories only allowed if they favor what YOU want?
The U.S. has a very un-transparent voting system, full of computers that can be hacked. Making arguments by citing vote totals is a waste of time. Further, it has been obvious for a long time that the two-party political system is used to keep us divided and fighting each other. This exchange between Carlos and yourself (SEF) is an excellent example.
Because most of the methodologies used to steal votes - were shut down in many states. Funny, Biden somehow got 15 million more votes than ...Obama - but his brain dead, word-salad, on-her-knees- protege - didn't get any of those votes.
Math and logic are dangerous things to idiotic, blind ideologues who listen to Marxist propagandist providing their talking points.
Of course that COULD be true, but if so, why can't it be true about the most NRA-influen$ed areas as well? If I had to bet my last dollar, the uncomfortable truth is that more guns=more gun deaths. (Of course there will be a few cherry-picked exceptions but the overall relationship is very clear).
Besides DC, many of those really don't seem that "left-leaning". As far as big cities go, they would probably be among the less "left-leaning", and besides Albuquerque they are all in DEEP Red states. But I thought you implied we can't trust data? So anyway, what does your data source say are the big cities with the lowest gun related deaths, and are they really comparable in terms of socioeconomic and other factors, such that we could do a real fair comparison of "left" versus "right" policies? What if a mix of "left" policies such as stricter gun restrictions AND "right" policies such as stricter law enforcement on serious crimes leads to the lowest gun related deaths and violent crimes overall. If I had to bet, that's exactly what it is.
Red states have blue cities and blue states have red cities/counties.
New York is a mostly red state with NYC our largest blue city.
Most of the cities I listed above lean blue, have democratic mayors etc.
Strict gun policies don’t stop criminals.
Illegal gun possession, violent gun culture, gang culture and crime contributes to high homicide rates. Defunding police doesn’t help much either. What are the socioeconomic excuses as to why people are shooting and killing each other in these cities?
These blue states below rank lowest in homicides. They are not shooting each other as much. Maybe better manners?
RI
MA
HI
NJ
There are millions of legal gun owners in both red and blue states that don’t run around shooting each other.
Because everyone has a gun, people without a Safety Net are working 3 jobs to get by and buy food using credit cards and blue state reality is a bogus measure of how pissed off people are.
Sure I can get behind your trip. You and companion are welcome to stay a bit at my place in rural south central PA, 100 miles north of DC and midway between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I also have a network of friends and associates throughout the US many of whom might help out. Bookstore in my community might have you speak. Film the interviews for potential documentary along with a book. My Italian Australian friend is about to release such a film from interviews in several countries titled Common Wealth. my email: alannhartzok (at) gmail.com I am author of the Radical Middle Award winning book The Earth Belongs to Everyone and two time candidate for US Congress.
This is an awesome idea! If you are not aware of this book published by 2 famous Soviet writers Ilf and Petrov in 1935, I highly recommend to read it (and maybe even use as a framework/road plan?) to see how America changed from their observations over nearly 100 years. They did the same thing you are planning to do. They flew to the US, bought a Ford (there were no long term rentals, I guess) and drove 10,000 miles across America, writing about their experience and taking photos: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/624450.Ilf_and_Petrov_s_American_Road_Trip
It's absolutely worth every penny (96 pennies) on Kindle. If you decide to do the trip, I would love to meet, and I can provide some modest sponsorship, too. I live around Lake Tahoe and also have a place in Napa Valley, both places very much worth visiting. I won't shoot you :) but we can go to our county range for $2 and do some target practice, it will be fun.
I think this is a great idea, but I would suggest that you drop the left/right thing and avoid partisan politics. The issue in the USA, in my opinion, is the class divide--the very rich, the wannabe rich, the doing okay but enough is never enough, and the rest of us. To me, that is the story. I was, and still am, "the rest of us," and even though I am sure I have enough to last me to the end of my life, I refuse to start chasing money. I do a community radio show; and to prepare for the shows, I do a lot of research. The USA has become the USA, Inc. And I will further state that I believe the USA, and its colonizing/colonial time, were always about becoming rich. Under a monarch, you had to marry into power and wealth. The USA meant you could attain it regardless whom you married (although marrying wealth didn't hurt) via land and resource theft and then wage theft and racism from sea to shining sea and then from ocean to ocean to ocean. Forget everything you have read about the founding of the USA and learn the truth first--this country was founded by, its government structured by, and the propaganda written by rich, white, land-owning, mostly slave-owning men who found clever ways to propagandize the rest of us to fight their wars, work as and like slaves, and celebrate on the 4th of July as if this country was ours. And please, if you do nothing else, stop calling us America. America goes from the Arctic to the tip of Argentina. Don't even call us the United States because Mexico is also the United States. Call us USA. I wish I could contribute but I would be willing to talk to you. I spent most of my life in upstate NY, now living in Savannah, GA, and coming south at 68 further opened my eyes to the myths, lies and legends of USA history.
“Forget everything you have read about the founding of the USA and learn the truth first--this country was founded by, its government structured by, and the propaganda written by rich, white, land-owning, mostly slave-owning men who found clever ways to propagandize the rest of us to fight their wars, work as and like slaves, and celebrate on the 4th of July as if this country was ours.”
'Doing America' in 2 months only? is my question. I believe the media is showing us a collapsed America, divided, sick and propagandized beyond repair, on purpose. I think if you dig you will find something else that is still present in many Americans but I doubt it can be covered in only 2 months.
I grew up in the Netherlands and remember looking at Americans 'on the news' after some tornado or other disaster just destroyed their home and life savings. They would praise God for the fact they were still alive, and how they would 'just start over'. I would compare that to my home country where a Dutchman would complain about how the government would be slow paying for water damage to their basement after a flood. Responsibility and resilience versus nagging and dependency. I think that responsibility, resilience and a need for liberty may still be present in many Americans. It's those traits that made the people look for a better life across the ocean. Can you not rent an RV and make a slower trip or is that impossible? A book could have historical value and if done right I would certainly be interested in buying it.
Do it my darling CJ. Nothing better than a road trip. Maybe we can do some check-ins from the road on my pod. Super fun!!!! Maybe head up to Toronto to experience tyranny on steroids!
I think this is more than a road trip—it’s a chance to help America reclaim some piece of its shared mythos.
Right now, every faction has its own story about what this country really is - - irredeemable oppression, golden-age nostalgia, populist uprising, tech salvation. None of those stories can hold 330 million people together.
What’s missing is honest observation without the agenda. Just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they’ve lost, what they still hope for... and capturing it without a filter.
If you do this with humility and curiosity (and maybe a little gallows humor), you’ll be creating something almost nobody else is brave or clear-eyed enough to attempt right now: a portrait of America that’s bigger than the tribes fighting over it.
We don’t need another indictment or another fairy tale. We need someone to look without flinching and to remind us we’re still something more than hashtags and factions.
If you can do that, you’re planting the seed of a new shared mythos. That alone would make it worth doing.
The concept is just in the gestational stages but, yes, that was my original impulse ... "just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they’ve lost, what they still hope for... and capturing it without a filter." And restrict my satire to narrating the scenery and whatever adventures Hugo and I get into on the road.
Very well articulated. I'd perhaps add my curiosity to check for any glimmers of our detachment from the dystopia builders and a forging of something new. I'm in a delightful small town in rural central Maryland, which also happens to be picture perfect. There's a lovely book shop downtown.
I had dinner with a relative who described himself as a "moderate" Democrat and criticized the "progressives" who's policies had ruined his city of Portland Or. Last week I had dinner with a conservative friend who surprised me by saying that Republicans can be just as follow-the-leader mindless as Democrats. The culture war zealots get the air time, but they are few in number. Your trip would be a lot of work, but hearing what regular people really think would be valuable.
I’m Canadian but I love this idea. Remember people love to talk about themselves any opportunity they get so I think people would talk to you. I would contribute financially what I could and I think it would be an interesting creative snapshot of our times and a valuable endeavour. Do it!!!
Also the fact that your older is all the more reason to do it. Do it while you can. These are interesting times someone should document them in this fashion. Raw & real.
I think it's a fantastic idea! I am a librarian in New Orleans. New Orleans would be a great destination for your to photograph a unique and bizarrely dysfunctional segment of the U.S.A. :) And some of our libraries are lovely, especially the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. We have 3 of your books.
I would never take a road trip across the USA without a stop in New Orleans. One of my great grandfathers was shot there for bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Yay! It's a lovely small city. It's pretty brainwashed, but we have q nice community of folks who see the current world ruse. It would be great to have u do a book talk at the NOPL, but I'm afraid our programming options got locked down severely in 2020... so having u speak at the library is more a pipe dream than a reality. But it could be possible elsewhere here.
Who, in their right mind, would tell you “no, don’t do it?” Of course, such an adventure will succeed, and yes, I will order a copy or two. Firstly, what route(s) would you be considering? East to west? Zigzag NSEW? Secondly, what sorts of questions are you thinking would inform the conversations? You may be surprised, given what the media loves to trumpet, that the divide between us here can be paper thin. At least I hope this will be revealed. Good luck to you both, and if you find yourselves along Route 66, the Mother Road, in the San Berdoo area, give a holler.
I'm going to pin a few notes to the top here, and I'll probably add to them as more feedback comes in. (1) Heartfelt thanks to everyone taking the time to share their thoughts, advice, offers, etc. I'm very grateful. (2) The thing about not shooting me was a joke, folks. I don't actually think anyone wants to shoot me. (3) A commenter, Dr. Jen, articulated my original idea for this project, which I failed to articulate ... "just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they have lost, what they still hope for, and capturing it without a filter." If this goes ahead, something along those lines is what I'm after. I would want to let people from all across the political/cultural spectrum express themselves, without judgment from me, and restrict my usual satirical shtick to narrating the journey itself and whatever (mis)adventures Hugo and I get into on the road. (4) Re filming, which a lot of people have suggested ... filming kills authentic interactions/conversations. Life becomes a "movie." People start performing. That's not the kind of portrait I'd want to paint.
Would definitely support the book and road trip if you came through Boise, ID. Good bit of americana here; hippies, beatniks, ranchers, farmers etc. and, like me, a lot of disaffected Californians.
Yeah you're right. We all wanna watch YOU instead of starting our own road trip and conversational adventures, and that's a huuuuge part of all our problems.
YES, PLEASE!! And bring a documentary filmmaker along to capture the experience, posting them as YouTube videos (and at Substack, too, of course, but for additional popularity/revenue) along the way and then editing them into a feature-length documentary (or series) for posterity. There's no one I'd rather eavesdrop on as he embarks on a journey through the heart of America than you, CJ. You will be able to glean truths most would leave buried. Plus, it would get you out of Germany, which would be a great relief for all who are concerned about you. I do hope your wife can join you, though, so she isn't left behind enemy lines before the border closes.
Thanks, Margaret ... not sure about the filmmaker. Expensive, and it seems like everyone and his brother is on the YouTube. But we'll see what, if anything, develops.
You really should film your interactions/interviews. Even if it's just setting up a GoPro on a mini tripod and letting it roll. Don't worry about editing or framing or whatever but I think it would be worthwhile to have that footage down the road if you do, in fact, decide to do some video/doc. Video can capture a lot of nuance and emotion and I think this type of project definitely will be full of that. I would be willing to chat/be interviewed. I recently moved to the heart of Texas after almost two decades in blue New England and may have some interesting observations for you. Cheers.
I bet there is a Gen Z kid out there who would love to do a road trip and learn about gonzo journalism to pick up the torch. You'd be surprised how conservative the current teen population can be since they watched the total madness of "the Emperor has no clothes" from the Bidentimes. People have filmed movies with just iPhones and a gimbal.
Yes! There are not enough old timers willing to take on an apprentice. There ought to be many, one in each city if you feel the need to ditch the odd one along the way.
Yeah, I was realizing maybe Hugo could just do some filming himself since he's planning to shoot photography, anyway? Capture some of the dialogues on film and post them as tastings while the project unfolds?
If you are looking for a way to generate funding and reach a larger audience, having a filmmaker come along and do the videos for YouTube and TikTok can open up several possibilities.
Asking a Gen Z filmmaker come along for a different generational view might really add some useful insights to the project. The three of you could discuss what you heard in the interviews and compare and contrast your perspectives.
Filming might make for a better presentation, but I suspect that some who might otherwise be willing to talk wouldn't want to be filmed, thus limiting you somewhat.
Remember Apple IPhones produce marvelous quality film and pics. Cheapish compared to vid gear, a great way to,record YOUR tjoughts as you travel and not as obvious
I think you would be surprised by how many would be willing to speak with you. Especially if you don't come across as some kind of a person with an agenda. People are desperate to speak with someone about what is *really* going on in the world and, more importantly, their little corner of the world. Things are *not* as they are being portrayed in the media. In many areas, there is *not* the division, etc we see constantly regarding weather, "vaccines", "trans", LGBTQABCDEFG", "scary" gun rights, food production, etc. I would consider speaking with you and possibly purchase a book like this... especially if there were beautiful pictures of *real* people from all walks of life. Sounds like an incredible, and rewarding, project to me... regardless. The financial cost may reap rewards in other ways you wouldn't, at first, consider... like your sanity, your peace of mind, etc. You may find out that reality is nothing at all like we are being told it is. Good luck!
Yeah, I'm pretty much all out of "agenda" these days.
I think you are right about people being willing to speak to someone who is interested and not agenda-driven. Real life encounters aren't the ultra-polarized type we are used to online.
Yes to support. I know a couple of bookstores in Florida that would host readings of yours.
You won't be shot, silly. All the hate that you've experienced is from on-line trolls - probably not in real life ( just guessing, here).
I just drove across 2/3 of the country - and it was fun - illuminating - and people aren't as on opposite sides of the fence as you think - except in blue cities and under 35 (especially women - they are completely rabid and most likely to shoot - though they're anti-gun, allegedly. So stay away from Soros funded rallies:)
This could be like the bucket list with Morgan Freeman and Jack. I'd watch, read, buy the book and even a TV shirt.
How come the map of gun deaths shows the exact opposite of what you are claiming?
"The states with the lowest total rates included Massachusetts (3.7), New Jersey (4.6), New York (4.7), Rhode Island (4.8) and Hawaii (4.9)."
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/05/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/sr_25-03-05_gun-deaths_4/
If you believe ANY data coming out of a Blue State - you’re an idiot.
“Inflation isn’t happening”
“Joe Biden won 81 million votes”
Also, I was being facetious about Blue-Haired women, Blue State women...
They can only kill by poisoning - they can't shoot a gun. So CJ, on your trip - no home cooking from a liberal female.
So what "data" do you believe? Data coming from "Red States", or coming from anything "Red", such as billionaire felon Trump who tried a fake elector scheme and other tactics to STEAL the 2020 election? You can believe anything you want, but why should I (or anyone else who cares about the TRUTH regardless of politics) believe it?
So deeply "Red" Mike Pence is lying and voluntarily donated his VP position to "Blue" Kamala Harris? https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/03/us/politics/pence-trump-election-jan-6.html
So all the Republican judges including all involved in the 60+ election lawsuits which Trump LOST, were all in on a giant conspiracy to gift the 2020 election to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? https://www.newsweek.com/republican-judges-lawyers-conclude-2020-election-was-lost-not-stolen-1724826
But billionaire felon Trump is telling the truth and was "cheated" out of a win in 2020? When his approval ratings at the time were in the toilet because of his failed leadership leading to the highest death rate of any Western country? When even Fox polls showed him losing BADLY in 2020? I have a beach house to sell you for a dollar.
Corruption knows know color - SEF. You are truly myopic. There is a corrupt uniparty running this country - and has done so since the 1990s- until right now. Both sides of the Uniparty helped steal 2020 in a myriad of ways and to the tune of 15 million "votes". That's why they orchestrated Jan 6 - to HIDE THE STEAL. And, those uniparty psychopaths have a ton of sway over Trump. He can't see what's going on at times - it's called the fog of war. That said - millions of us DO see what's going on. You aren't one of them, sadly.
Your comment makes SO much sense to an intelligent, rational, truth-seeking mind. So answer this: if you claim there's a realistic possibility 2020 was stolen, why not 2024 stolen to put billionaire felon Trump in office? 2020 was lost by 7 million votes, but 2024 was lost by only 2 million votes. Why are conspiracy theories only allowed if they favor what YOU want?
The U.S. has a very un-transparent voting system, full of computers that can be hacked. Making arguments by citing vote totals is a waste of time. Further, it has been obvious for a long time that the two-party political system is used to keep us divided and fighting each other. This exchange between Carlos and yourself (SEF) is an excellent example.
Because Blue State advocates are so, so, so self-actualized
Because most of the methodologies used to steal votes - were shut down in many states. Funny, Biden somehow got 15 million more votes than ...Obama - but his brain dead, word-salad, on-her-knees- protege - didn't get any of those votes.
Math and logic are dangerous things to idiotic, blind ideologues who listen to Marxist propagandist providing their talking points.
LOts more Billionaires to hate than just Trump
They “forget” to report crime stats in those cities 🙉 🙈 🙊
Of course that COULD be true, but if so, why can't it be true about the most NRA-influen$ed areas as well? If I had to bet my last dollar, the uncomfortable truth is that more guns=more gun deaths. (Of course there will be a few cherry-picked exceptions but the overall relationship is very clear).
Mostly I’m just being snarky but we can look at the top cities with the highest gun related homicides:
D.C. has the highest rates of gun related deaths followed by
Gary ID
Birmingham AL
Albuquerque NM
Memphis TN
St. Louis MO
Orleans LA
Baton Rouge LA
Most of these cities are left leaning, but seem to be struggling with a different reality.
It’s not a gun problem, it’s a cultural and spiritual problem. Until that’s healed, violence will persist with or without guns.
Besides DC, many of those really don't seem that "left-leaning". As far as big cities go, they would probably be among the less "left-leaning", and besides Albuquerque they are all in DEEP Red states. But I thought you implied we can't trust data? So anyway, what does your data source say are the big cities with the lowest gun related deaths, and are they really comparable in terms of socioeconomic and other factors, such that we could do a real fair comparison of "left" versus "right" policies? What if a mix of "left" policies such as stricter gun restrictions AND "right" policies such as stricter law enforcement on serious crimes leads to the lowest gun related deaths and violent crimes overall. If I had to bet, that's exactly what it is.
Red states have blue cities and blue states have red cities/counties.
New York is a mostly red state with NYC our largest blue city.
Most of the cities I listed above lean blue, have democratic mayors etc.
Strict gun policies don’t stop criminals.
Illegal gun possession, violent gun culture, gang culture and crime contributes to high homicide rates. Defunding police doesn’t help much either. What are the socioeconomic excuses as to why people are shooting and killing each other in these cities?
These blue states below rank lowest in homicides. They are not shooting each other as much. Maybe better manners?
RI
MA
HI
NJ
There are millions of legal gun owners in both red and blue states that don’t run around shooting each other.
Never show statistics to the "guns keep us safe" crowd!
Because everyone has a gun, people without a Safety Net are working 3 jobs to get by and buy food using credit cards and blue state reality is a bogus measure of how pissed off people are.
Sure I can get behind your trip. You and companion are welcome to stay a bit at my place in rural south central PA, 100 miles north of DC and midway between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I also have a network of friends and associates throughout the US many of whom might help out. Bookstore in my community might have you speak. Film the interviews for potential documentary along with a book. My Italian Australian friend is about to release such a film from interviews in several countries titled Common Wealth. my email: alannhartzok (at) gmail.com I am author of the Radical Middle Award winning book The Earth Belongs to Everyone and two time candidate for US Congress.
What Alanna said re: friends scattered about
Hopkins never contacted me oh well his loss.
This is an awesome idea! If you are not aware of this book published by 2 famous Soviet writers Ilf and Petrov in 1935, I highly recommend to read it (and maybe even use as a framework/road plan?) to see how America changed from their observations over nearly 100 years. They did the same thing you are planning to do. They flew to the US, bought a Ford (there were no long term rentals, I guess) and drove 10,000 miles across America, writing about their experience and taking photos: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/624450.Ilf_and_Petrov_s_American_Road_Trip
It's absolutely worth every penny (96 pennies) on Kindle. If you decide to do the trip, I would love to meet, and I can provide some modest sponsorship, too. I live around Lake Tahoe and also have a place in Napa Valley, both places very much worth visiting. I won't shoot you :) but we can go to our county range for $2 and do some target practice, it will be fun.
Thanks, Sasha ... if this goes ahead, I might just take you up on that.
I think this is a great idea, but I would suggest that you drop the left/right thing and avoid partisan politics. The issue in the USA, in my opinion, is the class divide--the very rich, the wannabe rich, the doing okay but enough is never enough, and the rest of us. To me, that is the story. I was, and still am, "the rest of us," and even though I am sure I have enough to last me to the end of my life, I refuse to start chasing money. I do a community radio show; and to prepare for the shows, I do a lot of research. The USA has become the USA, Inc. And I will further state that I believe the USA, and its colonizing/colonial time, were always about becoming rich. Under a monarch, you had to marry into power and wealth. The USA meant you could attain it regardless whom you married (although marrying wealth didn't hurt) via land and resource theft and then wage theft and racism from sea to shining sea and then from ocean to ocean to ocean. Forget everything you have read about the founding of the USA and learn the truth first--this country was founded by, its government structured by, and the propaganda written by rich, white, land-owning, mostly slave-owning men who found clever ways to propagandize the rest of us to fight their wars, work as and like slaves, and celebrate on the 4th of July as if this country was ours. And please, if you do nothing else, stop calling us America. America goes from the Arctic to the tip of Argentina. Don't even call us the United States because Mexico is also the United States. Call us USA. I wish I could contribute but I would be willing to talk to you. I spent most of my life in upstate NY, now living in Savannah, GA, and coming south at 68 further opened my eyes to the myths, lies and legends of USA history.
“Forget everything you have read about the founding of the USA and learn the truth first--this country was founded by, its government structured by, and the propaganda written by rich, white, land-owning, mostly slave-owning men who found clever ways to propagandize the rest of us to fight their wars, work as and like slaves, and celebrate on the 4th of July as if this country was ours.”
100 percent spot on. 🎯
Good point about "America" - it's a continent which includes North America (USA and Canada) and South / Latin America.
The appropriation of "America" by the USA is cultural imperialism.
'Doing America' in 2 months only? is my question. I believe the media is showing us a collapsed America, divided, sick and propagandized beyond repair, on purpose. I think if you dig you will find something else that is still present in many Americans but I doubt it can be covered in only 2 months.
I grew up in the Netherlands and remember looking at Americans 'on the news' after some tornado or other disaster just destroyed their home and life savings. They would praise God for the fact they were still alive, and how they would 'just start over'. I would compare that to my home country where a Dutchman would complain about how the government would be slow paying for water damage to their basement after a flood. Responsibility and resilience versus nagging and dependency. I think that responsibility, resilience and a need for liberty may still be present in many Americans. It's those traits that made the people look for a better life across the ocean. Can you not rent an RV and make a slower trip or is that impossible? A book could have historical value and if done right I would certainly be interested in buying it.
Yes. Happy to speak with you. Visit the only Red congressional district on coastal California. Can contribute.
Where is a “red congressional district on coastal California? A Californio wants to know!
What county is that? I’m in Monterey County under the machine control of the TruBlu Honorary Lifetime Members of the Incremental Pragmatist Babysteps Society©.
Orange County, Huntington Beach. Moved from LA County where putting an American flag up invited vandalism.
I still hum John Prine’s song lyric “your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore, it’s already overcrowded from your dirty little war.”
Do it my darling CJ. Nothing better than a road trip. Maybe we can do some check-ins from the road on my pod. Super fun!!!! Maybe head up to Toronto to experience tyranny on steroids!
I think this is more than a road trip—it’s a chance to help America reclaim some piece of its shared mythos.
Right now, every faction has its own story about what this country really is - - irredeemable oppression, golden-age nostalgia, populist uprising, tech salvation. None of those stories can hold 330 million people together.
What’s missing is honest observation without the agenda. Just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they’ve lost, what they still hope for... and capturing it without a filter.
If you do this with humility and curiosity (and maybe a little gallows humor), you’ll be creating something almost nobody else is brave or clear-eyed enough to attempt right now: a portrait of America that’s bigger than the tribes fighting over it.
We don’t need another indictment or another fairy tale. We need someone to look without flinching and to remind us we’re still something more than hashtags and factions.
If you can do that, you’re planting the seed of a new shared mythos. That alone would make it worth doing.
The concept is just in the gestational stages but, yes, that was my original impulse ... "just sitting across from people, asking them what they believe in, what they’ve lost, what they still hope for... and capturing it without a filter." And restrict my satire to narrating the scenery and whatever adventures Hugo and I get into on the road.
Very well articulated. I'd perhaps add my curiosity to check for any glimmers of our detachment from the dystopia builders and a forging of something new. I'm in a delightful small town in rural central Maryland, which also happens to be picture perfect. There's a lovely book shop downtown.
I had dinner with a relative who described himself as a "moderate" Democrat and criticized the "progressives" who's policies had ruined his city of Portland Or. Last week I had dinner with a conservative friend who surprised me by saying that Republicans can be just as follow-the-leader mindless as Democrats. The culture war zealots get the air time, but they are few in number. Your trip would be a lot of work, but hearing what regular people really think would be valuable.
I find this same thing happening as well. People are finding their own views again.
I’m Canadian but I love this idea. Remember people love to talk about themselves any opportunity they get so I think people would talk to you. I would contribute financially what I could and I think it would be an interesting creative snapshot of our times and a valuable endeavour. Do it!!!
Also the fact that your older is all the more reason to do it. Do it while you can. These are interesting times someone should document them in this fashion. Raw & real.
Oh absolutely!! I have great connections for you in the Yucca Valley high desert area.
I think it's a fantastic idea! I am a librarian in New Orleans. New Orleans would be a great destination for your to photograph a unique and bizarrely dysfunctional segment of the U.S.A. :) And some of our libraries are lovely, especially the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. We have 3 of your books.
I would never take a road trip across the USA without a stop in New Orleans. One of my great grandfathers was shot there for bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Yay! It's a lovely small city. It's pretty brainwashed, but we have q nice community of folks who see the current world ruse. It would be great to have u do a book talk at the NOPL, but I'm afraid our programming options got locked down severely in 2020... so having u speak at the library is more a pipe dream than a reality. But it could be possible elsewhere here.
Would you mind sending me an email via the impersonal contact form at the Consent Factory (see link) or let me know how to contact you otherwise.
https://consentfactory.org/contact/
Who, in their right mind, would tell you “no, don’t do it?” Of course, such an adventure will succeed, and yes, I will order a copy or two. Firstly, what route(s) would you be considering? East to west? Zigzag NSEW? Secondly, what sorts of questions are you thinking would inform the conversations? You may be surprised, given what the media loves to trumpet, that the divide between us here can be paper thin. At least I hope this will be revealed. Good luck to you both, and if you find yourselves along Route 66, the Mother Road, in the San Berdoo area, give a holler.
East to west and then back.