Americans are some of the most generous people in the world. It’s been bred into us to be strong, free, independent, self sufficient. I’m probably considered a staunch hard nosed conservative that may expect too much from others. I may not have a lot to give to people financially, but some of the most memorable times in my life have been helping people where I can.
One night at 11PM while I was plowing a parking lot a man was walking around his car looking for something. Eventually he was in my way, so I stopped and asked him what’s up. He said he was cleaning the snow off his car and his wedding ring flew off his finger into the snow. He was recently married and the ring hadn’t been sized to his finger yet. So I got out, grabbed a shovel and began taking shovel fulls of snow from where he thought his ring fell, went under a overhang on the building and threw the snow against the foundation hoping the ring would show itself. Almost an hour went by. Nick said to forget it a few times but I was determined to find his wedding ring. I took another shovel full threw it against the wall and heard the ring hit the concrete. I looked down and there was Nick’s ring. I handed the ring to Nick, and he was thrilled to have it back in now what was 5 inches of snow. I can’t tell you what a rush of endorphins I got from finding his ring. It helped me get through a long 30 hour snowstorm and much more.
For century’s America has been a sanction for people fleeing persecution. The stronger America remains the longer we will be able to be that shining city on the hill, able to accept reel refugees. But in order to continue helping the down trodden people of this world we have to stay strong and united physically and financially. The open border policy was destroying what is one of the last sanctuaries of freedom on this planet. There’s nothing wrong with immigration, I honestly think it is a good thing, but immigration that’s controlled and selective. America is our home. J.Goodrich
Yes, see, this anecdote is what makes me go all gooey about America and Americans, and why I'm hoping that, beneath all the political polarization and rage, that American spirit is still alive. It certainly feels like it is from afar. I'm so looking forward to getting on the road back home again.
“snort crystallized Covid out of Donald Trump’s anal orifice” is my new dismissal phrase. Thanks for that. The trip sounds fantastic. Hoping you make it further into New England.
I got a little mushy and teary-eyed myself while reading this, CJ. I think you have hit on something quite special about Americans—or honestly, humanity in general. No matter how hard GloboCap tries to dehumanize, divide, and demoralize us, we still retain that spark of kindness that makes us capable of transcending all their artificial barriers. I am becoming more (Apocal)optimistic the more people I talk to face-to-face, and I can’t wait to foster healing and inspiring dialogue together 💕
I don't know about "fostering healing," but I'm definitely looking forward to connecting with people face-to-face. I'm rather sick of the garbage pumped out on social media these days.
I think the healing will happen automatically if people of differing views come together and simply talk. They need to see each other as human again and not the red/blue characters portrayed across media. Just giving them a space and opportunity to come together will facilitate that.
One of the purposes of COVID tyranny was to disconnect and isolate us. People fell into those habits, and many are still experiencing most of life through screens instead of in person. I’m guilty of that myself but am making an effort to emerge from my cocoon a bit more often now, and each experience reminds me how central these physical connections are to our individual and communal well-being.
Awesome! I read through the first four or five and will go back. I especially liked the comment made about mocking those in power because they get hurt by it. I try to do this on a regular basis, in my own way, of course.
I'm so glad this trip is working out so well for you. Yes, I think people are better than portrayed in the media. "Most people were generally nice to each other today" doesn't sell even if it's true.
My wife and I moved from many years in the bay area to a rural area just as lockdowns were starting. About an hour from purple Reno (where we are now moving to, I'm surrounded here by boxes). The short version of my lessons here... People are generally great. Kind, smart, trying to think things thru, overall doing their best. We all want pretty much the same things - family, friends, meaningful work, time to enjoy life, not too much stuff but not too little either, a fair enough playing field.
How we think society and it's rules should be organized to optimize for those things is where there are greater differences. But once one sees that what's desired is shared, these differences aren't as big and are approachable from some common ground. (One thing we quickly find out we have in common is the understanding that "hey, a few people seem to have to lot more than the rest of us, like really a lot more" which risks the question "they" don't want us asking "should we get together and do something about that?")
CJ, have an awesome trip. As a recovering cynic, I've had to get used to my heart opening again. Not comfortable, but totally worth the effort. May it happen for you too. And if you make a wrong turn and end up in Reno, we can put you and your traveling companion up and we'll all get a nice dinner together. (And you can smoke to your lung's delight on our patio!)
Thanks for this update on your very ambitious road trip. I am glad there are people with the means to donate, and organize events.
I admit, I am not that familiar with you or your history, but I assume you must be familiar with the current state of tyranny in Germany, and how that spills over to America. Looking at the itinerary I am struck by the number of what I would call bastions of wokeism, Chicago, Portland, etc., but also possible places with the real American conservative values, like Peoria. In Illinois, my state, be aware that 85% of the counties in IL are "red" and hate the criminal Governor Pritzker.
You are beginning in NYC at the 9/11 Memorial. It is a beautiful and peaceful site, with water and trees. But far too many Americans still are not aware that 9/11 was an inside job, orchestrated by our own government, in an attempt to push through the tyrannical "Patriot Act" and a surveillance state.
Please dont forget Gainesville, Florida, the most forested city in the US (can't be seen in aerial photos). October is best time of year here. Mostly a blue dot in a red field. I live in one of the blue dot neighborhoods but I'm not one of them. I'm an indescrible political pariah (neither blue nor red, unvaxed in my seventies, originally from California) . I am nonsmoking, but the front or back yard are okay to light up. I could invite my two like-minded friends (one is Russian) and and/or the usual self-righteous but quite pleasant Democrat neighbors. I have a friendly dog and you would have own room (king bed) and own bathroom. I cook plants but I could take you out if you want to eat animals (most do here). Katy Meigs katymeigs@sbcglobal.net
If I were ever in Gainesville I bet I'd enjoy a visit with you. Any unvaxxed person in their 70's is my type, especially those who have Russian friends. Is Gainesville where Jeff Childers lives? I get his Coffee & Covid Substack each day.
Yes, that's where he is though I don't really know him other than his Coffee and Covid. I'm not an anti-masker. Mainly I don't want manmade spike proteins in my blood.
October is the BEST time of year in Gainesville, FL? Are you sure you're from the swamp? I've been to Gainesville and lost 5 lbs. in 2 days from sweating in the swamp (town). Jan/Feb are really most ideal. I'm a native Floridian.
I've lived in Gainesville for ten years. In late September the weather turns, is clear and no longer humid as it is in summer. Spring is also quite nice. Winter tends to freeze. Where are you from in Florida?
hmmm. Odd, I never experienced it that way. Having lived in Vero (on the coast) I recall some Halloween nights and Christmas days where it was hot/humid, beach weather. You know it is hurricane season from June 1st until Dec. 1st...right? I was born in Ft. Lauderdale and have lived there and as far north as Melbourne, FL in my 40 years there. I went to school in Lakeland and used to go to Gainesville during my college years.
North Central Florida is quite different. It usually freezes (at night) from November through February, not hot humidity, occasional rain. Rarely get hurricanes here. Of course there are gators.
Well, since I was born and raised in Fla. (a 3rd generation Floridian) I am pretty certain I am more aware of the seasons in my state. I'm stickin w/ my analysis. I know better.
Not yet, but after reading some reviews from the early 2000's I am sure she could give me some more clues why the silly Germans and their decaying state currently are where they are ...
May the loveing kindness of the American peoples wash over you and may it help to heal you and may that healing propel you on and may you pay it forwards, Grüß Gott.
Cj. Tonika (visceral adventure) has been so incredibly generous to me personally in making my music videos that I can guarantee she will be a true giver. I so wish I was there as your courage has been infectious for me. Alas Australia is far away. Go well!
Americans are some of the most generous people in the world. It’s been bred into us to be strong, free, independent, self sufficient. I’m probably considered a staunch hard nosed conservative that may expect too much from others. I may not have a lot to give to people financially, but some of the most memorable times in my life have been helping people where I can.
One night at 11PM while I was plowing a parking lot a man was walking around his car looking for something. Eventually he was in my way, so I stopped and asked him what’s up. He said he was cleaning the snow off his car and his wedding ring flew off his finger into the snow. He was recently married and the ring hadn’t been sized to his finger yet. So I got out, grabbed a shovel and began taking shovel fulls of snow from where he thought his ring fell, went under a overhang on the building and threw the snow against the foundation hoping the ring would show itself. Almost an hour went by. Nick said to forget it a few times but I was determined to find his wedding ring. I took another shovel full threw it against the wall and heard the ring hit the concrete. I looked down and there was Nick’s ring. I handed the ring to Nick, and he was thrilled to have it back in now what was 5 inches of snow. I can’t tell you what a rush of endorphins I got from finding his ring. It helped me get through a long 30 hour snowstorm and much more.
For century’s America has been a sanction for people fleeing persecution. The stronger America remains the longer we will be able to be that shining city on the hill, able to accept reel refugees. But in order to continue helping the down trodden people of this world we have to stay strong and united physically and financially. The open border policy was destroying what is one of the last sanctuaries of freedom on this planet. There’s nothing wrong with immigration, I honestly think it is a good thing, but immigration that’s controlled and selective. America is our home. J.Goodrich
Yes, see, this anecdote is what makes me go all gooey about America and Americans, and why I'm hoping that, beneath all the political polarization and rage, that American spirit is still alive. It certainly feels like it is from afar. I'm so looking forward to getting on the road back home again.
“snort crystallized Covid out of Donald Trump’s anal orifice” is my new dismissal phrase. Thanks for that. The trip sounds fantastic. Hoping you make it further into New England.
Thank goodness CJ is being all “sappy” and not his usual acerbic self 😂
I got a little mushy and teary-eyed myself while reading this, CJ. I think you have hit on something quite special about Americans—or honestly, humanity in general. No matter how hard GloboCap tries to dehumanize, divide, and demoralize us, we still retain that spark of kindness that makes us capable of transcending all their artificial barriers. I am becoming more (Apocal)optimistic the more people I talk to face-to-face, and I can’t wait to foster healing and inspiring dialogue together 💕
I don't know about "fostering healing," but I'm definitely looking forward to connecting with people face-to-face. I'm rather sick of the garbage pumped out on social media these days.
I think the healing will happen automatically if people of differing views come together and simply talk. They need to see each other as human again and not the red/blue characters portrayed across media. Just giving them a space and opportunity to come together will facilitate that.
One of the purposes of COVID tyranny was to disconnect and isolate us. People fell into those habits, and many are still experiencing most of life through screens instead of in person. I’m guilty of that myself but am making an effort to emerge from my cocoon a bit more often now, and each experience reminds me how central these physical connections are to our individual and communal well-being.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your face. And Hugo's as well. Happy trails to you, until we meet at last.
Apocaloptimism! The beginning of a new way of life. I love it. Thank you.
I would love to take credit for the term but got it from a meme! I did write the Apocaloptimist Manifesto, though :-)
• https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/against-defeatism-the-apocaloptimist
Awesome! I read through the first four or five and will go back. I especially liked the comment made about mocking those in power because they get hurt by it. I try to do this on a regular basis, in my own way, of course.
https://poorrogersalmanac.com/2020/08/04/the-mouth-of-the-beast/
https://poorrogersalmanac.com/2023/05/07/will-he-ever-shut-up/
https://poorrogersalmanac.com/2020/12/26/whoville-usa-fauci-and-the-grinch/
I agree and find that tactic particularly fun, as in my "Letter to Klaus Schwab":
• https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/letter-to-klaus-schwab
Thank you for your own comedic contributions to the cause, Roger!
This is why I love you CJ: "and would rather snort crystallized Covid out of Donald Trump’s anal orifice than be seen with me in public"
I plan on making the trek from Rhode Island to Connecticut to see you, CJ.. Safe travels, sir..
Shout out from New York City! I've been in the Gramercy/ East Village area a long time.
I'm so glad this trip is working out so well for you. Yes, I think people are better than portrayed in the media. "Most people were generally nice to each other today" doesn't sell even if it's true.
My wife and I moved from many years in the bay area to a rural area just as lockdowns were starting. About an hour from purple Reno (where we are now moving to, I'm surrounded here by boxes). The short version of my lessons here... People are generally great. Kind, smart, trying to think things thru, overall doing their best. We all want pretty much the same things - family, friends, meaningful work, time to enjoy life, not too much stuff but not too little either, a fair enough playing field.
How we think society and it's rules should be organized to optimize for those things is where there are greater differences. But once one sees that what's desired is shared, these differences aren't as big and are approachable from some common ground. (One thing we quickly find out we have in common is the understanding that "hey, a few people seem to have to lot more than the rest of us, like really a lot more" which risks the question "they" don't want us asking "should we get together and do something about that?")
CJ, have an awesome trip. As a recovering cynic, I've had to get used to my heart opening again. Not comfortable, but totally worth the effort. May it happen for you too. And if you make a wrong turn and end up in Reno, we can put you and your traveling companion up and we'll all get a nice dinner together. (And you can smoke to your lung's delight on our patio!)
Thanks for this update on your very ambitious road trip. I am glad there are people with the means to donate, and organize events.
I admit, I am not that familiar with you or your history, but I assume you must be familiar with the current state of tyranny in Germany, and how that spills over to America. Looking at the itinerary I am struck by the number of what I would call bastions of wokeism, Chicago, Portland, etc., but also possible places with the real American conservative values, like Peoria. In Illinois, my state, be aware that 85% of the counties in IL are "red" and hate the criminal Governor Pritzker.
You are beginning in NYC at the 9/11 Memorial. It is a beautiful and peaceful site, with water and trees. But far too many Americans still are not aware that 9/11 was an inside job, orchestrated by our own government, in an attempt to push through the tyrannical "Patriot Act" and a surveillance state.
I wish you a safe and insightful trip.
:)
Greetings from Las Vegas! We have coffee. And empanadas.
Please dont forget Gainesville, Florida, the most forested city in the US (can't be seen in aerial photos). October is best time of year here. Mostly a blue dot in a red field. I live in one of the blue dot neighborhoods but I'm not one of them. I'm an indescrible political pariah (neither blue nor red, unvaxed in my seventies, originally from California) . I am nonsmoking, but the front or back yard are okay to light up. I could invite my two like-minded friends (one is Russian) and and/or the usual self-righteous but quite pleasant Democrat neighbors. I have a friendly dog and you would have own room (king bed) and own bathroom. I cook plants but I could take you out if you want to eat animals (most do here). Katy Meigs katymeigs@sbcglobal.net
If I were ever in Gainesville I bet I'd enjoy a visit with you. Any unvaxxed person in their 70's is my type, especially those who have Russian friends. Is Gainesville where Jeff Childers lives? I get his Coffee & Covid Substack each day.
Yes, that's where he is though I don't really know him other than his Coffee and Covid. I'm not an anti-masker. Mainly I don't want manmade spike proteins in my blood.
October is the BEST time of year in Gainesville, FL? Are you sure you're from the swamp? I've been to Gainesville and lost 5 lbs. in 2 days from sweating in the swamp (town). Jan/Feb are really most ideal. I'm a native Floridian.
I've lived in Gainesville for ten years. In late September the weather turns, is clear and no longer humid as it is in summer. Spring is also quite nice. Winter tends to freeze. Where are you from in Florida?
hmmm. Odd, I never experienced it that way. Having lived in Vero (on the coast) I recall some Halloween nights and Christmas days where it was hot/humid, beach weather. You know it is hurricane season from June 1st until Dec. 1st...right? I was born in Ft. Lauderdale and have lived there and as far north as Melbourne, FL in my 40 years there. I went to school in Lakeland and used to go to Gainesville during my college years.
North Central Florida is quite different. It usually freezes (at night) from November through February, not hot humidity, occasional rain. Rarely get hurricanes here. Of course there are gators.
Well, since I was born and raised in Fla. (a 3rd generation Floridian) I am pretty certain I am more aware of the seasons in my state. I'm stickin w/ my analysis. I know better.
If CJ decides to visit at my place in Gainesville you are more than welcome to come to my citizen gathering and debate the subject.
{...if you want to eat animals...} 🤣🤣🤣 👍👍👍 !!!
Mammals, reptiles or poultry ??? ... 🤔🤔🤔🐑🐄🐖🐐🐇🐊🦆🦃🐓
Or imported marsupials for a change ??? ... (NOT the Virginia opossum though!!!)
Have you read Katharine Mansfield's short story "Germans at Meat"? A classic.
👍👍👍 🔥🔥🔥 !!!
Not yet, but after reading some reviews from the early 2000's I am sure she could give me some more clues why the silly Germans and their decaying state currently are where they are ...
May the loveing kindness of the American peoples wash over you and may it help to heal you and may that healing propel you on and may you pay it forwards, Grüß Gott.
Not to be concerned, but the Orange Anal Cavity is letting ICE go wild. 🤔
Cj. Tonika (visceral adventure) has been so incredibly generous to me personally in making my music videos that I can guarantee she will be a true giver. I so wish I was there as your courage has been infectious for me. Alas Australia is far away. Go well!
Please contact the author of the substack Sane Francisco. https://sanefrancisco.substack.com/s/sane-francisco
She was excited about your visit! Me too!
I love you being mushy! It’s refreshing. Wishing you and yours safe travels. 🙏🏻🇺🇸♥️