“The world that used to nurse us now keeps shouting inane instructions. That’s why I ran to the woods.” – Jim Harrison, Author When election season arrives, my life has always been consumed with work. Reporting and analysis on candidates and issues have consumed my professional existence since early adulthood. There was always an energy in the air to be among candidates, traveling and sizing up their intellect and issues, and conveying that information to the public. Nothing excited me more than feeling like I was at the center of the democratic process and playing a minor part. I felt particularly suited to the role by temperament. As a journalist, I despised invading the personal lives of people who found themselves thrust into the news by tragedy or other circumstance. I was, however, always determined to stand in front of politicians and demand answers. They had asked for a public presence and responsibility and were obligated to explain their votes and policies, and when they were evasive, I became stubborn.
If I could write, I would have written a comment just like Geoffrey or my brother Ed, so aggravating not to be able to articulate one's feelings into words and not take an hour to evaluate just one sentence to see if it looks ok.
Glad you're able to stay focused on this ongoing story line with such reason and clarity.
Once again, you've got me shaking my head, Jim. It's as if you've tapped into my psyche, captured my thoughts, and woven them into logical, yet sophisticated prose, which is beyond my reach. To build on this week's post, though, I've come to the conclusion that many of us don't appreciate the order a civilized society brings, and by extension, the democratic government that serves as our society's foundation. The concepts of "liberty" and "independence" are interpreted as the right to do whatever I want without regard to its effect on you or anyone else. This selfish, short-sighted view is the only thing that makes sense when I see the ongoing popularity and political strength of the former president and his ilk. We've been here before, of course, most recently prior to the start of World War II. My fear is that a cataclysmic event like that will be the only thing that finally brings enough of us back to our senses and restores the common purpose that's required to sustain our democracy. Another great post, Jim. Keep 'em coming!
I suspect Harrison was your muse. This was so well written. "...see an ending, as if there were no spring." I'm not sure politics deserves such grand prose, but if anyone could do it, it's you Bob.
As a journalist, I, too, felt I was doing a public service of sorts by holding politicians accountable for their actions and votes. There is no way I could be a reporter right now. Wouldn't want to try to report on a clown show. I understand your need to escape from all the craziness. I've even stopped paying close attention to the news because it is so disheartening and depressing. I never thought I would get to a place where it hurts to watch the news. Like Leonard Cohen said in his great song Anthem, I ring the bell that I can ring. Helping others and supporting like-minded leaders. Thank for your post, Jim.
If I could write, I would have written a comment just like Geoffrey or my brother Ed, so aggravating not to be able to articulate one's feelings into words and not take an hour to evaluate just one sentence to see if it looks ok.
Glad you're able to stay focused on this ongoing story line with such reason and clarity.
Once again, you've got me shaking my head, Jim. It's as if you've tapped into my psyche, captured my thoughts, and woven them into logical, yet sophisticated prose, which is beyond my reach. To build on this week's post, though, I've come to the conclusion that many of us don't appreciate the order a civilized society brings, and by extension, the democratic government that serves as our society's foundation. The concepts of "liberty" and "independence" are interpreted as the right to do whatever I want without regard to its effect on you or anyone else. This selfish, short-sighted view is the only thing that makes sense when I see the ongoing popularity and political strength of the former president and his ilk. We've been here before, of course, most recently prior to the start of World War II. My fear is that a cataclysmic event like that will be the only thing that finally brings enough of us back to our senses and restores the common purpose that's required to sustain our democracy. Another great post, Jim. Keep 'em coming!
I suspect Harrison was your muse. This was so well written. "...see an ending, as if there were no spring." I'm not sure politics deserves such grand prose, but if anyone could do it, it's you Bob.
So well said. Thank you.
In so many ways — your thoughts for our teetering democracy and your gorgeous writing — this column gave me the shivers.
As a journalist, I, too, felt I was doing a public service of sorts by holding politicians accountable for their actions and votes. There is no way I could be a reporter right now. Wouldn't want to try to report on a clown show. I understand your need to escape from all the craziness. I've even stopped paying close attention to the news because it is so disheartening and depressing. I never thought I would get to a place where it hurts to watch the news. Like Leonard Cohen said in his great song Anthem, I ring the bell that I can ring. Helping others and supporting like-minded leaders. Thank for your post, Jim.
I took a similar trip last week, for similar reasons, to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, my refuge of choice.
I have now returned home to Fort Worth to cast my vote yet again against Greg Abbott. Here's hoping we can finally rid our state of this foul fellow.