The thing I miss most from the days of our upbringing is civil debate. The screaming, lying sound bites are exhausting. Thanks for reminding me that it was not always so and doesn’t need to remain so.
I loved this. The refence to farmers, who must inhabit the fact-based world at the peril of bankruptcy and hunger, reminds me that we should invite our peers to join us in the real world. Where does misinformation flourish absent the constraints of reality? Online, on-air, and in cable programming. Everyone can start by withdrawing from the faithless digital world of content for its advertiser's sake and reinvesting your attention in the world outside that we all share. Here, anything not rooted in truth's firm soil will wither on its own. What takes its place, we'll have faith in and our faith in it will grow as we see its success.
Thank you and we are in agreement regarding living in reality. One of the problems in what so many call, "flyover country" is that AM radio during the day, podcasts and evenings filled with FOX News propaganda have taken a toll. When I go on long road trips, something I enjoy, I will often tune into AM radio which is dominated by conspiracy theory infested, far-right extremist radio, often also infused with rabid Christian Nationalism. It is painful research but it is also insightful to what folks belief and why.
As for digital content, I am personally extremely diligent about sources, a former military habit that serves me well still. At home... I still love the feel of a real book in my hands, the smell of the pages and the old sensation of learning, that I associate with beautiful books.
You are spot on regarding truth and as you've noted, if the insurrectionist party wants reality, they can pick fruit and vegetables under miserable conditions, just like the immigrants they have abused and deported.
My story could not be more different than yours but we ended up in the same place. Thank you for this piece as it helps renew my hope that folks in the big red middle of the country have not all lost their minds and gone over to the dark side. And I love Norman Rockwell!
The thing I miss most from the days of our upbringing is civil debate. The screaming, lying sound bites are exhausting. Thanks for reminding me that it was not always so and doesn’t need to remain so.
Cynthia,
Your comments are one of the reasons, I write. To touch the “better angels” that reside inside all of us, and offer them hope.
I am humbly grateful that you have shared your thoughts.
Great article. I want my country back.
Thank you kindly, Norman. As you well know, we can get there best, by working together with those who believe in the dream and promise of America.
I loved this. The refence to farmers, who must inhabit the fact-based world at the peril of bankruptcy and hunger, reminds me that we should invite our peers to join us in the real world. Where does misinformation flourish absent the constraints of reality? Online, on-air, and in cable programming. Everyone can start by withdrawing from the faithless digital world of content for its advertiser's sake and reinvesting your attention in the world outside that we all share. Here, anything not rooted in truth's firm soil will wither on its own. What takes its place, we'll have faith in and our faith in it will grow as we see its success.
A.G
Thank you and we are in agreement regarding living in reality. One of the problems in what so many call, "flyover country" is that AM radio during the day, podcasts and evenings filled with FOX News propaganda have taken a toll. When I go on long road trips, something I enjoy, I will often tune into AM radio which is dominated by conspiracy theory infested, far-right extremist radio, often also infused with rabid Christian Nationalism. It is painful research but it is also insightful to what folks belief and why.
As for digital content, I am personally extremely diligent about sources, a former military habit that serves me well still. At home... I still love the feel of a real book in my hands, the smell of the pages and the old sensation of learning, that I associate with beautiful books.
You are spot on regarding truth and as you've noted, if the insurrectionist party wants reality, they can pick fruit and vegetables under miserable conditions, just like the immigrants they have abused and deported.
Thank you for you insights
My story could not be more different than yours but we ended up in the same place. Thank you for this piece as it helps renew my hope that folks in the big red middle of the country have not all lost their minds and gone over to the dark side. And I love Norman Rockwell!
Sarah,
No matter where we begin, your comments show that yes, we can find our way back… and then forward to that, “shining city on a hill.”
Rockwell has also been, a lifelong inspiration.
Thank you