Excellent and timely commentary and music connections for the weekend. I’m a Rodney Crowell fan. His band, The Cicadas, released a great album back in the 90’s. A great writer and the band was a favorite. Michael Rhodes was one of my favorite bass players. The track “We Want Everything” sticks in my mind for today. Today’s piece is an anthem to these times. Thanks, Steve!
Love the trip narrative Steve - it is so interesting! Regarding the video commentary “Dangerous Men”, I never cease to be amazed by our collective inability to clearly perceive incompetence in many of our leaders and wannabe leaders. Even more, I’m continually astounded at how blind we are to the ones who display authoritarianism; overlooking their clear intentions to impose fascism on this country. My father served in the Army Air Corps in WWII (although he didn’t see combat). I clearly remember as a boy hearing him speak of the need at that time to, at all costs, stop Hitler’s, Tojo’s, and Mussolini’s fascist totalitarian aggression and enslavement of others. He saw it clearly as a young man in the 1940s. Why do we have such difficulty seeing it today in the behavior and words of Trump and his MAGA sycophants? They are directly in front of us where we can see and hear them. And just like Hitler and all the other strongmen preceding them, they are telling us EXACTLY what they will do once in power or back in power. They are not friends of democracy. In fact, they hate democracy and will only use to seize power, then they will dismantle it. Forewarned is forearmed. It’s up to us to defeat them at the ballot box.
It is a perfect time for kindred spirits to gather together in community. This convergence is inspired by strong natural forces. Participation will yield a merging of the group psyche and a clarity of purpose. A strong, close knit union will emerge.
Enjoyed this version of you! America is a beautiful unique place. Your information is so informative and this trip coverage was no exception, Thank you.
I’m a big Rodney Crowell fan and like Chesney as well. I thought your trip would be more reminiscent of Cat Steven’s “Father and Son,” but get the America reference of the songs.
With Chesney, and his song, the irony is that the confederate states, including my state of Florida always votes “no” for emergency natural disaster aid to blue states. Hurricane Sandy comes to mind. And it shows just how hypocritical these red state politicians truly are. Maybe Chesney is considered a coastal elite.
Have a great rest of your trip and Happy Labor Day everyone!...:)
Thank you Steve. Drinking my coffee road trippin’ with you is a true delight. My husband and I discovered SW Michigan this year and we can’t wait for more exploration of the great state of MI. Oh yes, I have dreams of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer being President! I can dream! And she rocks. I’m from Missouri so let me dream of anything other than MAGA. Safe travels to you both!
What an amazing experience you're having! I spent much of my childhood in Duluth, where my parents are from. Enjoy the rest of your trip in this beautiful country. And thanks for the wise insights, as always...
I was visiting a friend in the Twin Cities, and a few years ago we drove to Duluth and spent a few days. What a terrific little town! So much to do in the area, and a lovely little city on the water.
Steve, when you are done with your trip, please summarize your route so others can follow. It looks magical.
I will do that!
I was going to make this very request! So glad it is already asked and Mr. Schmidt has agreed to do it!
I do appreciate the writing of Steve Schmidt and all he is doing to help save our country.
Thanks for reminding us to balance our news consumption with a visit to America's landscapes of natural wonder and her people.
Beautiful music.
Great photos.
I am so glad you saw our UP, Big Mac and Mackinac Island.
And excellent commentary as always.
Love the Straits, the bridge and the Pony!!
So glad you got a chance to visit our Great state! Come back again soon!
Excellent and timely commentary and music connections for the weekend. I’m a Rodney Crowell fan. His band, The Cicadas, released a great album back in the 90’s. A great writer and the band was a favorite. Michael Rhodes was one of my favorite bass players. The track “We Want Everything” sticks in my mind for today. Today’s piece is an anthem to these times. Thanks, Steve!
Love the trip narrative Steve - it is so interesting! Regarding the video commentary “Dangerous Men”, I never cease to be amazed by our collective inability to clearly perceive incompetence in many of our leaders and wannabe leaders. Even more, I’m continually astounded at how blind we are to the ones who display authoritarianism; overlooking their clear intentions to impose fascism on this country. My father served in the Army Air Corps in WWII (although he didn’t see combat). I clearly remember as a boy hearing him speak of the need at that time to, at all costs, stop Hitler’s, Tojo’s, and Mussolini’s fascist totalitarian aggression and enslavement of others. He saw it clearly as a young man in the 1940s. Why do we have such difficulty seeing it today in the behavior and words of Trump and his MAGA sycophants? They are directly in front of us where we can see and hear them. And just like Hitler and all the other strongmen preceding them, they are telling us EXACTLY what they will do once in power or back in power. They are not friends of democracy. In fact, they hate democracy and will only use to seize power, then they will dismantle it. Forewarned is forearmed. It’s up to us to defeat them at the ballot box.
www.tomthedemocratist.com
I am really enjoying these writings, music and images. Thank you.
Reminds me of the I Ching, ancient philosophy:
It is a perfect time for kindred spirits to gather together in community. This convergence is inspired by strong natural forces. Participation will yield a merging of the group psyche and a clarity of purpose. A strong, close knit union will emerge.
I love the I Ching! I learned about it in college and whenever we needed wisdom we would "throw the coins"... : )
Enjoyed this version of you! America is a beautiful unique place. Your information is so informative and this trip coverage was no exception, Thank you.
Having my coffee with this and glad.
I’m a big Rodney Crowell fan and like Chesney as well. I thought your trip would be more reminiscent of Cat Steven’s “Father and Son,” but get the America reference of the songs.
With Chesney, and his song, the irony is that the confederate states, including my state of Florida always votes “no” for emergency natural disaster aid to blue states. Hurricane Sandy comes to mind. And it shows just how hypocritical these red state politicians truly are. Maybe Chesney is considered a coastal elite.
Have a great rest of your trip and Happy Labor Day everyone!...:)
Sincerely loving your travelogue.
Michigan is a treasure. Since you were interlacing music, here’s song written by Michigan native Drew Nelson extolling Highway 2
https://youtu.be/ZcGz2vRPdLA?si=RqtDZSWGQWt7-nR0
Thank you Steve. Drinking my coffee road trippin’ with you is a true delight. My husband and I discovered SW Michigan this year and we can’t wait for more exploration of the great state of MI. Oh yes, I have dreams of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer being President! I can dream! And she rocks. I’m from Missouri so let me dream of anything other than MAGA. Safe travels to you both!
What an amazing experience you're having! I spent much of my childhood in Duluth, where my parents are from. Enjoy the rest of your trip in this beautiful country. And thanks for the wise insights, as always...
I was visiting a friend in the Twin Cities, and a few years ago we drove to Duluth and spent a few days. What a terrific little town! So much to do in the area, and a lovely little city on the water.
I assume you are heading onward but on Labor Day, you can walk the entire length of the Mackinaw Bridge. I can assure you it's also magical!
I have been to the island many times but never walked the bridge! Thanks! Just added it to my list