If Walls Could Talk

A few weeks ago, I blogged that crossing a bridge offers a unique opportunity to embrace uplifting choice possibilities in the present moment as one transitions from past to future. In the following poem, I thus imagine that if a wall could speak, they might feel a similar need for self enlightening transformation.

Beyond “no man’s” rim, they arrive in desperate squalid

As my concrete slab taunts them in stoic solid

Such illusions of safety but never to heal

For my divisive view of life orders oppressive ordeal

In these zones of split mind, there’s a sickening distrust

In lost chances to engage binding unity’s thrust

When my cold barriers severs “breakaway” hopes in new land

What sense do I serve then, when so many I strand?

Without bricks, berms, nor wire, my walls no longer take side

For in a borderless country, I’ve got nothing to hide

Who comes through my portals, that no one can see.

True gatherings of oneness, who have no reason to flee

As friendless walls crumble in this world full of hate

It’s never in doubt that freedom’s reign spells my ultimate fate

Post Script:

Reflecting further on walls encountered in our world travels I present the following photographic display as a reminder of the critical need to embrace global unity today.

July 12, 2019 9

American History Gone Wrong

“Our Army manned the air, it rammed the ramparts, it took over the airports, it did everything it had to do, and at Fort McHenry, under the rocket’s red glare it had nothing but victory” (Donald Trump, 4th Of July, 2019)

As a past American History Teacher in urban middle schools, I often taught with the idea of transforming my class from one of passive recital of textbook facts into an exciting quest for self learning discovery. Yet I also faced then the challenging task of providing daily lessons to an inner city clientele who lacked basic comprehension/vocabulary skills. Without these learning fundamentals, they often struggled to make sense of the true complexities of historical understanding such as cause/effect, fact vs. opinion, and the powerful influence of biased reasoning. As the school year progressed, however, with basic skill attainment, I would discover that my students learned to question past events more critically.

From a learning perspective then, our President’s speech effort on the Fourth of July to force feed “ wrong U.S. History to Americans seems at first glance egregiously dumb. For in spite of the mindful efforts of his staff to provide a smooth teleprompter delivery, he found ample time to “spin” false tales of our nation’s past in grandiose proportions. Let us however consider his loose play of facts with regard to America’s aviation presence during the Revolutionary War serves as a provocative class lesson plan. I thus might inspire some interesting student reactions by posing the following questions.

1. What airport should have George Washington and his troops landed to insure victory at Valley Forge?

2. Did he need to fly first class then? Why or why not?

3. Why did soldiers ride horses in the era of airplane travel during the Revolutionary War?

4. Why were airport tarmacs key locations of battle in these colonial times?

5. Why might George Washington need to fly only in window seats during his diplomatic missions during the American Revolution?

6. How were British planes shot down by U.S. patriots during the Revolutionary War?

7. Who might have made the airplanes for the colonial cause then?

8. What cities became most vulnerable to British air invasions in colonial times?

9. What was Benjamin Franklin’s most celebrated invention for aerospace travel in the late 18th century?

10. What battle strategies would colonial pilots likely have employed at Yorktown to end this war?

As a follow up to this amusing scenario, imagine a similarly enlightened 8th grade class today offering a warm invite to our President to share his keen historical interest in our country by visiting their school. A key component of this invitation would be a request for him to lead the student/teacher populace in singing a rousing version of the U.S. National Anthem and Pledge Of Allegiance.

Under the present circumstances of this current administration, which of the following statements would be his most likely response to the school regarding acceptance of this invitation?

a. Surely , I’d be glad to be there in person.

b. Maybe, I need to check with my lawyers.

c. No, I have a golf game that day.

d. Possibly, I will check about my broken teleprompter.

e. Definitely if I can bring Sean Hannity with me.

July 7, 2019 10

“Tuning In” For Holiday Honor?

“Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)

In early evening on the 4th of July in our nation’s capital, President Trump will speak to this nation from one of the enduring landmark symbols of American Democracy: The Lincoln Memorial. Yet it seems sadly un – American that a “VIP” ticket policy will allot reserved seats for family, friends, military, and official dignitaries in closest proximity to the stage. After all, wasn’t Washington D.C.’s Capital Mall designed for free public access for all? It also follows that “right wing” media outlets like “Fox” will heavily politicize coverage by scanning these staged proceedings, to create a false impression that President Trump’s booming popularity here bodes well for him for 2020 re-election. It seems also likely that any personal attacks of this President against his perceived enemies will similarly ignite misguided press attention in this rally stoked atmosphere and thus further widen the red vs. blue state divide in this country.

Is it right then that our nation should be subjected to such a reality show sham on these hallowed grounds on such a historic occasion? Surely, Americans could find better ways to show love of country and desire to relax in summer fun than watch a self serving speech or divisive campaign plea on the Fourth of July! I am reminded as well that deep-seated threats to American ideals of democracy, freedom, truth, and equality intensify as a deeply divided country suffers today because of the ill advised words/ actions of this Chief Executive.

I conclude this blog with a bit of sarcastic fun about this topic, as some timely tune titles “caught” my critical thinking attention from a recent Google search of “oldies” music genres. Each of these captions are compiled below in boldface parenthesis to correspond with key issue dealings of this current Presidential administration.

Russian Involvement in Our Elections (“LOOK WHAT YOU DONE FOR ME”)

Family Separation/Deportation Policies (“BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER”)

Executive Relations With The Media (“BACK OFF BOOGALOO”)

Empowerment Of Women in America (“RUN FOR YOUR LIFE”)

Draining The Corrupt “Swamp” (“COULDN’T GET IT RIGHT”)

Limits of Presidential Powers (“JUST WANT TO BE YOUR EVERYTHING”)

Influence of Lobbyist/Corporate Power (“ASK ME WHAT YOU WANT”)

Engaging With Autocratic Foreign Powers (“I’VE BEEN LONELY TOO LONG”)

The Politics Of Supreme Court Selections (“IT’S GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME”)

Balancing Science vs. Religious Outlooks (“LIVING THE LIE”)

Health Insurance For All (“HEART BREAK HOTEL”)

Improving Educational Standards (“DON’T ASK ME NO QUESTIONS”)

Civil Rights In The Modern Era (“WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?”)

As you glance at the photo below, please soul search deeply about the present state of our Presidency on America’s 243rd birthday of its Declaration of Independence.

July 3, 2019 6

You’re Lost: Now Become Inspired

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves” (Henry David Thoreau)

The idea of getting lost on a well earned vacation raises immediate fears of a recipe for tourist disaster. Why would you veer off the main highway on your road trip along a unmarked country road to go virtually nowhere? Or what sense would it make on a cruise to adventure on your own into the unknown darkness of a dense, island jungle? What issues might also cross your mind on a downtown visit if you walked back to your hotel at night through unfamiliar surroundings? If you likewise faced indefinite time delays awaiting your air/land connection in passenger terminal “ limbo”, with no place to go, how would you handle the following boredom as well?

In each of the above cases, however, we might look at losing our way from a new paradigm in the following quote of James Redfield, author of the renowned novel, The Celestine Prophecy; “Inspiration is what keeps us well.”Thus instead of habitually pre programming ourselves to avoid/control our adrift wanderings, then why not just “let go” and simply learn to embrace “moment by moment any unfamiliar travel setting as a self learning lesson? Considering my own transformations from feeling lost to choosing self growth along the way of unknown travel, I thus offer the following examples.

“Utah Canyonland ( Trust Your Senses )

At first glance as we first entered Goblin State Park, in South Central Utah, we noticed the odd presence of gnome twisted, rock formations in the vast, canyon basin below. Descending steeply to this mystical rock field along the poorly marked Carmel Canyon Trail, we soon became directionally disoriented as the path grew progressively narrower and darker. Searching for an exit path uphill in such dire circumstances, we spotted a narrow opening to the terminus of this trail. Yet the urgency of finding firm foot grips and clear visual sightings to the top along this improvised route would immediately became a major concern. Who would have thought that this trail designated as only moderate by the State Park Service would require us to (1) undertake a risky crawl on hands and knees, (2) pull each other up steep canyon sidings, and (3) endure limited sight vision amidst unfamiliar surroundings to complete this arduous effort?

Sedona, Arizona Vortexes (Find Nature’s Energy Flow)

The Celestine Prophecy discusses the need to observe energy fields existing in the environment surrounding us that enhance our inner psyche. Feeling the need to explore the immense power of such vortex energy in sighting Courthouse Rock towering above the harsh desert below, our ensuing walk through such unknown environs provided a much needed meditative calmness as we drew closer to this mystical rock presence.

New York City – Midtown (Being Different is Ok)

A self guided walking of Midtown, New York City on a recent cruise brought welcome relief from the “cattle car” privacy invasions at sea. Enjoying a spontaneous slowdown at Times Square on a busy midweek afternoon, I thus sensed that no one seemed to care who you were or what you were doing amidst such urban frenzy. The unkempt appearance of an old man in the following picture surprisingly did not draw negative crowd attention to his deeply depressing plight in the following photo.

Las Vegas Strip (Cash In On Youthful Identity)

With so many visual reminders of youthful hedonism surrounding me when feeling trapped inside the cavernous corridors of Caesar’s Palace and its indoor pedestrian mall, I really did tend to feel younger there. Yet such “Fountain Of Youth” illusions to stay up later and more playfully indulge typically invoked havoc on my “spending pocket”.

Lost In the Jungle – Dominica (Go Back To Basics )

The critical need for basic, self survival strategies surfaced as we cautiously trekked through the dense island jungles of Dominica on a recent cruise excursion. Some life sustaining thought adaptations immediately surfaced then. A map of iPhone or map seemed useless to strategize a path ahead, so I imagined my ability to handle brush clearing sickle. Predicting that my rising thirst would not be eased by potentially poisonous waters in a nearby stream, I eagerly drank coconut water from an island tree. Admiring oily vine extensions from a practical perspective, I envisioned myself “playing Tarzan” by climbing vines as the most efficient way to escape a charging predator.

Train Station Europe (Cure Time Deadline Obsessions)

European rail stations typically adopt rigorous time schedule standards, yet the reality prevails that a given train can still depart or arrive late for various reasons. So in contrast to those time conscious passengers clearly fretting their impending delays in the following photographs, I chose to engage my idle time in quiet, self meditation.

Italian Riviera, N. Italy (Imagine History As It Really Was)

As a past World History teacher. I enjoy getting lost while meandering through “0ld Town”, paths of medieval Europe to see history from a more intimate, non- textbook perspective. By conducting such aimless walks within the walled confines of five towns in the Cinque Terre region, I thus obtained a close up look at authentic medieval life often centered around the castle, cobblestone, church and open market square.

June 29, 2019 7

Binding Echos From The Road

“All for one and one for all.”( Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers)

I never enjoyed engaging with others in contentious issue confrontation and feel proud that I survived to have completed over thirty years of successful, multicultural teaching with such peaceful intentions. Thus removing a timely potion of “Critical Thinking” from my bag of teaching tricks, two basic questions comes quickly come to mind. 1) Is there any hope for building “bridges” of common agreement rather than “walls” of polarizing dissent in today’s angry “right wing” vs. “left wing” political environment? (2) What Democratic political candidate from this week’s national debate for U.S. President would best capture such compromise appeal to bring our country together again? In my hope to elect a new leader who embraces unity’s call for ALL AMERICANS, I thus present some thought provoking images in the self made, slide show below from our recent road trip travels.

June 25, 2019 3

Never A Bridge Too Far

“It is a good habit to thank always the bridge which takes you to the other side or to mention the name of the bridge or to take the photo of it or to repair it if you can! In short, do something good for those who do goodness for you.”(Mehmet Muraltildan)

A common theme of my blogs concerns the desire to live in the present as we proceed annually on our road trip travels. It follows that neurotic obsessions of the past or unknown apprehensions of the future must be minimized on such long distance adventures. Crossing a bridge thus offers an inviting opportunity to test this “now” resolve as my senses lock suspended in time’s moment by moment in transitioning between one’s past place of visit and the upcoming site to be encountered of the unknown.

Consider for example how inspiring sensations of self growth can arise as a lost tourist traverses seemingly impenetrable barriers by way of masterful work of bridge engineering construction? Or ponder why a greater appreciation of nature’s glory arises along walking paths as the weary hiker slowly steps on a simple footbridge over a slow moving river? In connecting how past events connect to today’s times as well, what historical relevance matters for the time challenged commuter along a busy, commuter bridge that serves as a vital gateway to a thriving city? In also considering the rise of populist nationalism in America in today’s times, what magical formula in bridge appearance arises to unite friend and foe in order to tear down resultant physical, social, and political walls? With each of the above scenarios in mind, I thus reveal to my readers below some memorable bridge encounters from our recent road trip travels.

1.California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 – (Be Inspired By Nature)

In driving cautiously through the steeply narrow roadways, of the “Big Sur Region”, I enjoyed welcoming rest stops at the famed Bixby Bridge and several other coastal passages. As I admired breathtaking panoramas of raw cliffs descending naturally to meet the rocky shoreline below the strong pillars of each crossing, I gained a strong sense from such nature’s synergy that humans must similarly strive to work cooperatively in tandem for the sake of global humankind.

2. Mississippi River off U.S. Highway 61 – (Go Westward Ho)

Our crossing of the seemingly untamed Mississippi River each year on our road trips west becomes a symbolic marking point of exchanging our regimented, east coast ways for the anticipated freedom of open prairies in Texas/Great Plains lying shortly ahead. This year, however, I more cautiously observed a severely flooded Mississippi basin as a useful omen to be more mindful of extreme weather anomalies to be encountered by us this year.

3. San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge (“Think Outside The Box)

As one of the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge provides spectacular panoramas of the San Francisco skyline and its adjacent bay. Yet dense fog and cold gusting winds often envelop this bridge to discourage ambitious, sightseeing options in this famous city on a given day. In turning more introspective in such surrounding bridge mist on the first day of our most recent visit, I simply buttoned up my windbreaker, and thought of alternative ways to enjoy life with friend and family on this weather challenged day. Perhaps that thought would equally apply to handling those incessantly rainy summer days at home in South Florida.

4. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada ( See More Spend Les’s)

With the construction of several bridge overpasses extending across S. Las Vegas Blvd, it’s now practical to move easily from hotel to hotel across this busy thoroughfare without major disruptions of traffic and endless crowds. As a result, we no longer feel pressured to exceed our budget in gambling temptation at any one casino on our road trip visits to the strip. Las Vegas’ new pedestrian-friendly bridges at casino entrances also allows us to search more easily for economical concerts and other forms of entertainment along the strip.

5. Univ. of Tennessee in Knoxville (Striving For Upward Mobility)

The opportunity to pursue “Higher Education becomes more accessible for “all” as pedestrian overpass bridges link the downtown core conveniently to key academic buildings on the nearby campus. I also recall on our Knoxville road trip visit accepting the challenge to ascend steep bridge ramps to the upper decks of nearby Neyland Stadium in order to earn an exceptional look of the football field and Knoxville vicinity. I thus reason from these two examples of bridge movement that rise to success in life can relate directly to the level of one’s expectations.

6. Page Ariz.’s Glen Canyon Bridge (Examine Environmental Impacts)

This massive arch bridge extending high over the harsh, arid region of the Colorado River Basin in one way can be viewed as a major accomplishment of Civil Engineering efficiency Yet at what cost does the presence of this Glen Canyon span incur when you factor in our road trip observations of the tourist invasion in this federally protected wilderness area? When you consider in this regard that Navaho Indians once revered this Northern Arizona desert region as their sacred homeland to preserve for all, to what extent do today’s boaters, swimmers, hikers, and campers similarly respect “environmentally sustainable” practices here today?

7. Downtown Cleveland, Ohio (Evolution Of A Struggling Industrial Giant)

This large Midwest city along the south shore of Lake Erie once reigned as a major hub of giant steel mill operations, burgeoning resident populace, millionaire oil businesses, and a thriving railroad connections. Reinventing itself today as a tourist center in the decline of America’s industrial era, its historic bridges remain as a testament to its former glories. Thus we often find good use of Cleveland downtown’s efficient bridge access by car when attending a professional sporting event, enjoying a picnic along the lake, or in visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on our road trips.

8. Northern Idaho’s Dixie Bridge – Route 12 ( Meditate With Nature)

The Louis and Clark Highway follows a tortuously winding path along the rugged Lochsa River for 134 miles. Stopping for a much needed rest, at this simple wooden bridge, we sat quietly here for awhile to rejuvenate our minds/bodies amidst nature’s stillness.

9. Niagara Falls N.Y. – International Rainbow Bridge (Overcome Walls Of Difference)

In contrast to the current scene of U.S. immigration confusions along the Mexican border, this popular entry point near Buffalo N.Y. provided us with easy access as we simply walked along this pedestrian friendly bridge to and from Ontario Canada with our current U.S. passport card for display. Thus this bridge has transformed Niagara Falls from its traditional reputation as a haven for American honeymooners into a bonified model of peaceful co-habitation in the world today.

10. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky – ( Pursue Road Not Taken )

In the famous poem by Robert Frost, “ The Road Not Taken” the traveler opts to follow the less traveled path that few others have taken. This country bridge encountered at the end of our last road trip similarly seems to go oddly into deep woods, “no man’s land”. Would you dare to cross this bridge alone with no map, GPS guidance or other assistance?

June 22, 2019 6

“On The Road” Eatery Invitations

“ I personally think there is a real danger of taking food too seriously. Food should be part of the bigger picture.” (Anthony Bourdain)

The issue of personal food consumption has always reminded me of the time tested dilemma of whether to “eat to live” or “live to eat”. In the case of our road trip travels, I would add that a quality food experience can by significantly enhanced by where, when, and how this eating ritual takes place. Thus I often convince my wife in our cross country ventures of the need to find offbeat country cafes, eclectic urban bistros, or historic hometown diners that enhance our breakfasts, lunches or dinners in non-culinary ways. In the following photographic display, I thus describe ten favored eateries on our latest cross country journey that not only offered us a memorable eating experience but also aroused such non-food curiosities.

1. Mike and Rhonda’s “The Place” – (Avoid Interstate Monotony)

En route to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we exited the faceless presence of fast food heaven” along Interstate 17 in mid morning to cruise Old Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Situated conspicuously amidst this historic strip of old motor inns, local beer taverns , and mom and pop stores, “The Place” thus fulfilled my desire to sample an authentic relic along this American “mother road” of the Post World War II era. Check out the huge, double dose of biscuits that accompanied our egg platters served here for breakfast on this visit.

2. Cliff House Inn – (In and Out Panoramic Bliss)

Before visiting friends in the remote enclave of Jasper, Arkansas, I enjoyed the fried delicacies of a “ Southern Sampler” lunch at the renowned Cliff House Inn surrounded by spectacular views of the Ozark Mountains and interesting wall testimonies of past famous celebrities.

3. Jack Stack Barbecue (Historic Restoration Appeal)

Along the old train yards of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, My wife and I celebrated my birthday with a filling portion of St. Louis Ribs and tasty accompaniments at the converted freight house of Jack Stack Barbecue. Exiting this cavernous, brick dining room, I witnessed vivid reminders of the historic importance of this area as a warehouse site and railroad hub in Kansas City.

4. Pantry Restaurant (Go For A Flashy Sign)

Amidst the monotonous urban sprawl of suburban Santa Fe, New Mexico, the unusual neon sign of the small Pantry Restaurant “caught my eye” as we wearily returned to our motel from a long day of playing tourist in “Old Town.”Curious to sample local food delicacies, I then enjoyed a satisfying dinner of stuffed New Mexican sopapillas accompanied by rice and beans.

5. Ripplewood Resort Cafe (Seek Nature’s Enjoyment )

Winding our way along ninety miles of steep cliffs along the famed Pacific Coast Highway in Central Coast California, the secluded Ripplewood Resort Cafe In Big Sur would provide a much needed, midway stop for a tasty omelet breakfast. We soon discovered as well that the cool freshness of spring flower gardens and smooth textures of rare rock displays on the cafe grounds provided a suitable way to regain our travel bearings.”

6. The Shed ( Get Out And Walk)

With an authentic adobe ambience of “Old Mexico,” Santa Fe Plaza offered us a walking tour paradise as we strolled through stunning art galleries/ iconic Spanish landmarks at our leisure. Searching for lunch options along a nearby quiet lane, we soon experienced additional artistic elegance as we dined at “The Shed”. Thus settling into this much needed, siesta slowdown, there, I accepted the eating challenge of accompanying my soup and salad lunch with a noticeable “Hot Chile Kick.”

7. Boudins SF (Escape Weather Anomalies)

As strong cold winds chilled our South Florida accustomed bodies along Fisherman’s Wharf at San Francisco Bay, we welcomed refuge from the “elements” inside Boudin’s Bakery/ Cafe. I then ordered a steaming Clam Chowder Bread Bowl at the “take out” bar to provide a a quick dose of additional warmup energy.

8. ) Rudee’s On The Inlet Virginia Beach (Relax With Friends)

Although I don’t typically enjoy social eating experiences, there are occasions on our road trips when we need to find a relaxing place to reunite in intimate conversations with friends. Surrounded by gently lapping waves along Rudee’s dockside patio, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the decision to spend “quality time” with my wife’s friend Theresa in sharing a tasty, fried seafood lunch seemed entirely appropriate.

9. Blue & White Restaurant (Retro Diners Rock)

As we stepped inside the interior of the Blue &White Restaurant obscurely situated along historic Route 61 in Tunica Mississippi, I immediately sensed a nostalgic return to an era of neighborly friendliness and teenage rebellion in 1950s small town America. Think of past teen idol James Dean riding up in his 1956 Corvette to order his homemade milkshake or malt at a crowded sit down counter from an obedient waitress as “tinny” jukebox speakers blasted early rock and roll tunes nearby. It’s was nothing flashy for sure yet the yet the combined appeal of such wild retro imaginations with a complete homemade dinner of fried chicken and southern food accompaniments proved to be a “winner on this stormy night along the swollen Mississippi River.

10. 8th Street Steakhouse (Be A Western Pioneer)

When we travel great distances along harsh terrain westerly for months at a time, a pioneer realization arises that a close encounter with free roaming wildlife nearby often means a life threatening battle of predator vs. prey. Think of a grizzly bear encounter on a a lonely day hike in rural Montana for example as you ponder a way to escape its vicious teeth and claws. Therefore, being given an opportunity to cook my own steak and hamburger on flaming grill amidst wild animal mountings overhead at the 8th Street Steakhouse in Steamboat Springs, Colorado provided a fittingly normal experience for such a hunter friendly environment.

June 16, 2019 15

“Rat-Race” Return Rejections

“A person who is in a constant rat race seldom has time to think whether or not he is living his life properly” (Sunday Adelaja)

An important part of planning for our road trips involves a serious consideration of readjustment to real life routines upon returning home. For our 2019 spring marathon, fond memories of our relaxing stays in outlying areas of Colorado, Utah, California, and Arizona could thus quickly vanish in facing again the hectic,“rat race” lifestyle to survive daily crisis in urban South Florida.

Yet keeping in touch with a support group by phone or email typically pays dividends for us in avoiding such “real life” calamities which can disrupt our travel enjoyment. This year, in particular, a quick inspection of our condo by a trusting neighbor raised “red flags” to us for a timely replacement for our dying, central air conditioner two days prior to our scheduled road trip return. Accordingly, the willingness of a family friend to inform us about impending, medical decisions in our immediate families enabled us to quickly spring into action from afar to assist in helping them obtain proper treatment care.

On a more personal level, our time tested preoccupation to plan carefully ahead on the road saved us vital time/effort for the last three months. Burdensome tasks such as washing clothes, shopping for basic food necessities, and attending to medical issues were proactively scheduled ahead of time at extended stay destinations to relieve later anticipated stress. In accordingly managing anticipated “rat race” pressures of finance management, medical issues, and traffic congestion proactively in this year’s home transition , we freed up more time in our schedule to spend much needed quality moments in the company of my elderly mother and father in law.

After three months of “open road” serenity, staying calm amidst our abrupt return to the fast pace of South Florida presented an intriguing emotional challenge as well. Daily reminders at each visited destination to prioritize quality sleep. make time to read, seek healthy eating choices , and appreciate nature’s slowdown seemed to be valuable lessons for also attaining a more stress-free lifestyle at home. You might might even label these “anti- rat race” actions stated above as our version of “spring cleaning” fever.

On our last road trip stop of 2019, we immersed our “now” attention on the serene natural beauty and quiet solitude of Cumberland Falls, Kentucky. I likewise aspire to live my life “in the present at home with a similar mentality of such daily calmness. In sharing below the following video/photos from that visit, I sincerely hope that you too will find more time/place in your daily life to defeat your own “rat race demons. I would also welcome your feedback on a recent revamp of my theme presentation on this Word Press website.

June 9, 2019 1

In Full Sight Of Injustice

Injustice – violation of the rights of others; unjust or unfair action or treatment.

“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”(Thomas Jefferson)

I live now in an era of troubling government times for my country. Why does heartless, family separation of immigrant families take place along American borders ? How can needy individuals with severe, medical preconditions be threatened with loss of vital, Obamacare coverage? Why are so many people in the U.S. disenfranchised from voting in elections? To what extent does violence spread across the country as a result of the daily hatred spews of our current, “Bully Pulpit” President?

With no surprise then, I’ve seen plenty of human injustice during the course of our U.S. road trips. Clearly, any observations of egregious forms of unjust hatred, bigotry, and violence AT ANY TIME OR PLACE cannot be denied or ignored. Exhibiting my typical interest in truthful representation of past events as a former history teacher as well, I thus present several, revealing examples of injustice learned from such recent road trip travels. I sincerely hope that your interest in this blog will thus spread mindful interest in support of this issue as the 2020 election draws near.

In Eastern Tennessee , I sadly observed reminders of the forced removal of the Cherokee Indians during their “Trail Of Tears” exodus to Oklahoma from their sacred homelands in the early 1800s.

In San Francisco, I found startling evidence of the unwelcoming presence of Chinese immigrants held captive at government processing stations on Angel Island at the turn of the 20th century.

At the Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise, a brief tour of the prison grounds/buildings confirmed that burdensome guard rules and poor incarceration conditions fueled an atmosphere of unjust, human oppression there over its 191 year functioning history.

At a Civil Rights Museum In Montgomery, Alabama, I witnessed graphic scenes of Rosa Park’s heroic stand to risk arrest on December 5, 1955 in order to protest white racist, seating policies on a city bus.

I stood near a famous bridge near Selma, Alabama, where the March for Civil Rights crossed there on March 7, 1965. Gazing at physical mementos of this historic day, my heart filled with sympathy for these courageous American heroes who endured racist filled violence on “Bloody Sunday”

At the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, I admired the creative brilliance of talented black musicians inspired by their vigorous opposition to a U.S. era of blatant race intolerance/ bigotry prevailing in the last century. .

Along major highways in the “Deep South”, the Confederate Flag flew proudly to signify that past Civil War bloodshed incurred over slavery remains a dangerously divisive issue for our country today.

I close this blog with a more recent U.S. example of injustice in action. This past Monday, Carlos Hernandez Vásquez, a 16-year-old Guatemalan became the sixth child to die in Customs and Border Protection custody since the Trump administration began enforcing enhanced security measures at the Mexican border. Consider then, the significance of the following quote as the 2020 election cycle approaches. “I think people should be angry at things that are worthy of anger. Injustice is outrageous and deserves outrage. “ (Chris Hayes)

May 31, 2019 19

Finding My Southern Soul

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” (John Muir)

Let’s face facts. I’ve always visited the small towns in the American South with kind of an urban, “chip on my shoulder”. At such times, my childhood TV impressions of rural comedy depicted in Andy of Mayberry” and “Green Acres” from my TV past clouds my mind. How sad that I also tend to cringe at the thought of engaging in meaningful conversation with strangers of a more conservative, southern mind. I have, on the other hand, enjoyed the cool glass of sweet tea, fried chicken, and collard greens at a local country diner in a southern town. Taking in a dose of bluegrass music now and then or casual shopping in a “mom and pop” store has seemed equally enticing. Clearly, then, some seeds” have been planted already for me to obtain a “Deep South” connection to enlighten my travel spirit.

Perhaps a relaxing, encounter with nature in Western Carolina’s Smoky Mountains at the end of our road trip could provide impetus for a clearer perspective. Foregoing the ambitious plan for a full day of entertaining historical/cultural sightseeing in nearby Asheville, I would instead opt to embrace the simpler option of seeking inner silence/solitude along a late morning drive of the “Blue Ridge” Parkway. In spending “quality time” at each overlook, amidst the sheer panoramic bliss of these spectacularly forested mountains, it seemed that any anti- southern mind distractions seemed utterly pointless at the time. I thus encourage you to feel my version of “southern hospitality” that I experienced In the following photographic display.

May 26, 2019 4