Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man

At first I was going to write about the egregious rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court this week. The six ultra conservative Christian white nationalists really did us dirty.

But I realized I didn’t want to write about them this week. As I drove across the heartland, which I do much more often than any politician, justice, or cabinet member, a few things came to mind. One, as I’ve mentioned before, we all need to step away for a moment when the actions of the current Republicans threaten to overwhelm us. Two, I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to stop and fully process what a decision means for our democracy and freedoms. And three, traveling across the heartland helps remind me what I’m fighting for outside what may already be obvious. 

Our country is beautiful to see, even at 70 MPH. Seeing corn growing by the highway, crossing over rivers and creeks, and watching the grasslands blowing in the wind is refreshing. Even a stray bit of rain adds to the beauty.

No one loves running into construction, mainly because it slows us down as we zip from Point A to Point B. I still felt that way for my drive, and I was also reminded we all own these construction zones. Our tax dollars, both federal and local, pay for the road work to help us get from place to place quickly and safely. We don’t often get to see our tax dollars at work or take a moment to acknowledge we all collectively own it.

Quite a few of the miles I had to cover were in rural areas, state and county roads rather than the interstate. I am grateful for digital maps and routing now, as much as I loved the old maps. Being able to see exactly where I need to turn, and alerts for most speed traps, helps with any stress of possibly getting lost.

When hitting those rural routes, it definitely means slowing down. I freely admit I love the speed, and I have come to learn to enjoy slowing down a bit too. This is because I can better see the scenery and architecture of smaller towns if I just look. 

One sees storefronts and churches that might be over 200 years old and still standing strong. Small cemeteries pop up where least expected. Grand vistas with overlooks to park and enjoy the view. Restaurants that have been family owned and operated for generations. Beautiful houses made of brick and large sweeping porches. Plus some surprising residents of small town America.

Who would think there would be a small town where Antonin Dvorak lived and composed with his family. Or a former NBA basketball player who built a gym for the community to use. Or an NFL football player calling it home. Or a pair of brothers who drew national acclaim for refusing a million dollars from Henry Ford to buy a clock they carved and designed by hand. Or a hotel where President Obama spent the night. Or an organization whose purpose is to save and share heirloom seeds.

All of that is great, but not what makes it all work. It really is the people. They smile in greeting. Nod or say hello when walking by. There is just a feeling of truly caring about the people in their town, and many know one another because of the friendliness.

These things can exist in larger cities, but it isn’t the norm. 

What I know is, I love living in the city and don’t want that to change, and I immediately feel relaxed with the slower pace and the nature around me when I venture into the real heartland. Big cities may be located in the heartland, but in my humble opinion, it is the smaller towns that are the heartland.

I just wish our elected and appointed officials would venture out of their bubbles once in a while to feel this vibe. It might make compromise easier and allow for better decisions in the betterment of us all occur.

So city dwellers, please try to make an effort to spend some time in the smaller towns of your states. On the flip side, small town America, I would want to ask you to also make an effort to spend some time in one of our larger cities. 

All of us could use some perspective and experience a bit of empathy of walking in the shoes of one another.

I’ve often said we all need to be involved in saving democracy in the ways which fit our lives and our comfort levels. These can be blogging, reposting on social media, calling your elected officials, letters to the editor, donating to organizations, and/or marching in the streets. Nothing is too little or too much. Here are some ways to get involved whether from the comfort of your own homes, or on the streets, over the next few weeks:

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• Call your U.S. Senator to demand they vote against the “big beautiful bill” that will harm most everyone living in the United States. The switchboard number is 202-224-3121. They will connect you with the correct senators. If you get their voicemail, which I do often, make sure to leave your name and address for your call to be registered as received.
• Call your U.S. Senator to demand they fight the Republican administration’s defiance of the court in following laws and the Constitution. The switchboard number is 202-224-3121. They will connect you with the correct senators. If you get their voicemail, which I do often, make sure to leave your name and address for your call to be registered as received.
• Participate in the Free America Weekend sponsored by the Women’s March on July 4.
• Join Good Trouble Lives on occurring on July 17.
• Call your congressional members and let them know as one of the people they represent, it is past time for DOGE to be dismantled. Call this number and the switchboard will connect you to your representative or senator: 202-224-3121. Even if you don’t know who your members are, they will find them for you based on your address, which they will ask you to provide.
• Call the White House switchboard to express your disappointment in what is happening and that DOGE must go: 202-456-1414 (switchboard) or 202-456-1111 (comments). I recommend the switchboard myself.
• Sign up for General Strike and commit to participating.
• Download the app Five Calls to help let your elected officials know you are paying attention and don’t approve. Website: https://5calls.org/ 
• Join a local group of Indivisible.
• Participate in the action items of50501: 50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Movement.
• Continue to boycott companies who have bent the knee or no longer believe in equality. Don’t buy from national chains or companies, such as Target, Amazon, Tesla, Walmart and any others who are bending the knee and capitulating to authoritarianism and the billionaire class.
• Write letters to your local papers expressing your disappointment and tell your stories of how the Republican administration is harming your families.
• Please say thank you in some way to the universities, law firms, companies, and organizations not bending the knee and capitulating to the Republican Administration.
• Watch for and attend the next big nationwide protest when announced.
• Do something, anything, peaceful to fight back!