I have seen the same thing you saw about the big disconnect between the actions of ordinary people and what we see in the news and online. Notably, I was in Manhattan in November 2016, shortly after the election. Expecting violence, the police were on alert and had blocked off Trump Tower. But they were wrong. In all our wandering around, I heard only one rude comment, from a man making a delivery, and that had nothing to do with politics. People were just going about their business. At a restaurant, we were seated next to a couple of men who were actually discussing the election. They were clearly concerned about Donald Trump, but not angry, not upset, quite willing to give him a chance. In Manhattan!
Something evil is trying to incite panic and rage in our population. We must resist, and the best way I know to do that is to keep interacting positively with the people in our families, our neighborhoods, and the places we work and live. And remembering that the troll who makes the nastiest comments online may just be someone paid to make trouble, or even not a real person at all.
Yes, I do know some people whose friendships we are trying to hang onto but who make that difficult in their fear and anger. But by far the majority are not like that.
New Yorkers by and large don't strike me as the J6th mob or peaceful visiting tourists or whatever you want to call them. Far too dignified to rampage in the streets.
The J6 protestors were not a “mob.” They were ordinary people protesting the severe and ever worsening rot in our society. The “Insurrection!” was a setup by Nancy Piglosi and the FBI who used it to demonize Trump supporters as deranged terrorists who simply must be stopped. Once I was a Marine and a patriotic American but that was when America was still a country. Those days are long gone and will never return. May God curse the criminally insane pigs who rule us for destroying it.
Ordinary people tend not to storm the country's very capital building containing the majority of our dear leaders attempting to certify the results of an American presidential election. And no Nancy and gang did not stage the mob. That's patently absurd.
If you saw the event live on TV, as I did, you would know that many of those entering the building were basically allowed in...they looked like tourists as they trudged up the capitol steps.... and by the way, why was chief provocateur Ray Epps let off with a slap on the wrist while others who did not even enter the building were harshly punished? Until you can answer these and other currently unanswered questions, best to stay quiet.
Completely agree Pacificus. That is what I saw too. I started watching as much live feed of events as I could after the 2016 elections and seeing the talking heads reaction. There is such a disconnect from reporting to what actually happens or is said.
I saw it live on tv too. My apologies - my brain saw what Bill Barr seems to have seen rather than your version, a bunch of silly looking yahoos riled up in their fealty to Trump. I take some exception to your description of folks as "tourists". While I'm sure some were, it's doubtful that tourists, sane ones anyway, would choose that particular J6th for an innocent romp at the capital building when Trump's 'Be There. Will Be Wild!' had been widely noted in the media and following the stolen election as it did and such like.
As for Ray Epps, following January 6, conspiracy theories were shared on Twitter & Tucker Carlson, accusing Epps of being an agent provocateur and linking his wife to Dominion Voting Systems. In July 2023, Epps started litigation against Fox for amplifying these conspiracy theories. In September 2023, he was charged with and pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct for his participation in the attack, and was sentenced to a year of probation.
So, was Epps a Dem plant (unlikely and unproven) or was he a scapegoat for the Fox and Tucker narrative (for more likely).
You obviously have not seen the video (lots of it) of Ray Epps on Jan 5 and 6 urging the crowd that "we are going in"--in some cases while people chanted "fed, fed, fed..." Pretty undeniable evidence that Epps was one of if not the primary instigator of the Jan 6 riot. And sentenced to a year's probation. While others who did far less are doing hard time.
Friend, you are severely mis/underinformed about the events of Jan 6, and other things, too, I'm guessing.
Simon, I know from a friend of a friend that the FBI are still making house calls for those in DC on J6. In this case, the people involved were only at the Trump rally. But they were visited by Feds in 2024, then invited/demanded to also come downtown to talk at FBI office. This is occurring in the PNW.
Many people believe that America is simply too big and too powerful to collapse but many people also believed that about the Soviet Union. No one in 1985 would have believed that the USSR, the mighty "Evil Empire,” would be a disintegrating mess in just a few years. I told that to someone last year who said "But the Soviet Union was a collection of separate countries.” What we have here though is a collection of separate realities which is a much deadlier situation. Could it be that the reason why America is so rapidly unraveling externally is because it has already ceased to exist as a country internally?
“Black Reparations Inspiring a Multicolored Pandora’s Box of Intersectional Demands.”
In many ways it never did die the same type of people are still there in charge. Yes they lost some control but in many ways they are more powerful now than ever.
Actually, Seva, the "United States of America" are in fact a collection of "separate countries"... i.e., California is not Texas, Minnesota is not Florida. And that is the way it is supposed to be. And yes, "United States of America" is/should be a plural noun ("are"). Our Union is held together by a common belief in freedom, equality, and republican government--for now.
Did Nancy Piglosi express remorse about the needless loss of life of her fellow American Ashli Babbitt on Jan 6 Capitol rally? Not at all. She preferred to use the occasion to slobber about “Whiteness!” And this creature was one of America’s top political leaders!? A truly evil old hag. When she dies God will give her a thumbs down and send her straight to Hell where she will join Satin in eternity. Always will she be there with Satan, the Prince of Darkness, the Ruler of the Underworld and of demons. God believes in justice so I feel sure this will be Nancy’s fate. Watch this appalling video and I’m sure you’ll agree as well.
Nancy Piglosi: Trump Insurgents Chose ‘Whiteness Over Democracy’ (3 min)
J6th footage shows the rioters repeatedly chanting "Nancy, Nancy" outside her office in the Capitol. The video was taken minutes after Pelosi was evacuated from the building by Capitol police. It also shows a rioter shouting: "All we want is Pelosi."
Perhaps Nancy was focusing more on those leaders inside the building getting out alive. Many of the "mob" seemed righteously angry and revved up by conspiracies.
An excellent Federalist article below by a woman who has totally lost faith in America. She worked for years to try to get the country to be what it’s supposed to be and totally failed to even budge it. All her years of effort for nothing. Fat lot of good her Capitol protesting did her. She’s considered a “domestic terrorist” and could even have been tossed in prison for being at the rally. No society so devoid of trust and so full of hate can survive as a nation. This is just not working at all.
“Why I Am Joining the Jan 6 DC March For Trump.”
“0n Nov 4, 2020, I suddenly saw with my own eyes the depth and breadth of the political corruption myself and others had tried and failed to prevent for so many years.”
or maybe she is a democratically elected public servant representing her constituents. BTW, she likely feels as strongly about religious beliefs as you do. She was also pro-Taiwan before it was popular, and continues to be so, publicly. She also raised nice kids, so there's that. Finally, she and her husband had nothing to do with hammer horrors, so conspiracy theories are not always very accurate.
Open borders, dumbed down schools that poison children with Woke race and gender ideology, the demonization of “Whiteness!” in general and of white cops in particular, and the war on meritocracy due to its having a “disparate impact” on blacks and therefore condemned as “racist” by the left are just a few of the many ways democrats have destroyed America. This is a rapidly unraveling society becoming ever more fragmented and ungovernable. This is simply not working at all.
“California Nukes Math Standards For Racial Equity.” (7 min)
We travel across the country with our trailer and 2 dogs. We always say the same thing. 95% of the people we encounter are very pleasant and friendly. Wonderful statement on history. Thank you for sharing it and your pictures. Prayers for quick healing and safety for the remainder of your trip!
Your stories from the road are always fabulous (except the injuries part). It’s important for us all to be reminded that it’s a big, beautiful country mostly filled with good people. Cool runnings!
Love the history post. This needs to be remembered many and certainly by those who choose to destroy memorials of civil war heroes or any historical memorial. If it offends, good, and stop renaming schools,etc. for the same reason.
I hope you are fully recovered soon. Many love your articles, as I do. A voice of reason is much appreciated.
My family were those people. For a time. And then not anymore.
The biggest issue with progressive communists, is that not even one of them understands God, forgiveness, love, and reconciliation. This is purely in the exact domain of the opposing Kingdom, the Christian Kingdom. We are still in the Kingdom.
So…. Ask An atheist to love you. It is impossible. There is no love in them at all, in any way. Ask a true Christian to love you. He or she will confess their sins to you immediately and ask you to love them right back. And….. they will actually will love love you. Not a stunt for media manipulation. They will actually love you, the person. You. If they are Christians. No cameras please. No Tik Tok psychopaths please.
The inscription on the Gettysburg statue in your photos is painfully timely:
“Let no vandalism or avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or coming generations that we have forgotten as a people, the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
From Order No.11, given by Gen. John A Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic creating Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) directing Union veterans to honor Union soldiers killed in the Civil war.
Back roads and small towns are the best. I am trying to drive down every back road in the West in the time left to me. My favorite spot is E. Oregon so I wish them success in escaping the lunatics in Portland.
Stop in Saugatuck on your way home. Then take the car ferry from Mi to WI. It’s really cool. Take the high road to CA. I’ve done every route. With dogs.
Sasha, no need to scurry around, hither and thither. You did discover a fundamental truth. Americans, actual Americans, live in the middle, the “flyover “ places. We are legion and armed to the teeth. We love peace, quiet, and tranquility and real truth.And babies, and weddings, and little dogs like your little dogs. We love beauty and beautiful music. And God. To us, every day is a blessing from God Almighty. Sasha, please stop damaging yourself. I myself am like that as well. Every time i go outside I bleed from something. My wife fusses at me a little. What I wish to do now is hike in high country above 12,000 feet. I have been there hundreds of miles before. My heart is not cooperating now. I would encourage anyone of decent health to experience “high country “ above tree level. It will blow your mind with the sheer beauty and majesty and wonder of it all. You will never experience anything like it at all. This is truly the sort of places where you experience pure beauty.
I imagine scuba divers have similar experiences below the waves 🌊
But to me, they are short 🤡. Just kidding. Anytime in the wilderness is an excellent experience. I have seen many wild predators in backcountry. And many beautiful views on the flats in the deserts. I love it all. America is totally amazing if folks experience it, way beyond the road.
“History is not there for you to like or dislike.
It is there for you to learn form.
And if it offends you, even better,
because you are less likely to repeat it.
History is not yours to change or destroy.”
Great sentiment!
Imagine if every town and city in the USA had that quote posted in a prominent place for all its citizens to read!
That is a wonderful thing to imagine. We are who we are ‘because of’ and ‘in spite of’
our history. However, the cynic in me thinks that would be one of the first casualties of the mostly peaceful protests.
Especially oral history never put to page but recited over and over in front of a campfire throughout the generations
Beautiful reflections. Heal up soon, Sasha!
I have seen the same thing you saw about the big disconnect between the actions of ordinary people and what we see in the news and online. Notably, I was in Manhattan in November 2016, shortly after the election. Expecting violence, the police were on alert and had blocked off Trump Tower. But they were wrong. In all our wandering around, I heard only one rude comment, from a man making a delivery, and that had nothing to do with politics. People were just going about their business. At a restaurant, we were seated next to a couple of men who were actually discussing the election. They were clearly concerned about Donald Trump, but not angry, not upset, quite willing to give him a chance. In Manhattan!
Something evil is trying to incite panic and rage in our population. We must resist, and the best way I know to do that is to keep interacting positively with the people in our families, our neighborhoods, and the places we work and live. And remembering that the troll who makes the nastiest comments online may just be someone paid to make trouble, or even not a real person at all.
Yes, I do know some people whose friendships we are trying to hang onto but who make that difficult in their fear and anger. But by far the majority are not like that.
Something evil is commonly called the media.
New Yorkers by and large don't strike me as the J6th mob or peaceful visiting tourists or whatever you want to call them. Far too dignified to rampage in the streets.
The J6 protestors were not a “mob.” They were ordinary people protesting the severe and ever worsening rot in our society. The “Insurrection!” was a setup by Nancy Piglosi and the FBI who used it to demonize Trump supporters as deranged terrorists who simply must be stopped. Once I was a Marine and a patriotic American but that was when America was still a country. Those days are long gone and will never return. May God curse the criminally insane pigs who rule us for destroying it.
Never forget that Pelosi shared oversight of the Capitol Police with Mitch McConnell
Yes, and I do not see much difference at all between Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, either. Except for SCOTUS vote, they are the same person.
Ordinary people tend not to storm the country's very capital building containing the majority of our dear leaders attempting to certify the results of an American presidential election. And no Nancy and gang did not stage the mob. That's patently absurd.
If you saw the event live on TV, as I did, you would know that many of those entering the building were basically allowed in...they looked like tourists as they trudged up the capitol steps.... and by the way, why was chief provocateur Ray Epps let off with a slap on the wrist while others who did not even enter the building were harshly punished? Until you can answer these and other currently unanswered questions, best to stay quiet.
Completely agree Pacificus. That is what I saw too. I started watching as much live feed of events as I could after the 2016 elections and seeing the talking heads reaction. There is such a disconnect from reporting to what actually happens or is said.
I saw it live on tv too. My apologies - my brain saw what Bill Barr seems to have seen rather than your version, a bunch of silly looking yahoos riled up in their fealty to Trump. I take some exception to your description of folks as "tourists". While I'm sure some were, it's doubtful that tourists, sane ones anyway, would choose that particular J6th for an innocent romp at the capital building when Trump's 'Be There. Will Be Wild!' had been widely noted in the media and following the stolen election as it did and such like.
As for Ray Epps, following January 6, conspiracy theories were shared on Twitter & Tucker Carlson, accusing Epps of being an agent provocateur and linking his wife to Dominion Voting Systems. In July 2023, Epps started litigation against Fox for amplifying these conspiracy theories. In September 2023, he was charged with and pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct for his participation in the attack, and was sentenced to a year of probation.
So, was Epps a Dem plant (unlikely and unproven) or was he a scapegoat for the Fox and Tucker narrative (for more likely).
You obviously have not seen the video (lots of it) of Ray Epps on Jan 5 and 6 urging the crowd that "we are going in"--in some cases while people chanted "fed, fed, fed..." Pretty undeniable evidence that Epps was one of if not the primary instigator of the Jan 6 riot. And sentenced to a year's probation. While others who did far less are doing hard time.
Friend, you are severely mis/underinformed about the events of Jan 6, and other things, too, I'm guessing.
Simon, I know from a friend of a friend that the FBI are still making house calls for those in DC on J6. In this case, the people involved were only at the Trump rally. But they were visited by Feds in 2024, then invited/demanded to also come downtown to talk at FBI office. This is occurring in the PNW.
Many people believe that America is simply too big and too powerful to collapse but many people also believed that about the Soviet Union. No one in 1985 would have believed that the USSR, the mighty "Evil Empire,” would be a disintegrating mess in just a few years. I told that to someone last year who said "But the Soviet Union was a collection of separate countries.” What we have here though is a collection of separate realities which is a much deadlier situation. Could it be that the reason why America is so rapidly unraveling externally is because it has already ceased to exist as a country internally?
“Black Reparations Inspiring a Multicolored Pandora’s Box of Intersectional Demands.”
Real Clear Investigations. Feb 2, 2023
https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2023/02/02/black_reparations_inspiring_a_multicolored_pandoras_box_of_intersectional_demands_879083.html
In many ways it never did die the same type of people are still there in charge. Yes they lost some control but in many ways they are more powerful now than ever.
Actually, Seva, the "United States of America" are in fact a collection of "separate countries"... i.e., California is not Texas, Minnesota is not Florida. And that is the way it is supposed to be. And yes, "United States of America" is/should be a plural noun ("are"). Our Union is held together by a common belief in freedom, equality, and republican government--for now.
Should be but isn't. That died in 1861.
Seva is one of the very best and thoughtful posters on this site. But, Nancy did no such thing, and the US is still a country.
Did Nancy Piglosi express remorse about the needless loss of life of her fellow American Ashli Babbitt on Jan 6 Capitol rally? Not at all. She preferred to use the occasion to slobber about “Whiteness!” And this creature was one of America’s top political leaders!? A truly evil old hag. When she dies God will give her a thumbs down and send her straight to Hell where she will join Satin in eternity. Always will she be there with Satan, the Prince of Darkness, the Ruler of the Underworld and of demons. God believes in justice so I feel sure this will be Nancy’s fate. Watch this appalling video and I’m sure you’ll agree as well.
Nancy Piglosi: Trump Insurgents Chose ‘Whiteness Over Democracy’ (3 min)
Now This Impact. Jan 11, 2021
https://youtu.be/H8NDsbfRZEw
J6th footage shows the rioters repeatedly chanting "Nancy, Nancy" outside her office in the Capitol. The video was taken minutes after Pelosi was evacuated from the building by Capitol police. It also shows a rioter shouting: "All we want is Pelosi."
Perhaps Nancy was focusing more on those leaders inside the building getting out alive. Many of the "mob" seemed righteously angry and revved up by conspiracies.
An excellent Federalist article below by a woman who has totally lost faith in America. She worked for years to try to get the country to be what it’s supposed to be and totally failed to even budge it. All her years of effort for nothing. Fat lot of good her Capitol protesting did her. She’s considered a “domestic terrorist” and could even have been tossed in prison for being at the rally. No society so devoid of trust and so full of hate can survive as a nation. This is just not working at all.
“Why I Am Joining the Jan 6 DC March For Trump.”
“0n Nov 4, 2020, I suddenly saw with my own eyes the depth and breadth of the political corruption myself and others had tried and failed to prevent for so many years.”
https://thefederalist.com/2021/01/05/why-i-am-joining-the-jan-6-dc-march-for-trump/
or maybe she is a democratically elected public servant representing her constituents. BTW, she likely feels as strongly about religious beliefs as you do. She was also pro-Taiwan before it was popular, and continues to be so, publicly. She also raised nice kids, so there's that. Finally, she and her husband had nothing to do with hammer horrors, so conspiracy theories are not always very accurate.
Open borders, dumbed down schools that poison children with Woke race and gender ideology, the demonization of “Whiteness!” in general and of white cops in particular, and the war on meritocracy due to its having a “disparate impact” on blacks and therefore condemned as “racist” by the left are just a few of the many ways democrats have destroyed America. This is a rapidly unraveling society becoming ever more fragmented and ungovernable. This is simply not working at all.
“California Nukes Math Standards For Racial Equity.” (7 min)
Breaking Points. Saagar Enjeti. July 17, 2023
https://youtu.be/8EalOqHt5-0
“Exposed: Med Schools Drop Merit For Racial Admissions.” (6 min)
Breaking Points. Saagar Enjeti. Jan 30, 2023
https://youtu.be/xpH6jTMApW4
I think humor really is a thing in NY. I recognize it in Texas, too. Perspective is anti-mob.
We travel across the country with our trailer and 2 dogs. We always say the same thing. 95% of the people we encounter are very pleasant and friendly. Wonderful statement on history. Thank you for sharing it and your pictures. Prayers for quick healing and safety for the remainder of your trip!
Your stories from the road are always fabulous (except the injuries part). It’s important for us all to be reminded that it’s a big, beautiful country mostly filled with good people. Cool runnings!
Love the history post. This needs to be remembered many and certainly by those who choose to destroy memorials of civil war heroes or any historical memorial. If it offends, good, and stop renaming schools,etc. for the same reason.
I hope you are fully recovered soon. Many love your articles, as I do. A voice of reason is much appreciated.
My family were those people. For a time. And then not anymore.
The biggest issue with progressive communists, is that not even one of them understands God, forgiveness, love, and reconciliation. This is purely in the exact domain of the opposing Kingdom, the Christian Kingdom. We are still in the Kingdom.
So…. Ask An atheist to love you. It is impossible. There is no love in them at all, in any way. Ask a true Christian to love you. He or she will confess their sins to you immediately and ask you to love them right back. And….. they will actually will love love you. Not a stunt for media manipulation. They will actually love you, the person. You. If they are Christians. No cameras please. No Tik Tok psychopaths please.
Yet, I know of nice atheists and mean Christians, sometimes, in the same family.
Not big on Kingdoms or monarchies.
I am not on Tik Tok, but I hear Trump is. Generalizations are only helpful to a point...
That's rough, hope you heal up soon. Small towns are nice to visit.
The inscription on the Gettysburg statue in your photos is painfully timely:
“Let no vandalism or avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or coming generations that we have forgotten as a people, the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
From Order No.11, given by Gen. John A Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic creating Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) directing Union veterans to honor Union soldiers killed in the Civil war.
"With charity for none and malice toward all".
That might as well be the mantra of the Far Left.
Best wishes on a full and fast recovery. Thank-you for honoring the veterans also; I know many follow you.
Fascinating video about the latest in AI. I am awed by this. Well worth watching.
“NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Reveals AI Future: “NIMS” Digital Humans, World Simulations & AI Factories.” (24 min)
Wes Roth. Jun 3, 2024
https://youtu.be/PM6dRb8ttzQ?si=DJrnOAJKcvfJQZjX
Back roads and small towns are the best. I am trying to drive down every back road in the West in the time left to me. My favorite spot is E. Oregon so I wish them success in escaping the lunatics in Portland.
My children live there, but further east, just shout “howdy doody’. That is enough.
Enjoy your trips.
Thank you for sharing a bit of Americana that's a cool wind to the soul.
Stop in Saugatuck on your way home. Then take the car ferry from Mi to WI. It’s really cool. Take the high road to CA. I’ve done every route. With dogs.
Sasha, no need to scurry around, hither and thither. You did discover a fundamental truth. Americans, actual Americans, live in the middle, the “flyover “ places. We are legion and armed to the teeth. We love peace, quiet, and tranquility and real truth.And babies, and weddings, and little dogs like your little dogs. We love beauty and beautiful music. And God. To us, every day is a blessing from God Almighty. Sasha, please stop damaging yourself. I myself am like that as well. Every time i go outside I bleed from something. My wife fusses at me a little. What I wish to do now is hike in high country above 12,000 feet. I have been there hundreds of miles before. My heart is not cooperating now. I would encourage anyone of decent health to experience “high country “ above tree level. It will blow your mind with the sheer beauty and majesty and wonder of it all. You will never experience anything like it at all. This is truly the sort of places where you experience pure beauty.
I imagine scuba divers have similar experiences below the waves 🌊
I agree! Hiking in the high country is the best. Mine are San Jacinto Mountains.
But to me, they are short 🤡. Just kidding. Anytime in the wilderness is an excellent experience. I have seen many wild predators in backcountry. And many beautiful views on the flats in the deserts. I love it all. America is totally amazing if folks experience it, way beyond the road.
Enjoy your time, Sasha. Let the healing time allow you to take your time. We can wait. You’re worth waiting fir.
Thank you for the photos and encouraging words.
Strange… a couple of hours ago my 92 year old mother said Woolworth when she meant Walmart. We laughed.
I remember Woolworth and Sperry and Hutchinston Green Stamps. So what? I love people and they love me right back. Kiss your mama now.
The land of the Molly Maguires. An underrated film with Sean Connery.
Keep healing, Ms. Stone.
Sending you so much Healing love and light 🌟💛🌟💛💛🌟💛💛💛💛🌟💛🌟💛🌟💛🌟🌟🌟💛🌟💛🌟💛💛🌟