Editor’s Note: From the Back Forty is Liberty Nation’s longest-running and most popular weekly column. Capturing the truth each week from heartlanders in flyover states, LN gives voice to the hard-working Americans otherwise ignored by the coastal elites.
If the Democrats ever wanted to survey the electorate in flyover country, well, they’d actually have to go to those dreaded rural places and have a sit-down and a chat. This week, there was no finer place – next to social media – to assess what the good folks who work hard and vote are feeling about the state of the nation than a Pilot Travel Center. A place to fill up the gas tank, take a hot shower, and grab a bite with friendly folks. This writer can attest, there were no liberals to be seen and the recently added electric charge stations were as empty and obsolete as a telephone booth.
Sticker Shock
With his back to the west wind, a retiree from Southern Indiana stared at the gas prices sign as he filled his tank at pump number nine. Motionless, he held his gaze until the pump shut off at full, and he put the nozzle back in the holder. He then looked up again. Finally, noticing my stare, he simply said, “I’m seeing if the price jumps again while I’m standing here.”
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The man’s name is Royal Jenkins. He and his wife Maureen were taking a road trip to destinations yet unknown. When pressed, he muttered something about the current administration then made a clear statement: “It was $4.59 a gallon when we pulled in 20 minutes ago.” Shaking his head, he continued, “We retired and downsized from an SUV to a Kia Rio – wanted to hit the road a few years ago. First the COVID. Then we get the green light. And now this,” he pointed at $4.69 per gallon for regular. The guy just opposite laughed as he filled up a Dodge Dually work truck and offered, “Look on the Brightside. No one’s feelings have been hurt on Twitter. But my wallet is damn unhappy.”
And that’s when Maureen arrived carrying a fast-food sack and grumbled, “There is no more dollar menu,” and slid into the Rio’s passenger seat with a grumpy expression on her face.
World War III
Heartlanders have watched, prayed, and prayed some more for the people in Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and folks in Russia who seem to have been fed a pack of propaganda from the Motherland. Watching the war unfold, discussions around the pubs and cafés have turned to “what if” scenarios. Just who in America will stay and fight for their country? A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that Republicans will pick up arms and fight while Democrats are prone to flee. Is anyone surprised that preserving and protecting the constitutional Republic is a priority for conservatives?
In statistician speak: “Republicans say 68 – 25 percent and independents say 57 – 36 percent they would stay and fight, while Democrats say 52 – 40 percent they would leave the country.”
Well, Americans that believe “these colors don’t run” are now side-eye, wondering if their neighbor is a sissy. Luis Miranda from Louisville, KY, insisted Democrats “are more scared of the American people that don’t support their BS. But many of them would welcome a communist army invading.” And David Bane from St. Louis, MO, pointed out the obvious: “Well, Republicans have all the guns. So what are Democrats going to do?” Leo Stevens, happily residing on the prairie, summed up the survey succinctly:
“It is what they do. Running out of any other option to avoid conscription, the [Vietnam draftees] cowards fled to claim asylum. And probably vote today for Trudeau. That’s just a guess! But, yes, lefties talk tough, but in a crisis? Mind your back. They have a habit of abandoning their post. Don’t hate ’em, but don’t trust them when a fight breaks out.”
Jussie Who?
The drama-fatiguing saga of hate crime hoaxer Jussie Smollet concluded this week with a jail sentence, a hefty fine, and a lot of shrieking. Smollet will pay what some insist is a small price for dragging Chicago PD and the American media around by the nose, for his disturbing attempt to win favor from the producers of the television show Empire. It was a heckuva way to up one’s profile, grab a pay increase, and throw shade on Donald Trump supporters. Smollett, unfortunately, was not that great an actor – or plotter, schemer, or hoax designer.
During sentencing this week, Jussie sat stoically until the judge, who was not all that kind, allowed him to speak. And what he said had folks joking about Hillary Clinton once again:
“Your honor, I respect you, and I respect the jury, but I did not do this, and I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself, and you must all know that. I respect you, your honor. I respect your decision. Jail time [pause]. I am not suicidal.”
That’s not strange at all. From Liberal, MO, Marven Brenda Cornine wonders, “How does one live with the embarrassment of such an outlandish lie. Then sits there crying like a sissy.” But Urayoan Cabrera of South Carolina brought up the point everyone was thinking: “Oh, he’s making sure they don’t pull an Epstein on him in jail.” But unfortunately, no one seems to know who “they” are.
~ Read more from Sarah Cowgill.
