The Holiday season is steam rolling along, careening down the tracks toward a new year. It seems fitting to ask the rural people located in flyover states what they are most thankful for as 2017 comes closer to the pages of history; but with a dangerous twist. What national politician, elected official, or Cabinet member makes your blessings list and why.
The request was simple with only two rules: be considerate of other’s responses and live or work in middle America. With the click of a button, it became the latest random poll on social media. And I held my breath, knowing full well my homepage could be assaulted by a barrage of ugliness.
But alas, what filled the post were remarks both amusing and patriotic – and they came from the left, the right, and all points in between.
New Mexico was first on the board and with the highest tally of comments. A previous interviewee from the Liberty Nation Voices of The Heartland series, Mike Culver, manages to light up most social media boards. Culver, 54, served his country and now his community. A small business owner and Trump fan, he is quick to surface when politics are on topic. As he quipped, “Representative John Conyers (D-MI) and Senator Al Franken (D-MN) for doing their best to make America great again. Kind of like the trash taking itself out. Hilaryious!”
Culver has a point; Representative Nancy Pelosi is calling for an investigation in Conyers’ settlement of a sexual harassment accusation and Senator Al Franken requested the Ethics Committee investigate the allegations against him. Both are steadfast in their decisions to not resign-yet.
George Reid, a resident of the Four Corners area and an oil and gas guy, touted his approval of Secretary of the Interior and avid dog lover, Ryan Zinke, “Because he gets the big picture called multi use of public land, and he sent this email:”
“To the 35 million sportsmen and sportswomen across America:
As we approach Thanksgiving and are deep into the heart of hunting season, I would like to give thanks to the tens of millions of hunters and anglers who contributed more than $1.2 billion to conservation, wildlife management, and habitat rehabilitation last year. Every time a sportsman or sportswoman buys fishing hooks, a box of ammo, a new bow, or a duck stamp, part of the cost goes to fund the ongoing conservation of wildlife and habitat. You are truly the champions of the American conservation ethic.
Happy Thanksgiving and good hunting!
Ryan K. Zinke
U.S. Secretary of the Interior”
“This man get it.”
Agreed. What’s not to like?
And a third installment comes from a New Mexican in the southern part of the state, Stan Mobley, an energy consultant, who never minces words, “Representative Trey Gowdy (R-SC) calls ‘em out when they need called out.”
Our next commenter hails from Alabama and is a former Republican turned Independent. John Peed is a retired professor of music, stands up for animals in need, and defends the 2nd Amendment, but advocates the need for stricter gun laws, and cannot stand President Trump. Yeah, the guy is unpredictable. But he’s also unwavering on his approval of Trump’s selection of Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor. McMaster wasn’t the first choice, but as Washington insiders say, he was the best. Known as the Army’s smartest officer, McMaster brings skill, bravery and brains to the Trump table. As John Peed stated, “H.R. McMaster has my respect, if for nothing else than he doesn't use Twitter.” Most people will cheer you, Dr. Peed, for that reason alone.
The final weigh-in came from Gary Justis, 53, an attorney and avid outdoorsman from Kansas City. Gary is unashamed to love Bernie Sanders, as he is “stalwart for reasonable climate change solutions and single payer healthcare for all Americans.” And yes, Gary’s comment did receive one “snark” from Culver, but it was met with a smile.
For this writer, I am thankful that we live in a country that allows for full on snarky discussions about our political leaders. It’s called freedom, and we would do well to embrace and protect what our forefathers, and every generation since, has paid the ultimate price to defend.
As you enjoy your own brand of Thanksgiving today, between the Turkey coma and pumpkin pie, give a shout out to the people you believe in; slaving away in the Swamp for the good of the order. Cheers!
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