HERE’S THE THING

HALL OF FAME catcher and quotable genius Yogi Berra had a rare gift for saying things in a backwards, nonsensical way that somehow made perfect sense. One of my favorites: ‘If the fans don’t want to come to the ballpark, you can’t stop ‘em.’ Well, there you go. And, as is often the case, Yogi’s genius applies more broadly as well. In today’s USA, I would put it this way: If Americans—or enough of them—don’t want to preserve democracy, or a constitutional republic; no longer want to honor 248 years of values, institutions and traditions; or the legacies of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower; or the sacrifices and devotion of our own families and ancestors, well then, you can’t stop ‘em.

I’ve been trying to stop ‘em. Most likely so have you. And I’ll keep trying. But here’s the thing. I have a family to care for; a wife that needs extra support and care; a grandson’s Little League games to go to; two forests to manage; an island to maintain; wilderness trips, retreats and workshops to lead; people to help; books to write; my own sanity to tend; and I cannot play ‘whack-a-mole’ commenting or getting outraged about every terrible, despicable, destructive thing Donald Trump and his minions do. I have discovered I simply cannot—physically, mentally, or spiritually.

I recently led another outdoor trip for a week, away from Substack and emails and Facebook. Away from outrage and depression. And after returning I’ve spent another week thinking. And remembering that the name of this ‘column’ is ‘Notes From The Campfire.’ Which implies a certain quiet, humble, groundedness. If that’s a word. A sort of woodsmoke-scented perspective. So from now on my observations and exhortations may be a little less frequent—there are many politicians, editorial opinion writers, and historians—I’m sure you know them—who can comment daily and hourly better than I. On everything that’s happening. I’ll comment, too. In my own way. From my own perspective and based on my own values and perspective. But not on everything. Every hour, every day.

I so appreciate ALL you subscribers, readers, and followers. And I want to provide you something useful, helpful, valuable, that maybe you can’t find somewhere else. From Heather and Adam and Robert and other honest patriots. I hope you’ll continue to look for my own style of honesty and insight here. Which I will always try to provide. Thank you, my friends.