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New Phase

I have a major announcement to make. 

My excellent companion, Karla, has decided to take a break from the Connect Michigan project. I will miss our conversations and long drives. But the program must move forward. 

The idea is that two diverse people should ride for hours, in a car, discovering all of Michigan by way of traveling our extensive state highway system. We would be forced to talk, and listen, and gain perspective.

It beats the heck out of trying to solve problems on Facebook. 

Read this.

I don't know if I'm a Liberal. I know I'm a classic Liberal. I'm certain that I am a Progressive in the mold of Teddy Roosevelt. I read a good quote by Rutherford Hayes, in which he stated that he is a radical in goals, but Conservative in tactics. That comes close.

For this project, I do need a Liberal companion to get the full benefit of the project. It's because I find myself defending the Conservative position . . . I understand it and mean it no ill will whatsoever. I wish to model the very highest form of listening. And I am absolutely passionate in the conviction that our solutions are in the Center; and that none of us are 100% right, nor 100% wrong. Wars result when we stake down such immovable positions.

Karla will always have first option. But I need some backup riders, and possibly, people that will share the costs. Until this person steps forward, the project will proceed and I will do the drives solo.

The up side is that this will require me to get out more, and talk to more of the real people along the way. You'll begin hearing more of what they think. And they will all be treated with respect. If you can remember J.P McCarthy . . . I will think of him when I am meeting and questioning new friends throughout the state.

So . . . that M-14 & 17 drive is right around the corner. The first chance I get, I'm out there. 

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