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American Exceptionalism

10/2/01

After recording my reflections we break camp and hop on I-84. We drive into Boise where we park the car, fix the window (my window refuses to go up) and walk around. I visit the state capitol where I was impressed by the marble rotunda inside the building. I've seen quite a few of the state capitols, and walking around the inside and outside of them has become quite a hobby of mine. After lunch at an outside café, we hit the road again. Boise, with her bluffs and buildings was more cosmopolitan that most of the Rocky Mountain West, but we were glad to be back in the open. I drove through Eastern Oregon impressed by her hills and arid openness, stopping at times at rest stops to read the history of the Oregon Trail. We took 84 West all the way past The Dalles where we stopped and pitched camp. The ride along the Columbia River Basin, with high cliffs along the side and Mount Hood in the distance was one of the most beautiful Interstate rides I have witnessed. Hats off to the engineers who planned that stretch of highway! We picked up some food, then grilled some grub and made a roaring fire out of some downed pine trees we dragged up from the woods. We then made smores, drank a couple Coors and talked about the sorry fact that Minnesota's two most eligible bachelors hadn't met a single girl all trip. Onward!

Reflection:

Inside the Idaho state capitol there is a nice equestrian statue of George Washington. Again, our founding father's influence extends to every corner of our Republic.

Those emigrants who braved the Oregon Trail were a sturdy and courageous bunch. What a hike that was! Oregon is beautiful though and their hardship had a fine reward. I love to read the story of great adventures, especially while I am on my own grand quest. The history of our people is a history of trails and roads, new frontiers and grand adventures. As we travel up the Columbia River, I can't help but think of Lewis & Clark as they forged on towards the Pacific, or all those pioneer women whose strength and determination settled a beautiful but harsh land. All Americans should go on a long road trip out West--this is the history of our people. Settling a vast, untamed land, rifle in hand and determination in the heart. What makes America great? Her pioneer history, her spirit of adventure, her people who conquer a frontier nation stretching from sea to shining sea. Americans are a strong and hearty bunch who loves to venture where none have dared venture before.

It is good to camp out. I have usually stayed at friends or relatives or hotels on the road, but nothing beats a roaring fire on a cool night out West. Long days in a modern wagon, fire to warm our food at night and new frontiers before us as we venture West. The Oregon Trail? Nah, just Raising Cain All Across America.

Congressional Districts:

Congressional Districts: Idaho # 1, Oregon #2 (243 Left to Visit)

03/18/02

Jeff Massey takes me to see part of a cattle auction and grab some home-cooking at a place called, "The Sale Barn." Afterwards, I pack up and leave Sulphur Springs heading over to Richardson Texas where I meet up with Chris Burke who is at a conference here and has a hotel room. We eat some really shitty Chinese food and just hang out since it is raining very hard.

Reflection:

Those auctioneers sure talk fast! Man, I could hardly understand what the heck they were saying, but nonetheless it was pretty interesting. From big downtown banks, to farmer's markets, to World Trade Centers and small-town cattle auctions, America is a lot about making money. There are many worse things people can do them employ themselves in the pursuit of financial gain. Our desire to make money and create deals as a nation is one of our virtues, not our vices. Still, in order for such a system to work and prosper other values are needed as well: honesty, trust and civic friendship. Capitalism is great, but it alone will not create a great country. Other moral and ethical values are necessary as well.

As for me, the state of my bank account shows I am not much of a capitalist! Yet, I have been smart this trip and spent very little money. I want to go as far as I can and then reassess the plan when I return to Minnesota. Making lots of money has never been my goal in life, but it would be nice to not always be broke. Still, I will not trade adventure and learning America for wealth. The Penceless Pauper, a romantic rider on the American range, rides on...

Congressional Districts:

Congressional Districts: TX # 4,3 (178 Left to Visit)

03/25/02

I awake, record my thoughts and head out. I cruise East out to South Padre Island. Most the spring break kids are gone so I have little trouble making it to the island. No matter where I am I still get a little excited each time I approach the sea. There is just something amazing about the sea that always excites this Midwestern boy. ) Coming back I drove around Brownsville, which definitely felt more like Mexico than America. After almost crossing into Mexico accidentally a couple times, I drove up the Rio Grande Valley where Bob took his roommate and I out to dinner.

Reflection:

Along my drive I stopped at a fruit stand and bought some fruit from an immigrant merchant. I have come to hate fast food joints, and always try to buy local food or stop at small town cafes or BBQ joints. The food, service and atmosphere is almost always superior to the same old McDonalds bullshit. As I ate my fruit, I contemplated the scene. The salt of the earth selling the fruit of our bountiful land. That is America at her best. All over the country I see signs that read God Bless America. That statement says a damn lot about our people. We are a chosen people, blessed by a higher power. No matter where we come from, we believe in the idea called America. We are a special people and we invoke a higher power to protect us and to help us prosper. No three words in the American lexicon display the relationship of religion to patriotism more than those three words. May they always be true: God Bless America.

Congressional Districts:

Congressional Districts: TX # 27 (166 Left to Visit)