"Read things that are honest and nourishing (whether you agree with them or not). “You are what you eat.” “You are the media you consume.”"
Many years ago, Jay gave out the advice that went something like: "Don't consume a steady diet of writers who share your beliefs. Occasionally eat you vegetables!"
This term is firmly planted in our family lexicon ...
Erika: "What did you think of the story?"
John: "The guy's a leftist (or MAGA, take your choice), but I thought I should eat my vegetables!"
Great piece as others have stated. Onward and Upward was the clarion call that made me throw myself out the bordello’s second-floor window and sprint to the wilderness of Nordlinger & Co. Found the Dispatch and my happy place. Character is the cornerstone of American conservatism and I’m glad to see it’s in full bloom here.
I'd love for you to write that book. We need a good study of how Trump succeeded in taking over and recreating the GOP, because I still can't understand it.
Jay, I don't usually comment here, but I really appreciate the pep talk.
And while I am pretty sure that William Kevinson dude has a deserved reputation for his sharp wit, I also appreciate the subtler knife that you wield. (Yes that is a reference to a certain Young Adult book.)
"You may have to be in the wilderness for a while—even a long while. Fine. Better that than a comfy bordello."
Jay, I have been in a Wilderness since January 6, 2021. I was still my local GOP Party Chairman. I prayed that Trump would be humbled during those years before 2024. I knew I had to leave the Republican Party after Trump was nominated. Here in my Rural Tennessee County, I walk alone as a former Republican. I recently posted on FB my outrage at the Racist Video posted on Trump's Truth Social. You wouldn't believe the vicious posts defending Trump. They think I've lost my mind. They ask...what has happened to you? They simply can't accept the fact that I haven't changed! The Republican Party had changed! I'm an outcast within the Republican Party, but I've had lots of people who are independent and Democrats who have come to my defense. Most Republicans I know here have never read the National Review. They've never heard of Bill Buckley. I started reading NR in the 80's . I was a stay at home mother at the time. I've tried to be an informed American and I have followed numerous Conservative publications over the years. I ended up getting divorced in the early 90s and working outside the home and raising my children as a single Mother. I've always been consistent in my Christian Beliefs and Conservative values. I'm a proud Gun Owner. I lived in South Carolina for 10 years and went to Tea Party Rallies! I could go on and on regarding my Conservative Credentials. In 2008, I had the honor of escorting fellow Tennesseean and Presidential candidate Fred Thompson on a tour of a Gun Shop in Greer, SC. That was a lot of fun. After moving back to Tennessee in 2010, I was elected President of my local Republican Women's club and became Chairman of my County party in 2016, even though I didn't vote for Trump that year . I did vote for Trump in 2020 and have regretted that. Even worse, although I didn't vote for Trump in 2024 and voiced my opinions openly, as Party Chairman I distributed Trump signs and did my duty . I didn't expect Trump to win, but when he did, I prayed. I couldn't have imagined the chaotic nightmare that has ensued from Day 1. I was able to finally leave being party chair in March , 2025. All this to say, I wish I could articulate in simple terms how the GOP has veered from the Party of Reagan. I'm apologize for rambling on.
Thanks. Inspiring. We needed that. Combined the best of a Sunday sermon and half time pep talk.
Professor Daniel Robinson (praise be upon his name and may he RIP) distilled all the theories of the good life down to four: active, contemplative, somewhat fatalistic and selfless; which just would be, per William Kevinson, exemplary.
One other firm belief to hold is that "This too shall pass". There are a lot of Ron DeSantis leaders out here in our Nation doing a great job. Biden was a total disaster and now his ruination of our military is being reversed, as well as the stifling regulations his agencies imposed on every aspect of our society. I don't listen to Trump speeches. Way, way, too long and far too much bombast. Listen to those who follow Polonius in believing "Brevity is the soul of wit". There are many out there. I take the good and as far as the bad, I look for those who will alter that in the future and support them.
My favorite column. Keep up the good fight and enjoy sleeping like a baby with a clear conscience. You’re a treasure.
Thank you so much, Cynthia.
"Read things that are honest and nourishing (whether you agree with them or not). “You are what you eat.” “You are the media you consume.”"
Many years ago, Jay gave out the advice that went something like: "Don't consume a steady diet of writers who share your beliefs. Occasionally eat you vegetables!"
This term is firmly planted in our family lexicon ...
Erika: "What did you think of the story?"
John: "The guy's a leftist (or MAGA, take your choice), but I thought I should eat my vegetables!"
-- thanks, Jay
I met William Kevinson about a year ago and asked why you weren't bopping about at his current soiree. He spoke briefly but oh-so-kindly about you.
And wouldn't ya know it? A few months later you popped in :)
You forgot to mention being a happy warrior which I know was an oversight because you live it each day.
Great advice for all of us! Thanks again for a great read!
Thank you, Rob.
Good advice.
Great piece as others have stated. Onward and Upward was the clarion call that made me throw myself out the bordello’s second-floor window and sprint to the wilderness of Nordlinger & Co. Found the Dispatch and my happy place. Character is the cornerstone of American conservatism and I’m glad to see it’s in full bloom here.
Thank you.
Well put.
Thank you, VB.
I'd love for you to write that book. We need a good study of how Trump succeeded in taking over and recreating the GOP, because I still can't understand it.
Jay, I don't usually comment here, but I really appreciate the pep talk.
And while I am pretty sure that William Kevinson dude has a deserved reputation for his sharp wit, I also appreciate the subtler knife that you wield. (Yes that is a reference to a certain Young Adult book.)
"You may have to be in the wilderness for a while—even a long while. Fine. Better that than a comfy bordello."
That almost made me literally laugh out loud. 😂
Jay, I have been in a Wilderness since January 6, 2021. I was still my local GOP Party Chairman. I prayed that Trump would be humbled during those years before 2024. I knew I had to leave the Republican Party after Trump was nominated. Here in my Rural Tennessee County, I walk alone as a former Republican. I recently posted on FB my outrage at the Racist Video posted on Trump's Truth Social. You wouldn't believe the vicious posts defending Trump. They think I've lost my mind. They ask...what has happened to you? They simply can't accept the fact that I haven't changed! The Republican Party had changed! I'm an outcast within the Republican Party, but I've had lots of people who are independent and Democrats who have come to my defense. Most Republicans I know here have never read the National Review. They've never heard of Bill Buckley. I started reading NR in the 80's . I was a stay at home mother at the time. I've tried to be an informed American and I have followed numerous Conservative publications over the years. I ended up getting divorced in the early 90s and working outside the home and raising my children as a single Mother. I've always been consistent in my Christian Beliefs and Conservative values. I'm a proud Gun Owner. I lived in South Carolina for 10 years and went to Tea Party Rallies! I could go on and on regarding my Conservative Credentials. In 2008, I had the honor of escorting fellow Tennesseean and Presidential candidate Fred Thompson on a tour of a Gun Shop in Greer, SC. That was a lot of fun. After moving back to Tennessee in 2010, I was elected President of my local Republican Women's club and became Chairman of my County party in 2016, even though I didn't vote for Trump that year . I did vote for Trump in 2020 and have regretted that. Even worse, although I didn't vote for Trump in 2024 and voiced my opinions openly, as Party Chairman I distributed Trump signs and did my duty . I didn't expect Trump to win, but when he did, I prayed. I couldn't have imagined the chaotic nightmare that has ensued from Day 1. I was able to finally leave being party chair in March , 2025. All this to say, I wish I could articulate in simple terms how the GOP has veered from the Party of Reagan. I'm apologize for rambling on.
Bless you, Suzanne.
Your friend William walks the walk! The two of you show it is possible to start at very different places and arrive at common ground.
Jay, please write that book!
Peter Sellers (as Chance) said something very much like that in Being There.
Thanks. Inspiring. We needed that. Combined the best of a Sunday sermon and half time pep talk.
Professor Daniel Robinson (praise be upon his name and may he RIP) distilled all the theories of the good life down to four: active, contemplative, somewhat fatalistic and selfless; which just would be, per William Kevinson, exemplary.
One other firm belief to hold is that "This too shall pass". There are a lot of Ron DeSantis leaders out here in our Nation doing a great job. Biden was a total disaster and now his ruination of our military is being reversed, as well as the stifling regulations his agencies imposed on every aspect of our society. I don't listen to Trump speeches. Way, way, too long and far too much bombast. Listen to those who follow Polonius in believing "Brevity is the soul of wit". There are many out there. I take the good and as far as the bad, I look for those who will alter that in the future and support them.