This is not a site for those who have voted three times, or hell, even once, for Donald Trump
I NEVER THOUGHT I’d end up writing something called a “blog.” I’m an old fart and I’ve spent my life in academics and writing of a different kind. I have written a couple of books, some columns for newspapers and things no one will ever read.
But then came this orange-colored asshole (do I need to use his name?), back in 2015. I thought he’d go away so like a lot of people I didn’t take him seriously, but then he didn’t go away. He’s like that ache inside you that you ignore then finally learn it’s State Four cancer.
I live in the great Midwest in a small town surrounded by fields of corn, soy beans and alfalfa with some cows and pigs thrown in. A lot of pigs…
We’ve always been Republicans. I didn’t know many Democrats growing up. At the university where I taught there were plenty of Democrats and I suppose over time I became one. That’s particularly true after OrangeMan came along and Republicans became a combination of crazy and stupid, a party providing open arms to every bigot, hater and nutcase in the land.
Over time I found the men I had known most of my life were going through similar journeys. Once we all retired we started getting together at Bert’s Diner, Jack’s bar and my place on the edge of town. We drink, play cards, tell lies and discuss the state of the universe. One day at Bert’s the waitress came over and said “what are you old men mumbling about?” so we started calling ourselves “The Mumblers.”
One day I told the group that my grandson was helping me set up a “blog” where I could vent, write about Lord knows what. I asked them if they wanted in, either as writers or would they let me take notes, tape some of what they said then put it on the blog.
They went along, but they were all adamant they didn’t want names attached, particularly on political writings. After all, our county is still 65 percent Republican and we don’t want our families subject to harassment. They also told me they’d prefer I not name the county or towns.
I agreed and so here we are. I don’t know how regular this will be, or if it will always be politics.
I suppose the first thing to do is give you a thumbnail of the Mumblers, again not using real names. Who they are, what they did in life, what they say is real, though. Or as real as anything can be these days. So, here’s the group…
Sterling Fields – That is me. I majored in literature and history in college; masters degree in political science; PhD in political science with an emphasis on American politics and international relations. I am 78 years old, widowed; two children, three grandchildren. Former university professor, writer. Raised Republican, switched to Democrat after graduate school.
Will Sturgill – Majored in business, masters in finance; retired president of local bank. Republican most of life, Independent now; 80 years old, married, two kids, four grandchildren.
Sam Robertson – African-American. Graduated local high school, went to black college. In real estate, acquired rent properties. Active in local NACCP, worked with youth groups. 79 years old, married, no children.
Wilbur Campbell – Attorney, former county attorney, retired county common pleas court judge, still hears cases if judges on vacation. Republican most of his life since county heavily Republican, became Independent when he retired. 76 years old, married, one child, no grandchildren.
Reuben Barnes – Vietnam combat vet. Diagnosed with PTSD. Talented carpenter, woodworker, jack-of-all trades. 80 years old, never married. Independent. Hates all politicans.
Herb Stratton – Retired police chief. Degree in psychology, masters in criminal justice. 77 years old, married, two children, two grandchildren. Republican most of his life. Still a Republican but disillusioned.
Dean Etheridge – Retired farmer, agriculture extension agent. Degree in agriculture science. Democrat. 78 years old, married, three children, two grandchildren.
Jack Spratt – Went to community college in hospitality. Bought a small restaurant out of college, expanded it over the years into towns favorite restaurant and bar. Still owns it but has turned over management to his son, John. 75 years old, widowed, two children, one grandchild. Picked that name because he’s been skinny as a rail all his life.
Roscoe Clampett – Roscoe graduated from community college with a degree in horticulture. He has owned a garden store and landscaping company, started when he was in his 20s, and still works it. Several years ago he took Rhonda Appleby in as a partner. 80 years old, widowed, no children.
Rhonda Appleby – Honorary member of OMM. Rhonda never married and rumors abound she doesn’t like men. Not true. She just doesn’t want to live with one. She and Roscoe were rumored to be an item, which both deny. Rhonda went to college, was a cheerleader, in a sorority but when graduated, came back to town and started doing odd jobs. She’s bartended for Jack, worked for years with Roscoe, has her own large garden and sells through the local farm market and organic store. Democrat through and through.
That’s the group. We’ll see how this goes….