This Land Was Made For You And Me

A few days ago, my wife and I took off for California by way of Iowa, Nebraska and Arizona--by car. Yes, a real road trip.

And before I left, I reminded myself...

Benny, old, boy--it's a big country out there, and you'll be driving through MAGA land where not everybody sees things like you do.

So...

You must be tolerant, patient and gracious—open minded about what other people have to say, sharing ideas like the singer in the song, who says…

This Land was made for you and me.

Although, peace and tolerance are not really the themes of this song--written by a self-proclaimed fascist fighter, who felt such disdain for private property that he felt no compulsion to abide by no-trespassing signs.

Point is I pledge to greet ever person --regardless of political affiliation--with a smile and friendly word.

Cause...

This Land was made for you and me. 

And with that...

We drive into Iowa—won by Trump with 56 percent of the vote. Sure enough, one of the first signs I see, just west of Iowa City, reads...

"Trump Protect the Unborn."

Also features images of what look to be some fetuses.

Makes me wonder--how many abortions has Trump paid for over the years?

Probably not a lot. On account of him being so cheap.

I can almost hear his assurances...

You pay the upfront cost. I'll pay you back...

But I keep these thoughts to myself. Cause...

This Land was made for you and me.

Woody Guthrie didn’t hide who he was…

Into Nebraska, we go. The Cornhusker State--won by Trump with 59 percent of the vote.

By chance, we're listening to Losing My Religion, a song I haven't heard in years.

When it first came out—back in the early ‘90s—I thought it was about a man losing his faith. I was impressed that such a subversive song could be so popular in Bush's America. But, no, according to its writer, Michael Stipe, the title refers to a southern expression meaning to lose one's temper. And the singer is upset cause the girl he loves won't love him back.

So it's not about faith at all—just another rock song about unrequited love. Might as well by Everybody Loves A Clown by Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

And there's nothing subversive about it, got that! No matter what you might think, so don't even think it! 

Which is just so liberal. Just when you think they're taking a bold stand they say, oh, no. We're not taking any stand at all. We're appealing to everyone. Cause, you know, religious fundamentalists buy records too.

As the song ends, we pass a sign on the side of the road that reads...

"Jesus, I Trust in You."

Got a picture of Jesus and everything.

You know those fundamentalists aren't afraid to take a stand. 

But I keep my thoughts to myself cause...

This land was made for you and me.

We wind up at the Grand Canyon in Arizona--won by Trump with 52 percent of the vote. Spectacular sight. So vast, so still. I stand on the rim and stare in awe.

Next to me is a man who drove up in a car with Texas plates--a state won by Trump with 56 percent of the vote.

He says--it's beautiful, isn't it?

And I say--yeah, so long as Trump doesn't sell it off for development.

Oops, must have said too much. Haven't said enough.

He walks away. Hope he's not offended. But I can't help myself. 

Cause this Land was made for you AND me...