Family Time and Texas

So, I dropped off for a few days… spending time with family.  For those reading this that aren’t familiar with my situation, my wife and kids are living in Alabama while I finish up my last year in the Army.

Shameless plug: I am retiring in May… if anyone is looking for a highly motivated transitioned Army officer, look here: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmarshburn.

Anyway, while I was spending a few quality days with my beautiful wife and wonderful kids, I spent little time on any social media, but here I am, back again.  Thanks to those that checked in on me to make sure I was still working this blog.  It’s nice to know that a few random souls out there are enjoying reading this.

Here’s where we are… After arriving in Alabama, I spent time at Six Flags Over Georgia, went and did some wine tastings, and took my kids zip lining (my daughter has been wanting to do that for a while).  It was a good few days just catching up and seeing my wife’s family.

I left early this morning and had a great run down Interstate 20 through the deep south… Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and finally into Texas.  It was a beautiful day for a ride, and I made great time.  It was good to link up with my Dad and get 2 of us 3 together.  Now all we got to do is wait on meeting my brother, Steve, and then Sturgis awaits.

Here are a few interesting observations… there has been a debate over the display of the Confederate Flag, that has done nothing but embolden those in the South.  The Confederate Flag is absolutely everywhere down here.  I kind of find it amusing, and in my opinion it again shows how out of touch politicians and media are out of touch with the people they propose to represent.

I don’t know about you, but it seems that this gap between our elected leaders, and paid commentators keeps getting wider and wider.  This, to me, is an absolutely dangerous road to continue down.  As our political leaders become more and more like a ruling class, and less true representatives of the people, our voices will be heard less and less.  Couple that with the fact that politicians are increasingly wealthy for doing nothing other than remaining elected, and their money controls what is on any given media outlet, we will all be deceived.

Sorry for the soapbox, but it’s what I am thinking.

Know what else I am thinking?  It was good to be out riding today.  In a world that is beset by digital devices, constant connectivity, 24 hour news, and round the clock network access in the palm of your hand… it’s good to just motor down the highway, listen to the sound of my exhaust note and enjoy the beautiful scenery our country has to offer.

I crossed the Mississippi River today… the river that built a nation.  It’s humbling to travel these roads that have been traveled by giants.  Even though I am 43 years old, I can only hope that between my military service, and whatever I choose to do after retirement that I can be worthy of those great Americans that came before me.