“I would like to salute The ashes of American flags And all the fallen leaves Filling up shopping bags” Wilco lyrics by Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett My son’s chain keeps falling off his bike so, like the dutiful father I am, I drop it off at the Hub repair shop. I feel anxious because … Continue reading Ashes of American Flags
Minneapolis riots
Sign of the Times
Some genius has scrawled “FUCK THIS MAILBOX” real big in marker on a blue box in front of the Northrop Auditorium. Now I guess this is supposed to be funny, but I will admit it angers me. They’ve got electronic eyes all over the place like a science fiction movie, but I can’t imagine … Continue reading Sign of the Times
Bulls on Parade
As I’m driving to work, I listen to MPR’s Carrie Miller interview people about taking guns away from police and having social workers intervene in domestic abuse situations. I have to say I’m dubious because I’m staring at a melted traffic light. We don’t seem to be getting much for the millions of dollars … Continue reading Bulls on Parade
Sons of Anarchy
I hardly recognize my city . . . because this isn’t my city. We have a lot of guests and I think we’ll all be very happy to see them leave. Many are well-meaning, supplying aid and food donations. Some are here to protest and mourn. While others came here to destroy or to agitate. … Continue reading Sons of Anarchy
Minnesota Burning–Part 2
There’s always peace and graffiti down by the river. I did a bit of fishing this morning to refresh my mind from all the terrible events. I wrote first, so I didn’t get out to the water in time for any kind of bite. But I got in some great fly casting and took some … Continue reading Minnesota Burning–Part 2
Minnesota Burning–Part 1
Back in March, when I learned about the pandemic's potential severity, I could not sleep. Something was coming. Something I could not control or understand. I panicked. That morning, I instructed my wife to shop. I told her to stock up on canned goods. I explained that no one was going to risk their … Continue reading Minnesota Burning–Part 1
