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HWIREROAD 2024

HWIREROAD 2024: Conversations Across America
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Day Six – A Hero in Gallup

HWIREROAD 2024 Posted on 09/11/2024 by Julie Garrett09/11/2024

In 2008 as I passed through this very stretch of New Mexico I wrote the following,

Contrast (kən-trāst’, kŏn’trāst’)  To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences

Visually, New Mexico geography defines contrast. From the rich color stratifications to the jutting rock formations,  you experience it but it is hard to feel a part of it.

My first post debate interaction this morning was at the hotel elevator where I met two women from Oklahoma, both dressed head to toe in red, white and blue. They seemed more subdued than their attire and within moments they were sharing just how disappointed they were with the debate. They felt that Kamala Harris was unpresidential, did not answer any of the questions, and that the moderators clearly favored her. Trump was strong and the only candidate that world leaders respected. They were clearly terrified of a Harris presidency.

My contrast came two hours later at the Route 66 diner. Sitting at the counter where three good friends discussing the debate. While I suspected they were Trump supporters, they were kind and funny. They signed my flag and slid into a booth to have breakfast. After I finished I noticed that only one of the three remained. Please meet Fred. Born and raised in New Mexico, Fred served for 30 years in the Air Force as a civil engineer. He built Air Force bases in Vietnam and Germany. Fred shared stories of working double shifts when he was deployed just because he loved the work. Off base, he would gain approval to use equipment and materials to aid the local people, schools and orphanages. From clearing fields for rice paddies to building school soccer fields, he was proud of his work and service. I am too.

I asked Fred if he would answer one last question on tape for me and he agreed. In the end, he had one last surprise for me.

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Posted in Posts from the road | Tagged amazing, devastated, disappointed, Geronimo, hopeful, optimistic, scary

Day Five – Debate Night

HWIREROAD 2024 Posted on 09/10/2024 by Julie Garrett09/10/2024
Julie watching Harris-Trump debate

Everything changed tonight. I had hoped, I had prayed, and I will confess, I even bargained a little with my God. But I never imagined anyone could lay out the case so eloquently, confidently and completely. She found the words that we have all been searching for and delivered them in a performance worthy of Aaron Sorkin’s Westwing. She rope-a-doped the bully. 

 My intention was to watch the debate here in Gallup, New Mexico. I arrived early and tried to find a restaurant or pub that would be tuning into the debate. Sadly, every single proprietor I asked firmly stated they would not be showing the debate. Hmmmm 

Please check back tomorrow and I will attempt to share some local reactions. For now, I am just letting this wash over me. God Bless America (oh, and God, I will make good on my promise)

Posted in Posts from the road | Tagged optimistic

Day One – Delano, CA

HWIREROAD 2024 Posted on 09/06/2024 by Julie Garrett09/06/2024

Today marks the start of my 4th presidential election year cross country wandering. When combined with 2 midterm excursions, it should all be pretty familiar at this point. Hmmm, no. So unexpected this combination of anticipation, acceptance and belief. Remarkable. Today was hot driving toward Delano to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe. Like 109 hot. But the heat and the engine light that went off just as I rolled my first 200 miles could not dent this feeling. Maybe it was Derrick working around the clock to get my webpage up, David and Jessica helping me with my flag, Steve stashing a bag of road treats in the rental car made everything feel (exhale) OK. And right now, OK is lovely.

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Posted in Posts from the road | Tagged anxious, hopeful, interesting, optimistic, terrified

Recent Posts

  • Day Twenty – Passing the Baton
  • Day Nineteen – EBC Joy and the future
  • Day Sixteen – Dignity, Jobs and Brisket
  • Day Fifteen – Unplanned Gifts
  • Day Fourteen – Stumbling on Joy

Mind Map of America

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  • Fannie Lou Hamer
  • inspired
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