January Musings: Adventure, History, and Looking Ahead
Hi all and Happy New Year,
So far all is well here! We’ve had some lovely, snowy days. Tomorrow my husband David and I are set to head to Bridger Bowl in Bozeman for a ski day. I just got a pair of alpine boards, so I’m hanging up my teles (at least as my full time skis). This isn’t forever–there is nothing so wonderful as a telemark turn in powder. But for now, the heel is getting locked.
Currently, I’m plugging away on my ghost book, Dead Reckoning, and just finished chapter four on the glorious ghosts of Butte, Montana. Chapter five is about phantoms and angels in the Latter-day Saints’ worldview – this story is set in a small town in western Wyoming and involves an extremist (I can’t help myself), his manifesto, and the ghosts of Mormon ancestors. Dead Reckoning covers some familiar territory, but I’m also broadening my horizons and cultural geography. I head to Cincinnati in a couple of weeks to follow-up on a story about the Underground Railroad and will be traveling to Florida in late spring to visit America’s oldest fort, the very haunted Castillo de San Marcos. This country is one haunted place, and our ghosts tell our history. I’m counting on this project to keep me sane for the next couple or so years. Which brings me next to this awful anniversary.
I’m typing this letter on January 6th. Four years ago today, Americans stormed the US Capitol in an attack launched by the now President-elect, Donald Trump. I’ve written about this event extensively, so I won’t retread old ground. I will say, the idea of pardoning the Capitol insurrectionists keeps me up at night. The idea of Stewart Rhodes, the ex-husband of my friend Tasha Adams, getting exonerated makes me both worried and livid. Rhodes co-founded the Oathkeepers with Adams, who has since left the movement. Their children have also turned away from their father’s violent extremism, including the oldest son, Dakota Adams.
Rhodes is currently serving eighteen years for his role on January 6th, 2021, and Trump has said he will pardon the January 6th insurrectionists. If Trump has his druthers, the coup attempt will be remembered as “a day of love,” not a day when Capitol police were attacked, members of Congress were threatened, a gallows was erected , and democracy almost came to a screeching halt. On Jan 6, 2021, we saw the toll misinformation and manufactured ire (“Stop the Steal”) had taken on our society–a moment that coalesced militia, anti-vaxxers, QAnon, and Trumpism. Their amalgamation of grievances prevailed in November. I feel pretty certain if Kamala Harris had won, we’d be seeing an ugly riot today, but as it is, the transition of power has been peaceful. Weird how a Trump win reassured those who believed in widespread voter fraud. Now that their guy will be in office again the elections somehow became magically secure. That said, we aren’t done with violence or militia presence in this country. For a very good article detailing how militia maneuvering continues to persist, read Joshua Kaplan’s latest in ProPublica. In the meantime, I really hope Stewart Rhodes stays behind bars.
Okay all, we are going to have to buckle up. This is going to be the dumbest and scariest next four years. My advice (which I will try to follow as well) is: Don’t spend too much time looking at the national news. Find local sources and focus on your community. Things are about ready to go full Real Housemembers of DC–our country becomes reality TV. Don’t let this administration play you, daunt you, or drag you down to their level of stupid theatrics– don’t let them paralyze you. Keep moving–dog walks are good. Donate to aid groups assisting Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Consider involvement with the unhoused, a local animal shelter, student mentor programs, or outdoor programs for individuals with disabilities. Support civic minded groups focused on pro-democracy–one of my favorites is Warm Cookies for the Revolution. Give to groups taking care of public lands and wildlife. Protect marginalized communities and donate to supporting immigrants. Also read lots of good books and articles! (Quick heads up: this piece in The Atlantic is fascinating. It offers unsettling, weird, and perhaps galvanizing insight into where Americans are civically, psychically, politically and emotionally right now… Whatever your reaction, I think it’s worth a read.)
Finally, I want to thank all of the people who have reached out to me about True West and American Zion. I love hearing from you, even when it’s about things I get wrong. I have been able to correct some of these issues in second editions AND it really helps me understand my own process and missteps as a researcher. I can always improve and your feedback is super helpful! Plus, whether it’s compliments, or constructive criticism, I love hearing from you.
Hang in there. We’re going to take care of one another. Read, laugh, get outside, be grateful, hug your animals and one another.
With love,
Betsy