Publish America will release my book, 10,000 Miles into America in about 2 weeks!!!! I will have a website up and running by then: 10000milesintoamerica.com by that time. Come visit me!

The book corresponding to my journey around the country is now finished. I am weaving my way through the publishing process now and hope to have good news for you ASAP! I think you will enjoy the book!

Peace

the Inquisitor

QUESTIONS FOR AMERICA

The intention and purpose of this trip is to gather the sentiments of the nation at this most unique time in history. By traveling to various parts of the United States and interviewing citizens in cities, towns, and villages it is my hope to obtain a better perspective of the mood of our country at this time. By sitting with Ma and Pa America this author hopes to learn about the struggles, achievements, hardships, and hopes that lie in the hearts, minds, and lives of all of us.

The synthesis of these stories will culminate in a book so that the American public can see that their experience IS the American experience. You see, we share more in common with each other than we are sometimes willing to or want to admit. But if after reading “Questions for America” your fellow citizen half way across the country sees that your experience is their experience, too, then I believe that this commonality and similarity will bring us back together. A lofty proposition, I know.

After 911 this country joined together in ways unseen for generations. It was a great feeling to bond with one and other, look out for one and other, and truly be concerned for one and other. We shared a horrific tragedy together and we were determined to get through it together too. However, it is my contention that we have lost that sense of patriotism and brotherliness, and this is the result of the state of our nation’s economy right now and for the past several years. We are too busy and concerned with putting food on our own table to be concerned with what our neighbor has to eat.

I visit with my neighbors regularly and we all seem to have similar thoughts about the condition that our country is in during this the latter months of 2009. Just a few weeks ago the Chairman of the Federal Reserve declared that the “Recession” is over. My neighbors and I laugh at this proclamation. “Over”, not where we live anyway. We don’t see it. We live in Sarasota, Florida which is at the top of the heap when it comes to the greatest drop in housing values and the greatest number of home foreclosures.

The economic crisis in this country that has prevailed for several years now has created a rift between citizens despite the fact that just about every single one of us has experienced some hardship during this period. It has pulled us apart instead of bringing us together. An obvious sense of “look out for #1” permeates our society today and even though it’s understandable, it’s hard to watch and a scary indication of what may come.

It is my hope that this experience will help me find the “ties that bind”, the “crosses we all carry together”, even the “demons we share”, but hopefully I will find that the GREAT AMERICAN DREAM IS STILL ALIVE. The same dream that overcame World Wars, the Great Depression, all kinds of oppression, Vietnam, and 911.
Michael L. Witt

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Karl wasn’t so sure about the interview but his dog, Wally, needed to be a part of the action regardless. I think that Karl’s take on the economy from a service industry perspective is probably a good indicator of where we stand today. Let’s go America! It’s nice to be back in my home town!

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Ronnie told me that he and his wife married at the age of 15. They have now been married 35 years! With every person I meet across this country the more I am amazed at the diversity and individuality of America. At the same time, I always see common themes that connect all of us. Oklahoma is one beautiful State with some pretty cool people!

Today’s drive was long but uneventful. Cold but blue skies and low wind. I was happy to reach the MO border don’t know why I guess because i remember vacationing in MO as a kid so it seems like I’m almost home (or former home) when I got here. I am 95 miles outside of St. Louis and have a 6 hour drive into Aurora.

For the past two nights I have witnessed cats lurking around the motels I am staying at. I have whistled for them but they are probably feral but I feel sorry for them as it is COLD out here. Why do we sometimes have an easier time feeling sorry for animals out in the cold than we do people who are left out in the cold? I’m guilty of it at times. I just know that it’s not a good thing.

I have to say that truckers across this country are GOOD drivers!!!! Thanks for making my drive easier guys and gals! They always move out of MY lane (oops) so I can pass and do their best to not flip me off if I pass at ridiculously high speeds (not really). Most drivers are quite alert and conscientious. I should know as I just passed the 8,000 mile mark on my journey(Legs I & II). This from a guy who doesn’t like driving. I really might have to update that perspective.

I am looking forward to spending the next two nights with dear friends. John in Aurora I met in kindergarten and went to some HS with and college as well. Karl in Chicago I met in Key West 16 years ago and its great to reconnect with these people. My lunch on Thursday with Jim will be another highlight of my IL stop.

Stay warm. Shop smart. Speak kind words.

Peace,

The Inquisitor

OMG The Inquisitor is at it again!

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Lee has a very positive attitude.  He also has a PhD from the University of Chicago.  The poor fellow should have applied himself in school. This country is chock full of interesting folks who have so much to offer!  If we tapped into even a small percentage of it we would have reserves!  Once again, another upbeat attitude of gratitude!   Way to go America!  Thanks Lee!  I’ll go see a holiday show just on your recommendation.

Man stops in Valley during 11,000-mile trek through U.S.

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Ceil Cohen is one hip chick!  She did not hesitate to meet with me when asked.  She is one Go GETTER!  What Ceil does not mention in her interview is that when she first went to get that job at the PR firm in KC or Wichita (don’t recall exactly) the owner told her that he hired only college graduates.  So what did she do?  She went back to college, got her degree, got that job and then a few years later opened her own PR firm and directly competed with her former employer’s firm.   THAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM!!!!!!  Ceil as well as Dr. Lee from mid-November (Ohio) are my favorite examples of the American Dream to date.  I know there are many more out there but those stories put an instant smile on my face and make 8 hour days of driving thru snow a bit easier.  Thank you AMERICA for bolstering my spirits and keeping me smiling!!!!