Musing about the future

Most of our best commenters — people who made these columns worth writing and reading — have absented themselves in recent months. Traffic continues to rise modestly and I get nice emails from readers, for which I'm grateful. And I totally understand potential reasons the commenting A Team is gone. For example, ruminating over our situation is exhausting and perhaps toxic.

The outcome on the light rail vote (WBIYB) was a rare win. And I'm happy that the central core continues to fill in. Both these are longtime concerns of this column and, before that, when I wrote for the Arizona Republic. Otherwise, we keep losing. Phoenix and Arizona keep sprawling out, heedless of the cost and inefficiency of thinning out population; keep the "business model" of population growth and a low-end economy; keep extremist politics; keep throwing down gravel and ignoring the desperate need for shade trees in the city, etc.

When I started this blog in 2008, it was pro-bono work offering commentary, context, and history that wasn't being written elsewhere. That remains the case; if anything, institutional knowledge has declined sharply. But I have my day job at the Seattle Times and my novels, as well as feelers to write more history books. Without being anointed and becoming a best-seller, I would be content never to see my name in print again. But, as I've written before, I always felt I owed. That Phoenix was built on achieving impossible deeds — we made the desert bloom! — and it was my duty to carry the tradition on. I was raised that way. What a quaint concept today.

The national and world scene is similarly bleak. Climate-change denial on the right is at risk of being matched by climate-change defeatism on the left. The traitor Trump may well be re-elected in 2020, not only because of voter suppression and Kremlin meddling, but because the Democrats will form their typical circular firing squad, along with malign presence of Bernie Sanders.

The right has control of the Senate — something about which the presidential candidates seem clueless — and Supreme Court in perpetuity. Worldwide, authoritarianism is on the rise and the former steady leadership of the United States is missing. We were in the fight for our lives in 2016 and no less so now.

My situation is complicated by the reality that I can't go where the energized left is headed on many issues. I don't believe in open borders, endless victimology, "privilege" mongering, and a host of other third rails that would alienate many Rogue readers if I wrote about them. In Phoenix, I'm a socialist (or SOCIALIST, as my traducers would put it; in Seattle, I feel like a reactionary. The country and society have changed so radically, so quickly, that it's difficult to find purchase on slippery slope after slippery slope.

A temptation: Let this be a blog primarily focused on Phoenix history, with occasional issue columns as the need arises. I just don't know. Nothing lasts forever.

 

 

Comments

[Cal Lash]

"Nothing lasts forever "
Are you sure?
"Keep Scribbling"

[David H]

Yours is a unique and valuable voice on Salt/Gila River Valley and national issues, both current and historical. Interesting to have the occasional Seattle-related observations too. Hope you can continue, but not at the expense of personal and/or financial health in all their aspects. Additional books on Arizona history would be welcome too. Maybe on the Don Bolles case, using research from your recent novel?

[Ramjet]

I, along with other long time readers and commentators have been guilty of lack of interest, or perhaps just plain laziness.
I always enjoy the historical columns because I have been living Phoenix history for all of my 82 years here.
I believe that controversial subject matter tends to draw more comment. Lord knows there is plenty of such subject matter available.

In any event Jon hang in there your readers are still out here and value your input.

[Mike]

Hang in there. You're a good writer, so I will read anything you write, on most any subject.

[Mike Doughty]

At a similar age as you,I understand your frustrations perfectly.But please don’t take our laziness in responding to you as not being interested. Instead ,realize your importance as our” voice in the wilderness”.I ,like you ,feel the same about light rail and the stupidity of the masses in ignoring the inevitability of global warming,but they are the ones who will have to deal with it as we will be long gone by then. We had our golden century and didn’t appreciate it,Now,it is their turn.Keep writing and I will keep reading joyfully.

[Norm W]

I look forward to your (sometimes) weekly missives, so yes! Please do continue.

[Kerry Jones]

I followed you when you wrote for the Arizona Republic and I always valued your opinion. When the light rail issue came up on the ballot I was torn about which way to vote. The article in your blog swayed me because of the respect I have for your reasoning and opinions.

I hope you continue to comment and point out key issues for Phoenix. With the recent purchase of Gannett I have to believe there will be even fewer voices on Phoenix issues. Your voice is needed. Please consider continuing what you have been doing.

[Ruben]

"the commenting A team is gone"

Cal, Petro, edog, Roger, now I know how Rodney felt. We don't get no respect, no respect at all. (;-)

[Kevin in Preskitt]

I read every week, but post a comment only very occasionally. Your blog and the links on the left-hand side to relevant news stories are valuable and thought-provoking to me. I love Arizona history, so if you focus on Phoenix history, I bet I'll continue to be a reader. And if you choose to focus on other things, I'll adapt to the new reality. You do what feels right for you.

[Amy]

I feel i don't comment immediately then I won't have time to get back to it so I really hope they continue

[Gary O’Brien]

Have been lurking here from the early days, rarely commented in the presence of the “A Team”, but devoured every word.
I want you to take care of your health and well-being, and I’ll continue to lurk and read whatever you feel like putting up.
Thanks again for everything you’ve done for Arizona.

[Rogue Columnist]

I very much appreciate the words of support.

[John McLean]

Having had the pleasure of working with you briefly in the newsroom at the Arizona Republic, I have seen first hand what an amazing wordsmith, business guru and lover of history you are. Not to mention, an all around good guy. I enjoy and appreciate whatever you choose to expound on. This is your chalkboard. Use it as you see fit. How quickly I turn the page won't change.

[Cal Lash]

" A pen warmed up in hell"
I think you should consider your quote.
I believe you can write truth and controversy as well as anyone. So i support you writing stuff that tells us who to vote into Dante's depths.
The history of Arizona is excellent and you seem to really enjoy that, Mapstone.
So give us fire and brimstone and Arizona History. How about characters stories of folks like Frank P Lewis (Miranda)and
St. Janet Napolitano (Salt Lake) and Fife Symington (Fricks grandson) and Sandra Day O'connor, (the Chad)
And the Southern Confederacy that once owned the Arizona Territory for a couple of days.
"Keep scribbling" is a quote from my friend a non fiction author whose death may have been related to his fervent desire to get the word out.

[Cal Lash]

PS, the first thing i read every morning are your, Front Pages.

[joel hanes]

I was never part of the A team, nor even the B team, but I've long regarded Rogue Columnist as one of the best remaining individual blogs.

I do miss a couple of the former commenters; there are a couple others that I would be glad never to see again.

I'm surprised to see the charge that Dems favor actual open borders; it's not my understanding of the situation (I don't count off-the-cuff answers to stupid gotcha questions by the likes of Chuck Todd as actual policy statements.)

And yes, the news these days is so depressing as to be psychically toxic; I can only tolerate close engagement three days a week or so.

[Cal Lash]

There has not been "open borders" since 1924.
I don't agree with a statement that" democrats want open borders."
At lunch yesterday with my retired law enforcement Yaqui pal, he said he did think his ancestors should have had better Homeland Security measures.
Migration is not going to stop, particularly given the continuing climate environment.
A good read is, "Moving Millions."

[Hamblin]

Keep it up, pal.......it would be a shame if you didn’t!!! Also, any new writing from you is ALWAYS a good thing!!

[Joe Schallan]

I think you may have misread Franzen's New Yorker piece, Jon. Is it defeatism or realism? I vote for the latter: It probably is already too late to turn the climate ship; the prospects for changing human nature are dim. We will consume resources and produce waste so prodigiously that natural mechanisms simply will not be able to cope. Frightening global-scale negative feedback mechanisms are already manifesting themselves.

Franzen presents reasons for hope and for action, even while acknowledging the bleakness of our future.

You obviously still have an "A team" of readers. Keep writing for them.

I do miss soleri.

[Rita Sanders]

I miss you at The Republic so this is a way to get my feed even though I don’t often comment, I am reading and appreciate you Jon.

[James Melikian]

My family and I are faithful readers of your columns. Your perspective on the history of Arizona and your observations about it's future are truly needed and appreciated.

[Donis Casey]

I also read ever week, though I don't generally comment, which is remiss of me. But I would miss miss miss your thoughtful insights.

[Jon7190]

I truly hope that you continue to maintain this site and write about whatever you feel like writing about. After all, it's your site. It seems like you already primarily are writing about Arizona history and issues, which is fine by me. Though, like you, I'm no longer a resident, I will probably always have an interest in my former home. I value your knowledge and passion.

I also have liked the national topics, not because I agree with you very much, but because I am interested in the perspective of a true, old fashioned Liberal. I also have enjoyed having civil debates with some of the great commenters. It does seem like the comment activity is not what it used to be. I'm not sure why, but the online universe is so fickle and transient, stability is more surprising than change. That the commentariat has been as stable as it has is a testimony to the quality and consistency of the site.

When I say you are a Liberal, I mean that as a compliment as opposed to being a Leftist. The difference is that a Liberal accepts that there are people of good will with various opinions and an open discussion is valuable. Leftists can't tolerate dissension from what they KNOW is true. At the least they will harangue you and not engage in discussion. In this case, abandon the site. At the worst, given the power, they would deplatform and silence you.

It is sad that you feel you have to pull your punches for fear of losing your audience, but probably realistic. On the left, there are more and more Leftists and less true Liberals all the time. I think you should state your mind and let people go where they will. If there are people who can't handle a difference of opinion, do you really care if they are here?

The thing I like about this site is that it has been a generally civil place where people like me can comment and engage in real discussions. I think the fact that you sometimes espouse unorthodox opinions and encourage comments is a big part of that. Keep it up, please!

[Rich Weinroth]

Jon, I really hope you keep writing this column. Here is part of a seven part Tweet I posted on Twitter a few days ago (richardweinroth@thelordmayor--my alter ego), while discussing why there are more than 4.6 million people in the Phoenix Metro area despite the downsides: "The key point is that despite miserable heat levels, ever increasing temperatures, limited water resources and often incompetent and/or short sighted government policies, the Phoenix metro area is mostly thriving. Why is that? Very interesting question because it relates to all of the key issues we discuss today—growth, climate change, demographics, sustainability, inequality and lifestyle. But other than a few people—most notably Jon Talton—nobody seems to care why even though they should". Note that I specifically mentioned you in the Tweet. You need to keep this up, because someone with your knowledge and understanding of Phoenix has to do it.

[El Kabong]

"My situation is complicated by the reality that I can't go where the energized left is headed on many issues. I don't believe in open borders, endless victimology, 'privilege' mongering, and a host of other third rails that would alienate many Rogue readers if I wrote about them." Ditto. There's plenty to be gloomy about regarding our friends as well as our enemies. And on that cheerful note....

[Cal Lash]

So your bong burns differently. Send us some smoke signals, anyway.

[Ramjet]

OK Cal,
Who is el kabong anyway?

[El Kabong]

I'm not sure how to take the responses. If my post was offensive in some way, I apologize.

[Rogue Columnist]

Nothing for which to apologize, El Kabong.

[Cal Lash]

No offense. Would hope you post some things.

[El Kabong]

Thanks. Sometimes it's hard to get a fix on someone's tone on the internet. I won't hesitate to post when I have something to add.

[akaWendy]

I too have been reading your column since subscribing to the AZ Republic print edition and lurking on your blog since learning about it at one of your book launches at Poison Pen. Having moved to Phoenix in 1991, I always enjoyed your Phoenix history lessons (which reminded me of my experiences growing up in Houston about the same time). I use the Front Page links frequently and sincerely hope you continue with the blog in its current format, at least until the next election. I appreciate your voice on candidates even if (especially if) they differ from mine. If its time for a change, let me say thanks for getting me through the Bush years!
I'm curious though - where did soleri go?

[joel hanes]

Who is el kabong anyway?

Hero alter-identity of Hanna Barbera cartoon character Quick-Draw McGraw. Had a sidekick named Baba Looey. Attacked bad guys by hitting them over the head with his guitar. Loose parody of Zorro, with Quixote/Sancho overlay.

where did soleri go?

These days, comments infrequently on other blogs. Has a disqus profile.

[Noel West]

I just ordered your book on the history of Phoenix. I lived there in my early 20's in the mid 1970's. I still find the area fascinating and was glad to find your site and read your various articles and perspectives. Thank you and U do hope you continue to write on this area...one that you know so well.

[David Bolger]

Hang in there! Your commentary is pertinent and interesting - even when I don’t agree with you.

[Papagopark]

I was born in Phoenix in the late 1970s and just discovered this blog. Have been since perusing your many articles on the history of downtown, etc, and have been enjoying them. I recently visited Mexicali which has lots of old Chinese proprietorships with the gambling and prohibition-era tunnels underground... seems like Phoenix (with the Chop Suey house) had this history as well? Shame it wasn't preserved, as you say.

But I am commenting to voice my agreement with your view that the climate in Phoenix has changed to the point of driving away natives. I used to love coming home from my East Coast college in the 1990s to the cool summer nights in Phoenix-- they actually existed! Yes it was hot in the daytime, but at night the temperature dropped and you could enjoy yourself outside. I scheduled my summer jobs to sleep in until 11 or 12 in the morning and then go to work, then get out as the sun was dropping. It was glorious. But now when I visit Phoenix it is still ungodly hot at 10 PM. It feels alien and strange to me. Maybe if people arrived in Phoenix in recent decades it doesn't. But it feels horrible if you were once used to the nighttime temperature drop that gave relief from the day.