ENGAGING THE REPUBLICANS

                  UP THE CREEK 

     Glenn's Latest Newsletter, April 2, 2025

Dear Reader,

Photo by Eli Redmane

  Welcome to another edition of my monthly newsletter. 

We've much to be thankful for like this squiggly brown anole and the Rainbow Bridge beyond...but outside our city, the very foundation of our country is being shaken. You'll find a bit of this news, both good and bad, in the latest edition "Up The Creek".

 

 

 A SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

At last Saturday's Tesla protest the Republicans were expected to come out in large numbers. Some friends and I saw this as an opportunity to engage them.

 

We made signs that were politically neutral, messages that they might agree with. 

 

THE EAST SIDE GANG

When we showed up at the Tesla dealership there were already a hundred Trump/Musk fans lined up with signs and flags.

THE WEST SIDE GANG

Across the street were more than a hundred Democrats protesting Musk, fascism, and Swasticars. After saying hello we crossed Main Street to talk with our flag-clad neighbors.

 

George Papadi discussing clean air

For the most part, the conversations went well. We'd introduce ourselves saying things like, "Good Morning.  Thanks for being here. I am a Democrat who supports clean air.  Do you?"

 

 

 WE REALLY DO NOT WORSHIP SATAN

We tried to find common ground with the Trumpers for 90-minutes. Gerrick, seen with me here,

admitted that Trump lies about everything but that's just his way to make this country "right".  He is still quite bothered by trans men competing with women and Hunter Biden's laptop.

"Democrats: Party of Satan"

 

Most of our conversations ended with handshakes. I walked away with a better understanding of why they worship the 47th president and the richest man in the world.

If any of you want to join us for "unique conversations with Republicans" let me know. We intend to have more of them at the future Tesla protests.

 

MID CENTURY HOUSE TOUR

     It was great fun to tour the houses featured on Gainesville Modern Weekend’s home tour last Saturday. 

     Most were located in our Florida Park neighborhood. Local restaurateur, Rodney Germain,

served delicious chicken sandwiches from his truck parked on NW 11 Road.

    

The final house we toured was that of the well-known surrealistic photographer, Jerry Uelsmann.

It was really "Jerry's Fantastic Art Museum", seemingly untouched since he passed three years ago.

Jerry at his desk ten years ago

Few people get to peek into private art collections like we did. Lucky us.

ART WALK

    The Last Friday Art Walk events are such a treat.

Sculpture by Sylvia McIntyre-Crook

It's a pleasure to see good friends and great art every month in downtown Gainesville.

 

City Church Gallery

Local artists' work is exhibited in 12 different locations. While most are art galleries others are bars and restaurants. The latest to open is the City Church Gallery  at 14 So. Main Street.  It's a big space with room for big art. 

"

FREE CONCERTS

We are amazed that so few people attend the outstanding free concerts at the UF's school of music. We enjoyed sound artist/throat singer, Ken Ueno's performance last Saturday.  He was out there, sort of like Bobby McFerrin on acid.

 

PROTESTS

    There are two on Saturday, April 5th. The usual one at the Tesla dealership from 10 to noon and the,

     The "Hands Off Protest" at Depot Park  begins at noon. Among other things, we're asking D.O.G.E. to take their maniacal hands off our federal agencies.

These gatherings are a chance to make some noise and to mingle with your compatriots. My wife and I attend 'em all.

 

 

CHATS WITH THE KAT

 

Would you like to share your complaints with Kat Cammack, G'ville's congressperson? 

She's been invited to two town hall meetings taking place in Gainesville this month.

My friends and I are putting the first one together at Heartwood Soundstage on

Wednesday, April 23. It'll takes place from 7-8 p.m. in the 125-seat "Listening Room".

To get us in the proper mood there will be a Happy Half-Hour at 6:30 on the patio. Moderator Gregg Jones will take your written questions then.

The Alachua County Democrats are sponsoring the second meeting on

Friday, April 25th, from 6 to 8 p.m. It will take place at the Upper

Room Ministries located at 3575 NE 15 St, Gainesville, FL,

32609. There should be plenty of room in the church's 900-seat auditorium.

While Ms. Cammack has been invited to both meetings she has not agreed to attend either one.  If she shows up, fine. If she chooses not to attend

the meetings will go on as "open chair" gatherings.  People can ask the

representative's empty chair their questions. Meetings like this often

result in meaningful discussions among those attending.

Both events are free and open to the public. Check the GWFD Facebook page for further information on the larger event. For more information on the Heartwood town hall meeting call me at 305 299 5607.

 

Our country is in big trouble. Let's ask tough questions, rally for truth, and continue the fight to preserve our democracy.

__________