I just received an email I thought you might enjoy:
Dear Mr. Steves, I have spent thousands of dollars on Rick Steves tours through the years and was planning a major Eastern European tour with my entire family for our 50th anniversary in 2010…until I read the Boston Globe article about how Mr Steves is a pothead and a proponent of drug use. I will never use your company again and will do everything in my power to discourage anyone from using your tours. I have already told at least five people and will continue to do so. With the drug problem in this country Mr. Steves should be ashamed of himsel…if he want to be a drug addict that’s his business but he doesn’t have to promote the use of drugs. Enogh said…goodbuy Mr. Steves!!!!
Ouch! There goes a lot of business. We’ll have to find a way to enjoy Europe without that man from Boston.
There’s a lot of movement in the decriminalize-marijuana movement these days. I get a lot of emails like this, and they cause me to think of the people who led the movement to decriminalize alcohol back in the 1930s. When our society finally decided to end the Prohibition on alcohol, I wonder if people who advocated regulating and taxing alcohol, taking the crime out of the equation, and treating its abuse as a health problem got similar feedback.
Goodbuy Mr. Steves. Hmmm….I thought your typical tour members were a bit more open-minded and, if nothing else, at least better spellers! I don’t always agree with your politics, Rick, but I applaud that you always speak/write your mind. Keep it up!
If my surgeon told me he was toking on pot the night before my brain surgery would I use him, hell no. If my dentist told me he was taking a hit off the laughing gas before he was to do my root canal would I plant myself in the chair, uuummm NO WAY. If the pilot announced he had not done 8 hours bottle to throttle would I stay on the plane for a 9 hour transatlantic flight with him at the helm, not likely. If a travel writer wants to make himself silly and giggly with pot would I still buy his book, aahhh yeah unless when it got published it was all word salad. I think our legislation and power brokers have far more on their plate to worry about, like 10.2 percent unemployment, than to worry about decriminalizing pot. If antiprohibitionists could see all the dead kids from use of alcohol with drunk driving would they still have pushed the movement forward.
Hey Rick, I’m certain that most people who enjoy your products are broadminded and really couldn’t give a rat’s rectum if you enjoy a joint or two after work!! I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you encouraging people to smoke dope only to decriminalize it much the same as TOBACCO and ALCOHOL! Maybe if there were a few more people like you around, the world would be much more CHEERFUL, RELAXED and PEACEFUL! MJ, Australia.
Wait a minute, am I missing something? Are your tours one big hash run? ;)
I was astounded to read the ramblings of “the man from Boston” and his characterization of Rick as a “pothead and a proponent of drug use”. I’ve been following Rick’s position on the decriminalization of marijuana issue for awhile, and I don’t EVER recall Rick admitting to using pot or advocating others to do the same. Not only is “Boston’s” assessment totally incorrect but also so blatantly ignorant it’s almost beyond belief! Just for the record, the only “substances” I enjoy are a nice glass of wine or a pint of Guinness. However, I REALLY don’t care if others prefer pot (although as a retired Paramedic I DO have a problem with people “driving under the influence” regardless of which substance they’re impaired by). I suppose we’re a bit more “relaxed” about the marijuana issue here, so the attitudes of the majority reflect that. If “the man from Boston” wants to deny himself and his family a fantastic tour experience and a wonderful trip to Europe, I guess that’s his prerogative. The phrase “cutting off the nose to spite the face” comes to mind. However, I plan on continuing to enjoy Rick’s tours and the plans for my 2010 tour are already in the works (and hopefully many more ETBD tours in the future). I’ll also be using Rick’s Guidebooks and other resources.
Rick your response of ” Ouch! There goes a lot of business. We’ll have to find a way to enjoy Europe without that man from Boston.” was sarcastic. It amazing why you remain “political” in your business dealing. Are you really that insecure about ” liberal” politics that you have to keep talking about it?
Guess Boston man wasn’t part of the 65% that voted to decriminalize pot in Massachusetts in the last election.
He is full entitled to his opinion and choice of tour guide. We pride ourselves on the constitution don’t we or is that only when it is OUR free speech.
I thought Rick’s response was funny and even kind, compared to the insulting and badly-spelled comment he shared with us. Why do some get so hot under the collar about Rick and “free speech?”
If Rick was really an uncontrollable pothead, then his ‘Back Door’ tour company never would have ventured out of The Netherlands. ‘Europe Through the Back Door’ won out over ‘Amsterdam on the Coffeeshop Floor’ and we are all better off as a result. What was that man from Boston smoking?
Well, I can relate to “the man from Boston.” However: I have the opposite politics! I believe in voting with your dollars. I avoid (for example) companies known to have sweatshop associations. Bravo to him for sticking to his principles (no matter how I disagree with him.) So, so long, guy from Boston. Good luck finding another tour company this good.
You will never know how many feel the same way that will never write. Ouch!
Wow – well he didnt meet the “No Grumps” tour requirement. I assume he was planning to go to Amsterdam and stay in the Redlight too! oh well – You probably did the Europeans a favor not taking him. MA and RI seem to have the last vestiage of extreme socialists in the US – I guess we need 1-2 so we dont forget – like a Zoo with endangered species. Very funny story Rick – thanks for making my morning. Im lookign forward even more to my Italy trip next spring with your Tour (and I will tell 10 others to make up the difference!) Tom in Democratic and Conservative SoCal
Rick is the very best at what he does, gives tremendous value in his books, shows, maps, tours, and many items about Europe. I also like his continued expansion into many other parts of Europe and his ideas on how travel can enlighten our lives and our thinking. He also had the forthrightness to post this reader’s email. Customers have the right to boycott his business if they like of course though. It is a free country we live in.
In response to “Goodbuy Mr. Steves” from Boston and his quote: ” I will never use your company again and will do everything in my power to discourage anyone from using your tours” I can begin to be discourage for a donation of say … $100.00 The more “Goodbuy Mr. Steves” sends, the more discourage I will be….. I wish I could take a Rick Steves tour but until I’m able, I ‘ll continue to read your tour guides as they are the next best thing to being there!
Rick, I know you read the comments even if you don’t reply. I’ll say I buy into everything you do, hook, line and sinker, except one thing – your attitude towards recreational drugs. Perhaps you’re right that there is a sensible attitude towards occasionally dipping into the wacky tabaccy, but in my experience it tends to be a precursor drug that leads to more awful things like meth and heroine. You speak from your experience, and I speak from mine. I’ve been on several drug interventions with meth addicts who started with “just a little pot.” I know you can say the same thing for an alcoholic with “just a little beer.” And I also know that there are hundreds of millions of people in this country who have healthy alcohol consumption habits (myself included!). Perhaps I’m speaking out of both sides of my mouth on this one, but on the topic of marijuana we’ll have to be nice Lutherans and “agree to disagree.” But, unlike your former buddy from Boston, I’m still going to devour just about everything else you write or produce because I believe in what you do and what you stand for. Keep up the good work! I’ll be watching, listening and buying even though we disagree on one thing.
I guess all I’ve learned for sure is that we all have our own beliefs. Choose your issue: financial predators; abortion; welfare; war; religion; homosexuality; progressive; conservative; health care; drugs; the death penalty, it goes on and on. But we do tend to vote with our feet or our dollars or our words. I know a guy who is the “king of barbeque” who is a proud, rich racist but I won’t buy his products. I know a U.S. senator who tries to tell me his views and I have told him I will never vote for him. As a Russian comedian, Yakov Smirnoff, who emigrated to the U.S. and assumed that name as a marketing stunt said: “what a country.” Yet it’s the only one we’ve got. So – to the last person reading this who hung on to find out what matters to me: integrity; competence; compassion. As for RS losing a good customer, he knows that there are consequences to expressing his opinions but part of his personna and his mission is his desire to make a point while still earning a living. If you read the current science, you probably wouldn’t smoke pot or cigarettes or drink alcohol – but then again you wouldn’t climb Mt. Hood either. To each his own. Bill
I don’t think we should legalize pot, heroin, crack, pcp or LSD. I just bought his 2009 Italy on half.com for a whopping 2 dollars and watch his shows on HULU for free. So I don’t see where pulling my business from him will bankrupt his company do you? His tours look good but 5K, that’s almost 2 years of car payments so will I take a tour most likely not. I spend my extra energy gathering money for kids with cancer and St Jude’s, you want to spend your time collecting money for legalizing pot your time your money.
Pot is legal in Holland and in California. What is all the fuss about?
Pity about your lost income, but maybe a good thing for the people who would have been on the same tour. I’m with you on legalization – think of the improvement in the US economy if we stopped wasting money on a losing “War on Drugs” and started taxing marijuana! But the military-industrial complex running this country wouldn’t like its loss of income.
While I’m not surprised that people spend their money with their conscience, I’m surprised that this issue is such a big deal. The racist BBQ man mentioned above? Sure, I’d boycott him. Someone who discriminates in their business? Sure. But different views on Iraq, Israel, taxes, or legalized marijuana ? These issues aren’t so big. (Though, for the record, I do agree with Rick.)
Rick’s stance on pot is one of the reasons I like him and his books and shows. But…I’m a little concerned that he’s a Lutheran!
Imagine how betrayed this man will be when he realizes that the entire continent of Europe is a hotbed of decriminalized marijuana! And yet they function just fine: better than us, actually, when it comes to drug problems. I find it hard to believe that someone this closed-minded could really get much out of traveling anyway. This guy would probably do himself and others a favor by just staying home. “Hooked on Phonics” would be a wiser investment anyway (or is correct spelling now considered “elitist”?).
When one looks at the millions spent on incarceration and legal fees for marijuana offenses, it makes sense to find a different solution. Our government’s “drug war” has spent billions with limited success. My take on Rick’s view is that he thinks our country needs to find a solution so that citizens are not criminals for personal pot use. The plus side of traveling is to see that there are other ways of accomplishing something.”Boston” is entitled to his opinions, but it sure feels like the cloud of negativity that is consuming this nation.
Like this guy, I had no idea until just now about Rick’s stance on decriminalization. Unlike this guy, I’m not giving it a second thought. In my view, Rick’s political opinions do not invalidate his awesome travel advice. Nor do they seem to affect the quality of his tours. Sounds like this guy needs to lighten up. …Sounds like he needs a joint.
I agree with KB. What a giant waste of money, and then people are in prison who could be working and helping society. It is not HEROIN we are talking about. And the war?? on pot is a dud. Learn from Europe. We don’t HAVE to be politically correct when it comes to pot. Just need some common sense.
Thanks Rick for your commonsense stance on cannabis law reform. Looks like the guy from Boston is part of the 20% of citizens who viscerally oppose any cannabis law reforms. Considering that 65% of his fellow citizens in MA voted to decriminalize cannabis last year, his anti-pot attitude is hardly the prevailing one these days. Keep calling them as you see them as I’ll assume that most ETB customers and Rick Steves fans are like me, and are attracted to your curious-minded and open viewpoints.
Dear Mr. Steves, Now I too wish I had never used your products or services before, because after reading this email, I would start using them, and thereby, counter your loss of one customer. I’m sorry to say that I have already spent many years enjoying your advice, commentary, and information, and therefore you remain at a minus one loss. But please don’t let me find out that you install toilet paper in the incorrect manner of hanging toward the front rather than the correct manner of hanging from the rear. This would invalidate all the many year of advice and information that up to this potential point I have benefited from.
If this guy spent thousands on your comapany, do you know who he is? I would think a customer like that would stand out to you. I start thinking about legalization of Marijuana when I see all the disput in California. This is where I live. It really isn’t legal here. Only by prescription, but no MD really has ever written prescriptions. It is usually a holistic Chiropractor type. Also my husband after her retired from a 30 year career decided to keep himself busy by driving a school bus. Well that is a job that you can never use drugs. You always have drug testing and I don’t know if people would want their kids driving around by someone who smokes pot in the evening. I have my own business and no matter what my beliefs I have always kept Politics and Religion out of the mix. Someone will always get insulted one way our another.
I ran out of room on the last blog. All said, it would never make me stop using your company. Your opinion would never make me stop using your company. I don’t think we would ever of traveled this much in the last 10 years without you!
I really do enjoy Rick’s programs and he has been a major source of inspiration to me. However, I have to agree with those who say he should keep his religious and political views separate from his business. I know several school teachers who use his videos in their classroom, but school districts as a whole would never agree to do business with Rick b/c of his high profile views on pot and b/c he infuses his political and religious beliefs in his business. Rick could create a whole educational wing (lesson plans, videos, curriculum ideas, student trips) to his business that could be extremely valuable to young people and that could rake lots more money for him and his workers, but I guarantee that schools will not do business with him as things stand. It’s a missed opportunity and a real shame.
Rick, I’m not sure equating pot to alcohol is a winning argument. Roughly half of all violent crimes are alcohol related, half of all murders and rapes. Half of auto accidents and traffic fatalities are alcohol related. More than half of domestic violence too. Alcohol withdrawals are more likely to kill you than heroin withdrawals. While I’m not advocating a new prohibition, it’s clear that alcohol isn’t a harmless bit of fun for adults. Marijuana is probably less deadly than alcohol. We might be better off legalizing pot and outlawing alcohol. That’s not going to happen, however, and adding more to the list of legal drugs will certainly lead to more ruined lives. I think you are probably mainstream politically in the Seattle area but by the rest of the country’s standards, you’re a little out there. I’m a big believer in people having a right to their own opinions. But your positions do make me think twice about buying your products.
Catherine: the real “missed opportunity” is that the schools don’t take the opportunity to discuss the political and social differences highlighted by foreign travel. Anyway, the fact that many people are apparently unaware of Rick’s stance on issues suggests that they are not as infused into his mainstream works as you would suggest. If anything, it seems that it is the school districts you mention–not Rick–who are unable to separate his religious and political views from his business. Kudos to Rick for having a well thought out opinion and not being afraid to share it: regardless of where one stands on the issues, the value of open, civil discourse is one we all should embrace in this very partisan age in which we live. The easy way out for Rick would be to just shut up, take the money, and run. Thank you for not taking the easy way, Rick!
I disagree with the person who will never take another RS trip, but this is an area that has always bothered me — when do you separate the seller from her/his beliefs? If the seller’s business involves doing something you find repugnant, such as Nestle in the 1970’s marketing baby formula in 3rd world companies to moms that couldn’t afford it and that consequently had malnourished children, that seems to be one thing. But I’ve never been able to figure out a satisfactory way to think of it when the private actions of a business owner are controversial. If people should keep taking RS trips even if they disagree with his personal philosophy, is there any line where this ceases to be the case? What if the owner advocated against abortion (which actually led to a call for a boycott of Domino’s which is owned by someone active in the anti-abortion movement)? What if the owner was a racist and advocated racist policies? Is there any kind of line where you can say “if the owner advocates this I’ll still buy from the company, but not for that?” I’ve never been able to come up with a standard I find principled and convincing.
To Buckeye Chuck, Thank you for your comments, though I disagree. First of all, it’s a sweeping generalization to say “the real ‘missed opportunity’ is that the schools don’t take the opportunity to discuss the political and social differences highlighted by foreign travel.” Many of them do, some don’t. My local school district, for instance, does place a heavy emphasis on the value of foreign travel and what can be learned from different societies and cultures while traveling. Secondly, Rick does in fact make pro-pot comments in some of his videos (go back and watch them) and he does make politically biased comments on this Web site. Therefore, school districts would not and can not do business with him b/c they cannot align themselves with a man and his company that appears to be politically or religiously biased. Rick is certainly free to express his religious and political views (I agree w/ some of them), but I think as a matter of business ethics those views should not appear along side his company’s logo. It’s absolutely fabulous to promote world travel as a way to learn and exchange ideas, but Rick has made pro-pot remarks and has taken politically-biased shots at the US, the President and certain other religions in some of his videos and on his company’s Web site.
Mike: I think it’s an interesting question, and one that ultimately rests on each person’s sense of morals, values, and aesthetics. Everyone would likely draw the line at different thresholds, and around different territories (e.g. personally, I would care greatly if a company’s CEO was racist, but could care less about her stance on the legalization of marijuana). Brad: The lesson from the Prohibition (and reinforced by the “war on drugs”) was that making something illegal doesn’t make it disappear. We quickly learned that making alcohol legal but heavily regulated was economically and socially better for this country than making it illegal and unregulated. I don’t know enough about the subject to know if marijuana would follow the same pattern, but keep in mind that the debate is about broader issues than the general desirability (for lack of a better word) of the product in question.
Catherine: I spoke in generalities because you opened that door (“school districts as a whole would never agree to do business with Rick”, “I guarantee that schools will not do business with him”), but you are correct that instead of “the schools”, “the schools that would never agree to do business with Rick” would have been more accurate, just as a qualifier such as “some” should be added before “schools” in your post (I’m sure there’s SOME schools that do business with Rick!)
But that misses my broader point, which I will continue in another post because I’m running out of room here.
Sorry if this gets posted twice … 1) If a school district or individual teacher is *truly* comfortable discussing what can be learned from different societies and cultures, then to me choosing to boycott Rick would smack of political rather than educational reasons. That’s fine (and realistic), but also hypocritical and contrary to the spirit of education. 2) I don’t buy the argument that using a company’s products or services aligns one with their worldview. If so, everyone who owns anything ever endorsed by Tiger Woods needs to burn it, donate it to charity, or else wear a scarlet A on their shirt (or Buick). 3) We ALL have political, religious, and other biases. I don’t see the tie to business ethics. If Rick said he likes puppies more than kittens we’d all think that was cute, but if he says he prefers the Left to the Right, it becomes an ethical issue? To me, there’s a deeper current to this whole thread, and the question is this: does a travel writer have the authority to talk about “controversial” issues such as religion and politics? WRITERS certainly do: from Marx to Kant to Sarah Palin, we sure know where they stand … and agree or disagree, they are given legitimacy by society to speak their mind. But what about TRAVEL writers? To me, the people critical of Rick are essentially saying that travel is about simple entertainment, sensual pleasure, and facts & figures. A travel show/book should be like a cooking show: stimulate the senses, teach me a few objective facts & recipes, but keep your mouth shut about anything deeper. Rachael Ray doesn’t talk politics; why should Rick Steves? But Rick’s point is that travel is not (and should not be) cooking. Rick sees travel as a transformative experience, both individually and societally. In Rick’s view, travel and the transformation cannot be separated. And transformation involves substantive (often controversial) issues. How one views “travel” likely affects their thoughts on Rick.
Rick, thanks for making my day. I’m still laughing!
Buckeye Chuck, I’m sorry, but I just don’t think you understand what I’m saying. Lots and lots of teachers, from what I’ve heard, do use his videos. However, school districts or individual schools, may not sign a formal contract with Rick Steves to use any curriculum materials that he might, in the future, create SO LONG AS those materials contain any pro-pot or politically/religiously biased views. Public school educators on this Web Site will know what I’m talking about. That’s why Rick is missing out on an opportunity to expand his company into public school education. Schools could use Rick’s materials if they raised important points of discussion in relation to politics, culture and society. They use such materials all the time. But they CANNOT use materials from a company that is blantantly politically and religiously biased. I hope you understand what I’m talking about. If not, I don’t know how else to explain it.
Have we lost the message here…this man choses not to buy Rick’s product because of his view point on drugs. I remember in one of Rick’s blogs from January 27 2008 that he said once he learned of Denis Millers conservative politics he didn’t find him funny any more and stopped listening to him and did not buy any more of his products http://www.ricksteves.com/blog/index.cfm?fuseaction=entry&entryID=201 . This Boston man is saying the same thing as Rick did, so why is everyone hell bent against this man doing the same thing Rick said he did? I’ve been on 4 Rick Tours will probably go on more but totally disagree with his stance on drugs. I don’t see national legalization of pot in my life time.
I read the article to which, I believe, Mr. “Boston” was referring, and I don’t think it depicts Rick as a pothead or a proponent of drug use. It doesn’t detail Rick’s views on reforming marijuana laws (which is what he seems to advocate, as opposed to marijuana use), but it does say that he is a hard-working, successful businessman who happens to smoke pot. As far as I know (via Rick’s blog entries, newspaper articles, public appearances, etc.), Rick has never advocated or promoted the use of marijuana; rather, he has been encouraging people to view addiction to marijuana as a health problem instead of a criminal problem, to realize that marijuana use is a personal choice (just as alcohol consumption is a personal choice), and to promote its decriminalization. He also says that, like alcohol use, when it is abused or affects one’s safety or the safety of others, there should be legal consequences. Although it is perfectly Mr. “Boston’s” right to take his money elsewhere and to stick to his beliefs, to get up-in-arms about Rick’s personal choices that are not related to how he runs his business and to deny himself the opportunity of a great travel experience with Rick’s company is the Boston man’s loss, not Rick’s. Whether or not I am in agreement with Rick’s personal recreational philosophies, I know that I can always rely on him and trust his judgment when it comes to European travel and experiences because he is among the best at what he does. I have greater repect for a person like Rick, who promotes cultural awareness, open-mindedness and learning, over someone who makes snap judgments without knowing his opponent’s true stance on a subject and who cannot articulate his view without improper spelling, misuse of grammar and lack of punctuation.
I suspect that if people researched the owners and CEO’s of every business that they patronize, then they would be shocked to find out how many they disagree with politically, legally, morally and religiously. So then one just has to decide, am I patronizing this business because of what they stand for, or because they offer a product/service that I enjoy? I guess that answer is different for everyone. God bless America.
Catherine, can you specify when Rick Steves has bashed someone else’s religion? Or do you believe he’s partial to Islam? It just sounds like such a strange assertion since i never get that from him.
Can’t we all get a bong.
Alfran, There have been times when I feeling like he’s putting down Roman Catholicism in favor of Protestantism in some of his videos. He doesn’t outright bash anyone’s religion. However, he often uses more positive words and tones when he’s speaking about Protestantism, as opposed to Roman Catholicism, even though both churches have some positive and negatives aspects to them. He’s made a gazillion videos so, I’m sorry, I don’t have time to go back and review all the videos and pull out direct quotes and scenes to prove my point. I’m not the only one who has raised this issue. No, I don’t think he is partial to Islam. I think he just wants us to learn more about it That’s not my complaint here. However, I thought it was a little odd that he barely mentioned Eastern Orthodoxy and Byzantium in his Greece videos, but I can’t make assumptions as to why that is. As far as the pot issue is concerned, even the Dutch are thinking about reversing their liberal pot laws b/c of pressure from its growing Muslim population, which has conservative views on the issue. In the next few decades most of Europe will be majority Muslim and that population will put pressure on European societies to reverse some of its liberalism. It’s already happening.
As writers, we all know how difficult it is to proofread our own work because the eye sees what it wants, or expects, to see. Perhaps some of us find objectionable comments or views in what Rick writes or says because that is what we are expecting. By the way, on a recent stay in a hotel in Amsterdam, I was surprised to see a notice that a 150 Euro fine would be levied against anyone who smoked any cannabis product within the confines of the building.
Catherine: Your point comes across loud and clear, but my comments were (intentionally) broader than the school district issue. But here is my response to your specific point: I agree that *if* Rick is characterized as “pro-pot” and “blantantly (sic) politically and religiously biased” then he will indeed struggle to get “formal contracts” with school districts (although as I said, I believe this would be for political rather than educational reasons: the fact that many individual teachers use his works suggest that educators see the value of his work). And I agree that this is indeed a missed business opportunity (although, as I said, if it was all about the $$$ with Rick he’d have simply shut up, taken the money, and run … he also would’ve expanded beyond of Europe, for that matter, but he also chose not to do that for non-financial reasons). I don’t like the “words and tones” of those characterizations though (contrast “pro-pot” with Trish’s well-worded post on the pot issue) … and I agree with Louisa’s sentiment that if, upon watching/reading a Rick video/book, one’s first thought is “pro-pot!” or “blantantly biased!” then I think that speaks more to the audience’s biases than Rick’s. Rick’s passion is for traveling, first and foremost. What this boils down to is this: the school districts that use the rationales you suggest as a reason to shun Rick are no better than Mr. Goodbuy Boston (although, hopefully with better spelling and grammar!)
Buckeye Chuck, Sigh. Nevermind. Anyway, I don’t always agree with Ricks views on things, but I continue to buy, watch and read his products anyway. Why? Because the positives out weigh the negatives. Because he encourages us to get out of our world, be curious, embrace humanity, and view each place we travel to with wide-eyed wonder. That’s a greatly refreshing change from a media and culture that constantly sends us messages of violence, misanthropy, ignorance, stereotypes, and materialism. So, I personally may not agree with Rick’s views on pot or some of his political views, and I may think that he should keep those separate from his company, but that won’t stop me from enjoying his products. That’s how I feel about it on a personal level.
Catherine: Judging by the sighing, it looks like we’re just not on the same wavelength and are going to have to agree to disagree … better than agreeing to be disagreeable. As for your personal level stance, I commend it and wish “Mr. Boston” could open his mind enough to see things that way.
I am so disppointed that Rick would publish something like this just to get some blog chatter going. Every client should be treasured and have you gotten so big that you forgot the days when every client counted. It seems to me that no one has been blogging lately and Rick did this to start some chatter.and stir it up a little. I don’t even believe there is a Mr Boston but it worked he got 50 people to respond instead of the normal 2-7
I haven’t watched your television programs in a very long time. But maybe I should have another look at your work. I’m very glad to see you stand up for ending this prohibition idiocy.
Wanda, you are such a cynic. Do you really think Rick woould make this up just to improve blog response? Like he doesn’t have enough to do?
Sorry about the typo. The eye sees what it expects to see.
Well I’m a conservative police officer in a fairly liberal Seattle who had the distinct pleasure of talking one on one with Rick a couple of years ago at our annual Hempfest celebration. He was engaging and fun and is absolutely the best at what he does. I would never travel to Europe without his fantastic information. Not only have I saved money but have learned from his advice how to blend with the locals as well as an American can. Ive seen other tour groups being bored and not taking in the real culture whereas Ricks information helps all of us really learn and have fun. I just learned to chuckle at his political views as Im sure he does mine. What is much more important to me than political views is that I know that Rick believes in a loving God that wants us to love, respect and help each other. He walks the walk through helping to fund and get notice for the helping of the poor programs his church sponsors. I know many conservatives and liberals that do the same. It is a virtue not owned by any side of political thought. Any who think that Boston dude represents the average conservative is just naive just as I dont let liberal extreme thinkers effect my view of the many kind liberals that I know. I respect Boston dude for expressing himself but he is sure missing out on great travel and fun by making the same mistake many do. The heart and soul of a man or woman has nothing to do with being liberal or consevative. It has to do with being willing to sacrifice a little of ones self to help others.
Rick, your reply to that email was spot on. Keep up the good work.
Exactly to what Brad, I think, said above. Alcohol, and its accepted ‘legal’ use is just about the most disgusting thing in society, because it is accepted! Nothing hurts a family more than abuse of alcohol.. you don’t just need to look at the statistics of other heinous acts that so often go back to alcohol use, sitting around on the weekend EVERY weekend, not dealing with your problems healthfully but getting ‘wasted’ and affecting the rest of society with what my mother called Piggish Behavior is the irresponsibility of the people that use it to excess as an excuse for every behavior under the sun is shown in the huge heartbreak of relationships that damn alcohol causes. All stats and personal stories show that only insecure, depressed people with zero self esteem get drunk habitually.There is no ‘medicinal help’ of alcohol that could not be gotten from other remedies from your doctor, etc. and there is no excuse for its use.
Smoking pot in a speedo…now that’s controversial.
Terry Well put. Respect for others and a willingness to help each other is key. As far as pot I think it is no more harmful than alcohol to society. And I do not use it myself. Just wanted to say I was very sorry about the tragic deaths of the Lakeland officers this month. God Bless them.
Hello Mr. Steves! I didn’t know you were a proponent. Thank you for your level headed endeavors in the legalization of cannabis. You have definitely insured future European-Tour customers in me and my family (of four), as well as all the word of mouth that conversation will allow. Regards, Clint
Actually, I think Wanda is on to something. He could have had his copywriters fake a letter. It is possible.
Rick must be getting a kick out of this comment thread. Or, for the conspiracy theorists: maybe YOU are the only one commenting … the rest of us are really the multiple personas of Rick Steves! muhaha
Louisa yes I do, he’s easily bored and the response to his last threads have been pretty poor He likes to entertain himself with our responses so juice it up a little with controversy that has played before. The biggest responses he gets is when he throws something negative out there against the Roman Catholics, Conservatives or that thread on the marine he insulted at an airport. Sex and controversy sell and so viola a thread on controversy to amuse himself. Unless he has flipped his cork I don’t see him bashing his customers because we would all start to think, who’s next? Is he laughing at me? It’s the holidays, he’s bored so this is his entertainment.
Wanda is making sense, folks. Maybe Rick instructs his 18 yr. old techno nerd interns to stir up some controversy on the Web site every once in a while for laughs. They’re all sitting in their office having a big laugh at us while sipping Starbucks and playing on their Wiis. If it’s true, I think it’s hysterical! Unfortunately, I’ve played into it too, which is even funnier.
OK, folks. I guess I’m the naive one. I’m always the last to see the man behind the curtain, because I am gullible enough to take things as they are presented to me as being true. Sob.
You guys are taking this way too seriously. You’re all missing the whole point. Rick has a very simple message…try to keep your mind open in all things, travel, politics, whatever. Try to view the whole world with an open mind, and realize that different is not bad, just different. Being able to look at the world with a truly open mind can be difficult but the efforts can be amazing. That’s it, all the rest is silly crap.
Okay, Donna. I think some us are just having fun with it and trying to liven up the mood here.
C’mon, Donna. As Catherine said, some of us are just having fun, and we haven’t missed the point. Another round of Kumbya, anyone?
C’mon Rick…….. give us your take on Tiger Woods!
Hey Rick! You are the most intertaining travel writer I have read. I have been hooked on your tv shows long before I have been old enough to travel on my own. And now I always travel with our insight and knowledge in my backpack! You are great at what you do! That’s what I care about… That’s it… Thanks! -Joe
Hi Mr. Steves, I love everything about your books and shows. As to the use of pot. Few people know that todays pot is much more potent than that of the past and that some people do get addicted to it. Those who become addicte and abuse the drug, using it many times a day everyday are at great risk of becoming psychotic. The road back from their addiction and mental illness is a long one. Those most at risk are young people who have an underlying mood disorder. This doesn’t happen to everyone of course and while I don’t have statistics handy it is probably a minority of pot users. Just wanted to let your readers know that there can be big issues particularly for troubled middle school students through young adults. As to legalizing pot, I understand both sides of the issue. One moment I think it’s a good idea and then I’m not sure. Mary
Well said, Mary. Thank you for bring that perspective to this discussion b/c I have a close relative who has struggled with the situation you are describing.
I wonder if Boston guy is a Celtics, Red Sox or Patriots fan. I’m sure at least a few of the athletes on those teams smoke every now and again and I’m also pretty sure that Boston guy isn’t going to stop watching his favorite team on Sunday. It’s indisputable that Rick saves you money and greatly adds to the quality of your travel experience. I would argue that he’s the best at what he does. People should base their use of his products on this, not on his political views.
To those who think Rick has an anti-Catholic bias, maybe you should look at his family. If Rick is anti-Catholic, how do you explain where his children went to college? And, perhaps his brother-in-law would be a better judge of this than any of us.
People have been smoking plants since the beginning of time. GET OVER IT. What people want to do to themselves is NO ones business but their own. However i do believe if you drive or endanger someone else while using any mind altering substance you should be held accountable. Making pot illegal has done NOTHING to stop it in the US. Most high school age kids can sooner get a joint then they can get a beer. I am absolutely in favor of legalization, it would solve SO many problems and save SO much money. They are going to smoke regardless, might as well make some tax dollars off of it. I dont smoke OR drink myself, although i have in the past. I find it almost odd that pot is illegal while hard alcohol is legal. I have seen FAR worse behavior and much MUCH more violence caused by booze than pot. People smoke pot and they have a laugh, watch a movie, eat some good food and mostly just sit around having fun. there is no fighting, no acting crazy, no hangover, just good times. I don’t partake anymore, but who am i to stop someone else? i have no such rights in my opinion. And as far as people saying Pot is a gateway drug, we only need to look at Amsterdam to KNOW this is not true. they have FAR less hard drug abuse then we do in the states, and the average age for first time users is even lower here in the states. I wont tell you what to do with your life, and please dont tell me what to do with mine.
Wow!!!! 76 replies (so far) to RS’s blog on the subject of why people do what they do. There is more to this issue than “I want to do what I want to do.” And, “I want to complain about those who disagree with me.” As a country we certainly respond to our “gut reactions” – but not many seem to study, ask others about their own opinions or seriously think something thru before we write. Isn’t the Rick Steves blog web site a tiny bit like the Salem Witch Trials? Just joking of course
As a hospice nurse for 25 years, I have seen how patient’s symptoms have been lessened with the use of marijuana and made their days much more tolerable. Marijuana gave them more time to enjoy their families and friends-it is a valuable agent and I wish people would stop their judging of other people’s choices.
The comparison to prohibition is fair, accurate and timely. Increase tax revenue and lower costs of prison. Direct law enforcement efforts at crime that truly causes harm to society. Hang in there, Rick.
Am I the only one who sees the subliminal message here? The man from Boston misspells the word Goodbye and makes it Goodbuy – so to my eye he’s really telling me that Rick Steve’s tours are in fact a good buy. More importantly if he can’t even spell goodbye correctly, how much validity should we put in his opinion anyway!
When I first read the “Goodbuy” topic, I thought it was a play on words, that maybe Rick’s store is having a sale! Lol! But, when I read the email, I couldn’t believe it! The Boston guy is very narrow minded! We all just need to feel sorry for his problems.
As a 30+ year police officer, I can tell you every burglar, robber, con man, drug dealer, wife beater, shoplifter, etc. – 99% of people I arrest, are marijuana users. They are a lower class of person, at least from my view here on the streets of one of our largest cities. Having said that, I am, and remain, a fan of Rick Steves and have been since the 1980’s. He made visiting Europe easy for a first timer with little money. Since then, I’ve recommended his book to many hundreds of people and that won’t change despite his political views.
Too harsh.
Rick, remember we Lutherans do everything in moderation! You are ok with me. In fact, I am already signed up for a 2010 Tour.
The headlines in today’s newspaper, The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, CA is about a remorseful young man who was recently convicted and sentenced to prison for driving under the influence of marijuana, and causing the traffic collision that killed a family of 5 on our local 101 freeway. So SAD! for all involved. I concur with valuing of freedom, and am not a prude, but am also personally remember driving under the influence of pot, as a teenager (40 years ago)…I was also driving wrecklessly. No accident, no traffic violation, I’m the only one who even remembers…but did I dodge a bullet? Could be. I’m against any legalization of marijuana that compromises the safety of others. THANKS! Barbara M.
I believe that if the general public knew the misery (assaults, divorces, domestic violence, incest, infidelities, rapes, etc) caused by intoxicants (alcohol and drugs) they would refrain from using them or normalizing their use. The UK Medical system reprots that 20% of its emergency room visists are alcohol related. Additionally, I venerate people whose beliefs are followed by their wallets. As for misspelling, that is a petty topic to discuss. I often make typos because of my disabilities.
Love to watch your show, when they do air it which is not often. I like the SLOW moving camera and laid back explanations of the tour. So if the article is correct maybe some of those stupid camera operators on other stations out there partake alittle in mellowness and stop swirling the cameras around..they make me dizzy. A Fan
Hello Mr Steves, Before I moved to East Europe five years ago, I used to watch Rick Steves on PBS all the time. I only figured out your stand on Cannabis yesterday. Congratulations on making the “10 most sucessful potheads of all time” list. Rick I thought you were okay before, now I think you are really outstanding. More success to you!
What a lot of fuss. Mr Steves gives excellent advice on travelling thru Europe. Mr Steves also has an opinion on the criminality of drug use. Does that make his advice any less useful? I don’t think so, and will continue to listen to what he has to say. Thanks man. Doug from Canada
Maybe Rick Steves is addicted to pot. That would explain his arrogance. All addicts have that same “look down their nose” at anyone who doesn’t agree with them. His “tour of the Borghese” – he rented the audio guide from the museum and just copied it for his book! Go find a 12 step program, loser.
Keep fighting the good fight Rick! My father’s long struggle with Multiple Myeloma would have been even more unendurable without access. In addition, he gave me an ounce of Columbian when I was 16 and so I never had drug problems. Have not smoked in many, many years, but it is so much less harmful than booze (which causes far more deaths). And music, food, colors are all rediscovered. Visiting the Louvre in Paris becomes even more transcendental. Perhaps an illusion, but one which only increases one’s sensitivity in moderation.
My husband and I use Rick’s products and are busy replacing Mr. Boston with our six adult children, four of whom have already done semesters in Europe with the aid of Rick’s books. They each had a fine time in the Amsterdam cafes, too, and didn’t come home drug addicts! I plan to give my oldest son and his wife gifts from Rick’s site for their upcoming trip to Australia. There are plenty of ‘replacement people’ around who support Rick’s ideals.
Mr. Steves, If this is the first time the writer found out about your stand on pot, than how is he going to undo all the teriffic travels he has done with you?? Possibly he should have spent one of the trip’s bills on pot and would have found out that it is rather of a non-issue. If he had read your website, he would have known a long, long time ago where you stood.
I just got through viewing Rick’s most recent DVD from my local library. The real treat included in the DVD was his “Travel as a Political Act” lecture. His passion for travel and people was inspiring. His comments like the one about legalizing marijuana was thought provoking. I’m a conservative but feel incresingly uncomfortable with people who cannot tolerate even discussing different viewpoints. Do I want to see legalized prostitution and drugs? No, but it is interesting to hear what Rick has to say about it. Do I feel foolish that several years ago that some people wanted to call french fries “Freedom Fries” because the French didn’t do someting some Americans didn’t like? YES! I was impressed by Rick’s passion for people and travel. Maybe I won’t get to travel to Europe but I could take more interest in the places I do go to instead of looking for the nearest shopping mall!
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Steve, I’m late to reply, but I got a good chuckle indeed out of that email, thanks for sharing. It made my day, actually. :) Obviously, this is a customer you can afford to (and probably should) lose.
Rick, never mind the idiots of this poor planet. Keep being you who are. We love your shows and maybe one day, when the government stops taking our money to fund unjustified wars, we’ll be able to go on one of your tours (and I’ll split a joint with you!!!). All the best
I admire Rick Steves for his honesty and sense of proportion on the topic of marijuana use. I use many Rick Steves’ writings and postings in planning my trips to Italy — and I have never yet fallen through an open manhole because of his advice! I will continue to use Rick Steves’ materials and hope one day to take part in one of his tours.
Thanks Rick-I’m looking forward to my 3rd tour even more and I’m oh so glad Mr. “Goodbye” won’t be a member of our group. Keep up the great work.
What a c;oseminded individual & can we say functionally illiterate? If the US would legalize pot, the amount of $’s that would be generated would be enough to pay for the failing social security program< thta HELLO the pot smoking baby boomers will be utilizing...including that close-minded right wing ignoramus. Pot eases pain from terminal & chronic diseease,regains appetites of those suffering from anorexia secondary to their disease process as well as relaxation. I have yet to hear about anyone committing murder, increased domestic violence, or other heinous acts from the use of pot..meanwhile how many people die or are harmed DAILY due to alcohol use?!!!! So Mr Boston do us all a favor & stay in in your closed little cave,,,oh by the way, you might want to check & see how many potheads there are in your own family before you condemn, guarantee you this ..someone does & probably before they have to see YOU!!! Sreve keep on toking dude, I'm right there with you. (PS I work in the healthcare profession)