I dreamed that I was at a car show. There was an old Ford Maverick — a classic. But people were ignoring the Maverick. Instead, they were all gathered around a hot new car — it was black and sophisticated, with an exotic name and all the latest technology. The people trying to sell the old Maverick huddled. They gave it a paint job and hired a fresh young model to stand on a slowly revolving platform with an arrow pointing to the old Maverick. She didn’t know much about cars but suddenly that Maverick was getting lots of attention.
Comments
Get a life you sexist pig. Funny story, except the model happens to know quite a bit about cars. More than you, no doubt. Stick to schilling for your friends’ bed and breakfasts in Europe. Did you have the same dream when the show hired an old blowhard to point at the black Organzier?
Wow Bob, that was a uncalled for response to a blog post that you’re not required to read. People like you ruin good things like this. If you don’t like The Rick or what he does then don’t waste our time or yours by posting on here. Besides, it was a dream that spoke to the current state of society as a whole and not the views of Rick. Have a great day!
That lady has a job, to sell the car. When I judge a person and their ability to do a job, I make sure I use the same criteria and method for both men and women. Then, since I am convinced that a Beautiful Lady can do anything better than any man, I apply one last test. I judge the beauty of the lady, then add that as the exponential. I used that method to judge my Sweetie for 55 years and 13 days, and no one else ever came close to her “number.” There is one additional criteria. === There’s nothing more beautiful than a beautiful lady. And the less the clothes, the more the beauty.â€
Okay, I won’t do the personal attack, however I think that Rick’s “dream segment” is cheap and tacky. It is wholely inappropriate.
Wow! What a thinly veiled political comment. To your credit, I thing you were equally tacky to both sides. BUT!!! Do not expect either vehicle to legalize and tax marijuana. The old Maverick won’t because it would be a “new tax”. The sleek black model won’t because the tax would be highly progressive against those least able to afford it. Neither vehicle can risk endorsing smoking.
weak just so weak …. must have been some bad weed ehh Rick?
I had a nightmare the other night. I was at the same car show as Rick. I dreamed that we would be stuck in that showroom for 100 more years while the maverick and his gun totin’ model (yeah, she packed a piece alright) tried to sell their car based on superficial features (color, hubcap style, etc.) while the hot new car salesman discussed fuel efficiency, reliability, safety features, and other characteristics related to performance and the cost of ownership. Then I woke up in a cold sweat because I realized that for half of the customers it didn’t matter; they plunked down the deposit on the Ford — after taking out another home equity loan and sinking deeper into debt — because the color of the car and the style of the hubcaps meant more to them than how the car would perform and what it would cost to own. And they didn’t give a darn about what their neighbors thought.
Well I was at the same car show as Rick and Worried. And don’t worry Rick can take it! But are we going to get stuck with the old man and his past memories in a world that is changing faster than anyone can keep up with it! Believe it if Gidget is our new VP then hunker down to years of being stuck right where we are. And all our news will come out of People magazine. Wow I even heard mention of “school Vouchers” again!
Rick. I think the model is not really the contention here at all. If only we could step back and analyze the dream you had, we would all realize that you are hurting. The very fact that you personally feel that you are the “Maverick”, is a feeling that we all encounter in our lives. Just remember: no new model can take away what you have given to the world of travel. You’re like a comfortable couch, Rick. When I sit on you I know what I’m going to get. Forget Globe Trekker, forget Perillo Tours, forget Fodor’s Travel Guides. No Rick, it’s all about you. It has always been about you.
I don’t understand this one. Are we supposed to think the new car isn’t better just because it is new or are we supposed to think the Maverick is still a piece of outmoded metal despite having a model next to it? Also, what is the point of this analogy? I think some context is missing here.
I would guess the fresh young model wore trendy glasses and flew in on Alaska Airlines? A good motto for travel and politics – everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.
I think I know what your dream means. Call me crazy, but I think maybe when you dreamed of that old classic Ford, that’s kind of like John McCain, and that other “Black and sophisticated” car is like Barack Obama, and the model that they hire to draw attention to the old McCain classic is Sarah Palin! And even the car you dreamed of is called a “Maverick.” Well on CNN this morning they said that John McCain is trying to portray himself AS a maverick politician! Your clairvoyance astounds me!
Greg, Keep drinking, pal.
Wow. This is different.
How dare you dream! Shame on you!
Hmm, I was a bit puzzled at first on what this was about. Ah! Now I get it… I’m not going to lecture Rick about what he chooses to write on HIS blog, hosted by a website domain that he OWNS… but it is a bit odd to go from colorful travel anecdotes to an almost naked political commentary… OK, make that perhaps half-veiled, half-naked… Rick, I love your TV shows, I trust your hotel and restaurant recommendations, I disagree with a large portion of your politics, and if I was in your place, I probably wouldn’t use a travel blog to make such statements… but this being America, I will defend (literally, given my profession) your right to say what you want where you want. I only have to watch 5 minutes of “Russia Today” via satellite to be reminded of how precious and vulnerable that right is.
I had a dream of a travel writer who went broke because he thought he was a politician… Did you really have a dream or just some wishful thinking?
I’ve been to the car show and looked at all the models. The flashy hot new car you mention and the dowdy Maverick combined barely equate to minimal basic transportation to get me where I really need to go. Neither really have all the features I want or need, and lord knows I need to replace my current ride before the wheels fly straight off. The new model car is too light and I’m not sure of the road-holding. The Maverick car has some rust already, and seems bloated and unresponsive in heavy traffic. That Nimbus model never entered production, and some of the other best cars simply arent available anymore. It’s a little daunting considering a 48 month loan when none of the cars really has enough style or substance to be worth the debt.
I love this blog! You get used to the posts and BAM!, you get a pickle in your nose.
sounds like Sarah Palin!
Bob’s comment is right on. Time to roll another fatty Rick and sit back and contemplate your navel. It’s amazing how a little wealth brings out the Bill Ayers in you. Stick to analyzing how to tour Europe’s cities and finding good valued hotels.
To all the Rick haters, why do you waste time on his site? You know what you are going to get. I don’t like John McCain but you don’t see me hanging out on his web site.
My Dad always taught me to avoid the sleek new exotic models. Being untested they always have flaws and defects that you only find after you have driven them off the lot. They also come with lots of cool sounding expensive features that seldom work as advertised. Better to stick with the proven model. It may not be flashy or have the smooth sounding exhaust, but you know just what you are getting and all the bugs have been worked out.
Better to stick with the proven model. Let’s just stick with being British subjects. I’m not too sure about this whole declaring of independence thing. Of course I’m just kidding; it’s not like our Rights have become alienated or anything.
Expectations can be frustrating. I come to you to escape the mundane as I consider my next travel adventure. I realize that I will always get a dose of liberal thinking and accept that it comes with the package. What I really don’t like is when I get no escape….just more of what I catch on CNN and six other news channels. All the newest technology??? Please; the car has not even been built yet and doesn’t have a motor capable of moving at the speed of the sports car it is being sold as. Do you really think these parties are any different? They are a joke and we accept them being a joke. They both tout “change” and neither will change anything in Washington. The Congress has been and will be controlled by Democrats and we have all seen how our economy has gone in the tank. Oh, it is Bush’s fault you say. Who holds the purse strings for all he has ever done? That’s right, the Dems. What we have is two old goats and two young, inexperienced people running for office and neither group will be able to change a bloody thing about Washington D.C. How is it that we all vote for the same people that have always served in the Congress? Why do we expect that it will be different? I think there is a definition for that type of behavior. Please give me the excape and leave the political philosphy to the talking heads on TV. Cheers.
Rick – Many thanks for the clever, insightful analogy (not to mention the years of fantastic travel advice!). Sadly, some of the responses here reminded me once again that there is no corner of the world, real or virtual, where right-wing trolls don’t lurk. Their tactics are really becoming tiresome (i.e. yelling pejorative nonsense at anyone who disagrees with them and fabricating credibility for themselves and their candidates from thin air). I realize that this methodology has made many right-wing entertainers (masquerading as “journalists”) extremely wealthy, but at what cost to our society? Our nation desperately needs to have an earnest dialog about the direction of our society and I’m hopeful that we will get around to that after the “convention bounce” falls back to earth.
Bill, you took the words write out of my mouth, or off the tips of my fingers in this case. None of the vehicles being offered are going to get me where I want to go either. So, I guess the question becomes: which one will get me closest? Which one will set me up to get there? I’m not sure I know the answer yet.
P.S. I spell “right” incorrectly on purpose in my last post. Just my version of a little pun…
Bob and Craig, some us like to revel in satire now and again. Besides, the Maverick and the Model are doing more of the same: no innovaton proffered up to an industry sorely in need. Let me calify without signifying, shall I? The last week and a half we’ve gotten nothing but lies and vitriol from McCain and mainly Palin. This person actually belittled Sen. Obama’s time in community organizing–people helping people who have no say or representation of their views ($) in government. I guess Elder Bush’s “Thousand Points Of Light” initiative was just a figment of everyone’s imagination. McCain own spokesman declared “We can’t make this about the issues.” Really? Soaring food costs, high gas(despite oil falling to $106 per barrel), the highest unemployment rate in 5 years(6.l in August) and a million more foreclosures in 2008–those pesky issues can just be swept aside, right?. The maddening thing is that the uninformed, ignorant and flat out racist will be more than content to see the United States continue to slowly bled away behind a tragically appropriated war effort, deteriorating infrastructure(no high-speed rail in sight) and an embarrassment of an education culture. Meanwhile Gov. Palin can do and say whatever she wants with apparent impunity, insisting on infusing Church with State, while simultaneously proving Thomas Jefferson correct with each falsely parsed syllable. Rick Steves, thank you for doing what do–keep speaking truth to power, regardless of consequences (you and I are “here”, Troy! Trust!). Mr. Humberd: You are my bro’, but I respectfully disagree on your definition of “beautiful”. Gov. Palin is the perfect example of, as the Temptations sang, “Beauty’s Only Skin Deep.” Whew! That felt good…oh…right..travel site…Keep Traveling Everyone!!!!
That was c-l-a-r-i-f-y. Apologies…
Remember when Rick used to share his passion for travel? I miss those days.
Oh Rick, you have all our thighs tingling with your Liberal Libations. Let’s all pull on our Che Guevara T-shirts and go to the car show. Perhaps we can sign up to be community organizers and help out good old ACORN. Barry will need the help. Nothing says change like 35 years in the Senate, change you can believe in!
rick, my friend, you nailed it. wish i’d thought of it first! thanks for another smile!!!!
Alfran, you and I may agree on Travel, but certainly nothing else. My definition of “beautiful†is easy. If I say “she†is beautiful, she is beautiful, whatever else she may be. And I like the Alaskan Sweetie very much. ==== The duty of the President and VP are overrated. A President does two things. He appoints 30,000 people to do the work, then when the Press arrives, he must remember and point to the appointee who solved a particular problem. Do you remember FDR riding in a tank, going to attack the Germans? Do you remember Truman building the balcony on the White House? Do you remember JFK landing on the beach at Cuba? Do you remember Clinton paying attention to the lady under the desk? Well maybe that one doesn’t count. Well, FDR pointed to General Marshall, Truman pointed to the carpenter, JFK ignored Marilyn Monroe for a few minutes and pointed to a General Taylor, and Clinton was already pointing. The President is the point man. He sees which direction the crowd is moving, then gets in front of them. ==== That is also true of Presidents of companies. Do you remember how good Henry Ford was at putting tires on a car, and Tom Watson could not count all his money on his fingers, so he built an IBM computer. And on and on, you get the idea.
Oh, this is over the limit, but I forgot this one. Did you hear the Demorat on CNN the other night, saying he liked the Demo candidates, Obiden and Bamma.
Ha! Well, neither car is perfect, that’s for sure. But one is 90% like the old wreck that drove the country into a ditch. Simple test: Is the country better off than it was 8 years ago? As much as the old Ford tries to sell itself as a new “Maverick” the fact remains that it comes from the same factory and comes with the same old designs, mechanics and spare parts as the current model. Again: Is the country better or worse off than it was 8 years ago? Will a new hood ornament solve the problem?
I went to that car show also. I witnessed the slick sleek black beauty. Manufactured by Messiah Motors, the new model “THE ANOINTED ONE”, appeared to be just what we were looking for. Closer inspection showed it to be just slick marketing as I popped the hood and nothing was there but for a very faulty computer spewing out ridiculous data such as: “In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed,†Obama told a crowd of 500 in Richmond, VA. Actual death count 12, lie, stupidity or just a bad chip? Next it’s GPS unit stated we had just traveled to 57 states with one more to visit, bad chip again? Even the radio was must have been faulty as it was Memorial Day and tuned to WBAMA on the PC dial. The host was claiming to honor an unbroken line of fallen heroes when he saw many of them in the audience?!? Yet none of the automotive reviews even mentions these bugs where as a few years back there was the Quaylemobile that had a set of flash cards included in the console with the word potato spelled with an e. The automotive reviewers wanted the Quaylemobile destroyed on the spot just because some educator left a set of misprinted flash cards in it. Just checked out the domestic content of THE ANOINTED ONE, you do not want to know, and I can not get the flag to stay on the door either.
Hi Rick. Looks like Karl Rove politics is back in play this year as witnessed by some of the vile responses to your blog. I am amazed at the fact that someone would support this dangerous ticket– and wonder what the heck other parts of the world must think. I one time heard someone in Pakistan say (on the radio) “we should be able to vote in the U.S. presidential election because the results so greatly affect our lives.” God help them– and us– if the electorate falls for the model and the maverick. Keep it up, Rick.
I love this blog! You get used to the posts and BAM!, you get a pickle in your nose. Yeah, what the other Jeff said! :)
Ooops, sorry about that – didn’t mean to look like I was stealing Jeff’s words. The Block Quote function doesn’t seem to have worked correctly.
KenK… a co-worker brought the “57 states” comment to my attention just yesterday and he also brought to my attention that there are 57 Muslim states. Hmmmmm? Freudian slip, I wonder?
Excellent post Rick! Some quetions come to my mind reading some of the responses. Mike makes me wonder if his father taught him to buy old junkers. Jim H. has me wondering about leadership. If the POTUS sees where the crowd is moving and gets in front of them, is that leadership or going where the popular polls tell one to go? Avenging Angel makes me about resposibility that the Repubs seem to always push. Were not the Repubs in control of the Senate for part of Shrub’s time as POTUS? Are they not taking any responsibility Or put anthor way, they are irresponsible?
Rick…. you’re nothing but a liberal blowhard! And BTW in reference to your last post, the jets will continue to fly to Europe whether you’re on them or not! Perhaps you should just move over there so you can save the planet AND enjoy the socialist environment you seem to love so much. Go plant some more trees and think about it!
I think Rick forgot to mention that the new car was a hybrid. Most of all, what really worries me is that when that Maverick finally breaks down, we’re all going to be expected to have that model turn herself into a car. Scary, scary thought.
Maggie — While Obama did say “57 states,” the tie to Muslim states has been debunked at Snopes.com already. (the Organization of Islamic Conference has 57 states and 3 observer states for a total of 60). Please check places like Snopes before spreading more rumors. I’m *really* surprised that some people who are broad-minded and international, and who think the Rick Steves method of travel, appear to be so close-minded and blindly nationalistic.
As a Canadian who is an ardent observer of American politics and one who appreciates clever metaphors, I am intrigued by the vitriolic responses contained in this blog.It is apparent that the media pundits are correct: America is polarized like never before and the cult of celebrity has become a prominent part of the political process. Coincidentally, a Canadian federal election has just been called in my country. The ruling Conservative party (which has unglamorously governed with a parliamentary minority for two years) appears to have cynically called this needless election now, rather than wait for the US election to conclude. It appears our government may be concerned that Canadians could be swept up by the “change” mantra and decide to trade in the Conservatives for a newer, flashier model.
A dream is not an opportunity for an interpretation of anyone’s political platform…domestic or foreign. Rick, I’m looking forward to the new travel shows.
As much as I dislike what the Republician party (car company) stands for, I respect how brilliant they are at marketing. Convince the public that the Democrats are the politicians (trying to sell you something that is new and not wanted) and slay the media for being the bad guys and you end up liking what you have been buying all along- the same old junk. Americans almost got it when they started to buy hybrids- then we were told- “drill baby drill”; gas went down 50 cents and we are back buying and thinking the same old thing; remaining addicted to the same fossel fuel- yea that is really doing to scare the middle east and Russia.It seems to take pain for us to take action, and I the feel good Palin has made us forget the trouble we are in.
Oh, Rick. You must be bored. I would think there would be so many things you could be doing to keep busy with your business, your books, your travel, your family. I guess fame and money do really make one feel like they are smarter than the rest of us. It’s too bad.
Well heck, if this were my dream there’d be a hot stud gentelman by that car. Us gals would flock to the car show. Who cares what car represents which presidential canidate in this here blog. Happy travels ya’ll.
When I come to Rick’s site, I know that he is all about “celebrating the differences” in cultures, points of view, etc. Rick uses humor or a twist to help me break out of my “programming” for a bit and look at other possibilities. It doesn’t threaten me in the least. It stimulates my thinking. His approach is a welcome contrast to our cultures (and maybe even our race’s) habit of immediately demonizing not only a different opinion, but the person who holds it.
Most of those who visit this site for Rick’s offering might say that they “love” Rick for his work and his personality. I feel the same. He feels like a member of my family. I would certainly not call him rude and hateful names and threaten to split his head when I came to sit at his table. I am not capable of being both an open and loving person and willing to insult someone down to their fruit of the looms or spit on their head, at the same time.
Rick is an example of openess to us all. He could monitor this site like a fascist and remove all comments not to his liking, but he doesn’t do that. He proves he lives by his own motto: “Celebrate the Differences”.
For those who are so violent in their comments on this site, I wonder what positive outcome do you expect your comments to produce?
There was this obnoxious kid I knew. When we all heard the ice cream truck we all ran to it. We all compared our different flavors as we licked. One of our group always wanted to break his popscicle in half and trade with someone else. The obnoxious kid always called him an idiot.
A large ship’s rudder spends far more time in the middle than at either extreme. And that’s where the heavy lifting of running this country largely happens- someplace in the middle. That’s not a concept that sells newspapers or tends to make people rally around a candidate, but if the political parties ( and their ardent supporters) would end their hateful spew and share with me an implementable plan to fix the problems of this nation over the span of just 4 years, I’m all ears.
In looking at Rick’s dream and seeing the cars on display, I am reminded of something that I always use in Europe – public transportation is the way to go.
In all seriousness, I have to agree with Humberd and Bill on this one. In all honesty, it is the people (businesses and consumers) that run this country. The President and VP are glorified figureheads. Sure, they appoint many people, decide on foreign policy, appoint judges, and make decisions on war but most of that doesn’t effect any of us in our day to day lives (unless you are sent overseas to war). So the American political system is rather absurd given the money poured into it and the lack of substance that results from it. This is in no way an insult to the Pres or VP but too many Americans are caught up in the ignorance of the blame or praise game given to the President for what goes on in this country. Clinton didn’t have anything to do with the dot com rise and fall. Technology exploded, was overhyped without a strong foundation, and then crashed and burned. The boom in housing and the resulting crash was not due to anything Bush did. Consumer confidence generated a boom on housing, consumer goods, etc. and then it all crashed because of stupid business decisions that inflated a market without the capital to sustain it. Look at the stock market which rises and falls based on consumer confidence. The people spend and make money and the business provide goods and services and for the most part the country runs itself. A bit oversimplified but right on in the sense that the people and businesses in this country have far more impact on our economy and country than the President. If most of you are honest enough, you will admit there is very little a President ever does that affects your daily lives. Politics never has and never will be the solution to the world’s problems. That involves people, making changes one person at a time or coming together to make change. So choose your party if you must. Just be honest with yourselves about the costs vs the benefits of our political system and the real impact it has.
Well stated. The new president will have some tough issues on their plate.
Unfortunately when you woke up from the dream the real nightmare began. The hot new car cost three times as much as the Maverick to maintain. It was half built with foreign parts so what appeared to be the latest technology was the same tired junk that particular company has been peddling for years. When it came time to drive the cars, the fresh young model new exactly which direction to steer the Maverick. When you opened the door to the hot new car there was nothing inside. It turned out to be a facade with dull white paint beginning to show through the shiny black overcoatof paint.
One more point to summarize my post above – the greatest impact a President can make (in my opinion) is to boost the confidence of the people to get things going again or to maintain what is already going on. The greater their trust in the Pres, the greater their confidence in our country, spending will increase, business will boom, etc. However, the Pres never really did anything to have a real effect.
Well stated, Jeremy. Let me guess, you read The Economist? And now to completely change the subject… has anyone else noticed the optical illusion in this blog (literally, I’m not trying to make an overly clever analogy)? As you read people’s comments, doesn’t it appear as if the dashed border starts to move? And finally… hey Rick, tell us about the new shows!
wow, it never ceases to amaze me how people feel they have a right to tell Rick how to think or speak on his own website. He owns it, its his, he can say what he wants, and if you have an issue with that.. the door is always open I’m sure.. Unfortunately I too had so many hopes for this election, but even if they aren’t able to distract the people with flashy hubcaps and bright lights.. the Extra-chromosome conservatives, as Conservative strategist Lee Atwater called them.. seem to vastly outnumber those of us who actually care about how politicians shape the future of the USA.
Rick, all the years I’ve been following you in your business, I’m pretty much aligned with your opinions, bought your products, member of NORML, etc. But are you attempting to trivialize Sara Palin ? That astounds me. Did ypou really post that?
Rabbitts, perhaps AlGore is better known for the extra quote: Back in 1994, Al Gore called Oliver North “the colonel of untruth” and said Mr. North was counting on political contributions from “the extra-chromosome right wing.” (Sources: White House Special Briefing, 10/28/94; Washington Times, September 4, 1997 )
A few days ago, I was going to comment to another reader’s blog with a plea to keep the politics out of the travel. I didn’t do it then; I wish I had, so here it is now.
Instead of talking politics Rick let’s talk about how great it is that the dollar has gained on the euro and pound recently…of course the downside is the British and European economy has tumbled like ours did awhile back but we are quicker on the mend. So rather than stir up everyone on politics and religion let’s say something good…it is getting more affordable to travel. And BTW that fresh new model is someones mom and wife and state leader not just eye candy.
Well I don’t care who Oprah is voting for, I don’t care who Robert DeNiro is voting for and I don’t care who Rick is voting for. All three of these people are entertainers not a think tank or a brain trust, so let’s move on. And BTW ever notice that this blog is kind of like TV ratings…Rick gets minimal feedback on his normal travel blogs but give a little controversy and it pops. what is that saying “I don’t care what people say about me as long as they are talking about me.”
So using sexist imagery and dismissing a woman based on her appearance is PC, as long as the target of the sexism is a Republican? Thanks for the clarification, Rick.
wow, it never ceases to amaze me how people feel they have a right to tell Rick how to think or speak on his own website. He owns it, its his, he can say what he wants, and if you have an issue with that.. the door is always open Rick’s a big boy. If he doesn’t want commentary backlash from his readers he knows where the blog settings are to block them. In the meantime, his travel site suffers for it. Maybe he can get a job selling cars instead.
Yes, I am breaking the rules here by posting again but I am not sure where else to put this. Rick, thanks for the preview of the Fall shows. That was great!!!! I look forward to the new episodes coming soon!
Rabies, fleas, worms? Something has to be making the bad tempered folks on this site so agitated. People simply couldn’t be reacting so poorly to a harmless joke.
Very sad Rick – your personal politics really have no place here…unless you purport o tel us it is apart of your company’s business. I come here to be intrigued and educated about countries and people around the world not to be preached to. Very sad.
I had a similar dream in Canada except that there were four cars and they were all bright and shiny. Except when I looked closer they were the exact same car! And one poor little motorbike off to the side. What do you make of that.
For all of you who wonder why a wonderful travel writer would talk about politics instead of travel, I think you all need to remember that you are not going to be able to go around the block no less travel abroad if our country doesn’t get it together this time around.
Who knew one could find the most congent and succinct psychoanalysis of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, et al on a travel website. Thank you Shane! I now know that their fame and money (it most assuredly is not competence) caused them to act like an imperial court of old, and look down on us, the poor ignorant serfs.
Let’s not forget the concept of Free Speech. Rick is not an idiot…….he has to have known what some of the responses would be. The country is so polarized that it is sad. The difference of opinion is one thing, but the lack of tolerance is terribly distressing. And BTW, I thought the imagery was wonderful. I read it to my husband, and it went right over his head. To each his own.
I wasn’t going to respond to this blog but with 72 comments, I can’t be left out! Somehow, I think maybe Terry and I in Rick’s previous blog entry jump started this blog. Both of us mentioned Mrs. Palin. This may have opened a door to another one of Rick’s political philosphy discussions. I think Rick secretly enjoys stirring up the masses! :-) We have to keep our eyes, ears and minds open in this changing world. Rick provides this wonderful forum to let us spout off whatever we might think. He doesn’t mind if we disagree with him and hopefully we will learn from each other. I subscribe to the gospel of St. Rick and his politics. I travel with him, buy his products, visit the website daily. It is his blog and his company. It is very difficult to draw a line between politics and travel. Every country has its politics. He invites us to join in discussions and I firmly believe Rick reads and enjoys all of our postings. With that said, thank you Rick Steves! I hope Ms Palin stayes in AK.
Rick – I am extremely disappointed with your latest blog. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought this was a website for TRAVEL and not POLITICS. At least now I know where you stand in the political realm. Sure, you have the right to free speech, and I won’t try to stop you from waxing political on YOUR website. But, I also have the right to free speech, and I may choose to exercise my right by no longer purchasing any of your products. I can easily buy your used guidebooks from Ebay or from my local used book store. You won’t see a cent from my purchase. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s disapponted. You’ve done nothing except solidify my vote for McCain/Palin, and possibly chased off someone who contributed to your website on numerous occasions (ME!).
Joseph, Joseph, Joseph…Can you say with a straight face that you are better off now than 8 years ago? That the country is better off now than 8 years ago? “Country First” is a joke! Why start now? Guilt complex?? If the McCain-Palin ticket wins, you can kiss the planet goodbye! Rick, thanks for all you do!
I am a Canadian and have just returned from travelling for 2 weeks in France and 1 week in Germany; this being my 20+ visit to Europe. As always, I observe how interested and knowledgeable most Europeans are in following the politics of other countries. This visit especially showed the hightened interest and anxiety that many people displayed in regards to the upcoming American election. (I travelled alone this time and all conversations were with strangers, in other words not with family or friends who may share my beliefs or background.) They wanted to know how I, a Canadian and neighbour of the US, felt about the upcoming election, the current American government and the direction it has taken in regards to global and international affairs; they also knew a fair bit about national issues as many travel to the US, speak english and listen/watch radio and TV while visiting. Almost without exception the people are hoping that the Democrats win the election thereby improving and restoring American’s relation with the rest of the world. In our shrinking world distant countries are becoming neighbours and decisions being made effect so many more than just those within those borders. I just read the following BBC poll which may interest you: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7606100.stm The eyes of the world are constantly watching your country; for the next few months even more so. Most want nothing more than your government to reflect its citizens: thought-full, intelligent, care-full, friendly, help-full, and tolerant. One could then not ask for a better neighbour. As our former Prime Minister Trudeau remarked in a speech in Washington in 1969, “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.” We too are having an election (but has anyone heard?!) Great blog! Marianne – Vancouver, BC.
Pete – Actually, YES I can say with a straight face that I am better off than I was eight years ago. Eight years ago I lived in an apartment and made $18,500 a year. Now, I own a home, am a Federal employee, and make 4 1/2 times more a year than I did eight years ago. And since my position is politically independent, I’ll have my job LONG after McCain is out of office. So Pete, Pete, Pete, keep paying your taxes. I need to build my travel fund for Paris and London this coming April. ;-)
Apparently Rick isn’t the only one having weird dreams these days: http://www.slate.com/id/2199661/?GT1=38001 It’s great to be politically unaffiliated and enjoy the silly predictions of the impending apocalypse every 4 years if the “other” party wins.
Rick We had a Maverick (1970 model I think). Good on gas, basic car. Very reliable. No power options but easy to drive. Not fancy but did the job at the time. Did not expect car topics on the blog but you always keep things interesting with lots of variety. Thanks again for a great blog.
I have been following this in amazement. It’s a kick, how easily Rick has baited some people. It’s like catching trout in a barrel with a shotgun. It’s also terribly disturbing how uninformed yet zealous people can be.
Joseph, I don’t usually get into this but my first thought about you not buying Rick’s books. IF you gave some thought about what else you buy, if you KNEW the background of where is comes from, what “young child” may have made it, if you KNEW what was fed to the animal of the meat you are eating, you would probably not buy anything. I’m sure Rick won’t miss the money you would spend in the future. I’ll continue to support him. There have been many other comments on this board that I did not appreciate but I just skip over them and continue on. Let’s keep this site a “helpful” one. I too look for travel information but I’m getting enlightened as to what other people are thinking on many other subjects. Politics travel with you no matter where you go. In England, it seemed that every time we saw a TV, they were were showing the Presidential candidates and what was going on in the USA. Take a deep breath, go have a cup of coffee and skip this blog. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. People let’s give our opinion but don’t get nasty.
Most honorable Rick, I observed the alternate energy form expressed by some offering here. It is powerful, but it is toxic to the planet. My job is war and fascism is one of my tools. If one wants war, think war. If one wants peace, think peace. For as a man thinketh, so is he.
I just wanted to say thank you to the more level-headed commentators in this blog. I appreciate reading everyone’s viewpoint when they take the time to present them in a thoughtful, constructive way.
I think I’ll buy the bicycle.
I find it amazing that Rick gets more bitter as time goes on. With all his experience and knowledge gained from all his years of travel, you would think he would have learned how to enjoy life more and be happy. Rick, you only get one opportunity in this life. Dwelling on the negative is a recipe for an unhappy life. I used to envy your lifestyle and work, but not any longer. You seem to enjoy the misery your political philosophy brings to you. I feel sorry for you, and especially your family, as you surely pass on your negative philosophy to your children, thus planting the seeds for them to be full of misery if they choose to follow your beliefs.
That was a great marketing idea of the people trying to sell that Maverick or whatever they were trying to do with it, they sound like smart folks. Anyway, love your blogs and I have all your shows Tivo’d in HD! Can’t wait for the new ones to come out this fall. I also can’t wait for your 2009 London and Paris books to come out, I’m going next fall!
Hey Rick, you must have put a link to your site on the Bill O’Reeeeally and Shammity sites. I haven’t seen so many excited Taliban since Ashcroft covered up the partially robed statues in the Supreme Court and Sarah called for book bannings.
I don’t agree with your politics usually, but I did get a chuckle out of this.
I should take the time to read all these comments … but I will save that for later. Rick, stick to travel talk.
In reading posting guidelines..”it must be about travel”I agree it is precisely about travel. Experiencing different cultures broadens the mind and allows one to realize there may be equal or even more effective ways of doing things and most importantly travel lessens tendancies towards xenophobia and fascism. Not having traveled Ms.P would be,as poor a choice for world leader as was W.I see many similarities between the two.Freedom of speech lives in your blog, Rick. Keep it up!
Regarding the flurry of blogs-I too am amazed at how vitriolic some folks get about their (and Rick’s) politics. I too was in Europe this summer and was assailed with many comments about our “cowboy” president. My response–“there has not been a terrorist attack on the U.S. since 9/11. Maybe that’s just a coincidence and maybe it’s not.”
Seeing a couple or more “Bills” on this blog, I guess I better identify myself differently. Very funny dream Rick. Except I call those nightmares when I have them. But seriously, I think people are taking your little joke WAY too seriously. EVERYONE on the site should admit knowledge that “sex sells” and that is one of the components of what the right wing is up to recently. Hey, it works! I’m not sure it is entirely honest though. Elmer Wheeler said: “Don’t sell the steak, sell the sizzle”. Again, not entirely honest, is it? But, don’t you think the left wing is also using the same ploy? Can’t tell me a good looking and intelligent man is not “sex”. I’d rather know the REAL strengths and weaknesses of each candidate instead of hiding from questions, lying about positions and records, shouting down the other candidate and all around acting like spoiled children. Those are all disqualifiers in my book and unless you are a programmed idealog, they should be in everyone’s.
Well, I vote for whoever can do the best job for the people of this country.
Shows that Rick doesn’t know any more about cars than politics. Anyone who calls an old Ford Maverick a classic is clearly ignorant. Rick should stick to what he knows and what has made his fortune. He can only alienate and lose customers with his social and political opinions.
Rick if you are so in the sack for Barry, why not offer huge discount savings on your tours to folks who say they will vote for him? Concerning travel and tours, you are the very best there is. Political thinking however is an entirely different animal. Still love you even if you are completely incorrect on Sara.
On Tuesday, Obama criticized McCain’s economic policies as similar to those of President Bush, saying: “You can put lipstick on a pig … it’s still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change. It’s still going to stink after eight years.” Seems like the democrats are hell bent on insulting women and it must be acceptable to push away women voters so dems (and rick) just keep it coming the more you downgrade women the more women come over to our side
I love all of the comments. Why is everyone so tense? Whether you choose the old Maverick or the New Black one, both are way better than the car we have been driving the past 8 years. Why can’t cars be politicians? We have proven that an idiot can be president. Good ridden to GWB!
Mark, history will make thee the Idiot
I get to post #100. Interesting dream, Rick. It has sparked tons of interest.
I’ve often suspected that the republican party pays people to troll the internet in search of opportunities to spew out their inane talking points. Most of the the responses here would seem to support my theory.
Dear Rick, I LOVE YOU! I loved your “dream”. Seems like people here are maybe split half and half on Politics and also whether it should be discussed on a Travel forum. We all live on this planet called, “Mother Earth”. Right now our Mother is being torn apart by wars and suffocated by pollution. Also, anyone who travels to another country than their own knows that there are differences, (or why travel???) And those differences include the discussion of Politics. I want to briefly tell you about 3 experiences I had in 3 different countries, OK. 1) October 2000 I was on the bridge of a Nile river cruiser in Egypt. We were meeting the captain and touring the engine room etc. On a small TV in the corner President Clinton was looking very worried, I asked a guard what he was saying, (translation was in Arabic). Our battleship the Cole had just been attacked. We were shocked. The guard then looked at me and asked what “I” was going to do about it when I got home! I explained to him that I didn’t personally know Mr. Clinton but was very concerned as to what this meant. They all thought Americans had a say in their Politics. 2) A few years later I was waiting to board a plane at SFO, to Rome, when a French tourist asked me what I thought about the Iraq war, how his country hated that their troops had to go over and what was I going to do. Here I was, standing with our traveling friends who had a son in Iraq! Of course I support the troops but hate the war, it was weird. 3) Most recently I was walking down Portobello Road in London looking forward to some good shopping and passed some local blokes having a heated discussion. What I heard, sent a chill through me, was “those damn, bloody Yanks will get us into World War 3!” So you see, travel and politics are world wide, just like tavel and food, travel and clothing, travel and languages. It has just as much a place on this forum as anything else we encounter when we step on that plane & go. Just VOTE!
In reference to the pig with lipstick comment – Sen. Obama was not talking about Sarah Palin, though that what the McCain would have people believe. He was describing the last 8 years of failed Bush policy. In fact, McCain has used the same expression 4 times in the past year–either in response to the Dems tepid appeal for withdrawal from Iraq or to Sen. Clinton’s Health Care Initiative. About Sen. Clinton: she did not lose the nomination because of sexism, she lost because she ran a poor, scattershot, inflexible campaign. If you didn’t know, she was the prohibitive favorite to be the Dem nominee for President. She even had the Black vote behind her early in the campaign. Unfortunately for her, she shares her husband’s penchant for not being able to admit when she’s wrong, such as her vote for military action against Iraq. She bold-faced lied about the Bosnia affair, then when she got desperate started throwing out false accusations that enough people saw through. It was her race to win, and she lost it, with only herself to blame. As for the negativity at her campaign, the virulent name-calling came nearly 100% from people who wouldn’t vote for Democrats anyway(the right-wing talk fringe), much less her. Sen. Clinton was no more entitled to the nomination than anyone else, and Sen. Obama simply had a clearer, inclusive message and demonstrated extraordinary organization in building his campaign from the ground up. It would be a shame if people would allow false controversies to distract from the critical issues facing The States. Come October I travel to Spain, but just like the Europeans are doing at the moment, I will be keenly watching and hoping truth is spoken to power.
If you want to be insulted, why don’t you look into McCain’s comments about Chelsea Clinton, or his lack of correction when a woman at his town hall meeting referred to Sen. Clinton as a word that’s beneath the dignity of Back Travelers to repeat here?
Alfran, put down that Demokrat Kool-Aid and start thinking for yourself. Palin has been telling and retelling that tired old lipstick- pit bull story time after time. Barry picked up on it and thought it would be a cute and cutting attack on her. I know it you know it, and his crowd absolutely knew it. That is why they were laughing and cheering. The only question is, did Barry intend to insult McCain also with the Old Fish line or was it another shot at Palin because of her high school nickname of Barracuda? I voted for Barry in the primary but since I have seen him for what he is and that would be The Emptiest of Suits. I am so very tired of the Demokrats not being able to come up with a viable candidate. I cannot believe that they could not field anyone decent enough to be 25 points ahead at this time in the campaign!! Anyway you say you are headed to Spain in October. I greatly envy you as Spain is one of my top 3 world destinations. Spain in October must be near heaven on Earth. If you get a chance, eat a pig’s ear for me. No lipstick please.
To Ken, my wife and I were in Spain and Portugal in late September through mid October last year and it was AWESOME!!! Not as crowded and great weather! It is a great time to visit those countries.
Hey Rick. I had the same dream. Except in my dream they kept using a phrase from the days of the old Ford Maverick — “All Show and No Go.” They were saying it about the hot new car. And when I took a closer look at the “model” standing next to the Maverick — it turned out she was Ashley Force. Good dream!
Wow, it never ceases to amaze me that people don’t realize that Rick actually invites feedback on what he writes on his blog. He even provides a convenient box at the bottom of the page to make it easy. I guess we’re only supposed to contribute if we agree with Rick. Bubba, don’t believe everything you read in the liberal media. Sarah Palin never had any books banned from the library. Check snopes if you don’t believe me.
HA! Great post, Rick. Keep up the good work. Anyone who thinks that politics and travel should be kept separate (as if they even COULD be kept separate) isn’t paying attention to our world.
GREAT! I’d argue that well-traveled people have better perspective on politics than biased couch potatoes. Just hate that politics DOES amount to a car show, and even more hate the VP nomination — just plain contemptuous of voters and women in particular, b/c nothing feminist at ALL about Palin. She’s a creation of conservative male dreamworks.
Stick to travel, Rick. If I have to see this pro-Democrat/anti-Republican drivel when I come to this site, I’m not going to come to it anymore.
When we took a Rick Steves tour in 2006, it was partly because we wished to support his political agenda and multilateral outlook. Furthermore, ALL of our fellow tour members were aware of Rick’s liberal leanings and fully supported them. I am surprised that folks who feel differently even bother to read this blog. Maybe Rick’s TV shows are too centrist. Rick needs to do more to spread his liberal viewpoint, even at the risk of declining ratings. We liberals always try to take the high road, but the last two elections have proven that dirty politics will win out. McCain pledged a clean campaign, but now he has hired Bush’s team and started swiftboating. Time to fight back.
Keep sharing yourself with us man. I guess some who post here have never read either the Declaration of Independance or our Constitution and Bill of Rights. If they had, they would support your right to speak as you choose. btw, have you ever read the Russian Constitution? Awesome document! FAR more specific about the right’s of it’s people than our own. I was literally stunned by the beauty of it. They have problems just as we do, but now I know why Putin invites the press to a 3 hour lunch and they all sit there eating and asking and answering questions. A free attitude like that is included over and over again in their Constitution. For an old knee jerk reaction zombie, this was a real awakening. You can find it in English at http://www.RussiaToday.com. The website is equally amazing!
Terri, I am a veteran of 6 ETBD tours and let me assure you there were many of us conservatives on every tour! Why would you be at all surprised that folks who feel differently about the liberal leanings of Rick would bother to either read his blog or take his tours??? I feel Rick is the very best at what he does, as far as European travel, and most likely other areas also. I have met him on tours and can testify to his marvelous personality. I am always confounded when you leftists seem to think anyone other than another leftist is full of raging hate for folks who hold other opinions. I have never found this to be true. I have found conservatives always respect achievement but regretfully I have also found that many of my liberal friends, yes I have several, find great achievement something to either loathe or ridicule. Perhaps that is why BIG OIL is always viewed on the left as evil and BIG LABOR is always sanctified. I have noticed a bit more right leaning views coming from Rick on occasion but of course many more on the left. I am quite certain Rick adds the political postings not only because he is a lefty and is sincere in his writings but also to spice up the blog. You can easily see that a sharp left turn always picks up the comments. I would never want to give up my liberal friends just for politics and hope they feel likewise. Rick Steves is a man of great achievement and I think we can all respect him for that!
Right on Rob Z man. I love Russia and Rick too. Keep up the great job Rick. Don’t let the right get you man.
Rick: I love your books, your writing and your mission to make the world smaller by encouraging travel. Denigrating Sarah Palin is beneath you, and unfair to Mrs. Palin. Let’s just evaluate the “solutions” the candidates and their parties bring to the American voter and then decide which solution set fits our own values and priorities, ok?
Three points: 1) Hey, at least Rick was nice enough to call the Maverick a “classic”–that’s a whole lot less mean-spirited than most liberals have been in this election. 2) I’ve heard that model speak a few times already, and she sounds like she knows quite well how to tune-up a poorly-running machine–and how to pound out a few dents, when necessary. 3) I think I’ll stick with the classic car…I don’t think all the bugs are out of that new line yet.
Ugh, scary to think you people want more of the same from the past 8 years – Good God people get your head out of the sand! Rick is absolutely RIGHT in his view, which he has cultivated from 35 years of travels through Europe. The last thing this world needs is another old warmonger who shoots first and doesn’t ever bother to talk later! Sheesh!
I don’t know if anyone was listening to Hannity on the radio today but apparently the Dems have been overheard lamenting over their choice of Biden instead of Hillary. I guess that model made an impact
Thank you Dave for summing up the truth. It was extremely irresponsible of McCain to put this unsuffisticated woman a heart beat away from being the most powerful person on earth. He will be 72 soon and according to the actuary tables, there’s a high probability he simply won’t survive his elected term, and then where are we? I bet this woman couldn’t find France on a map of Europe and would be enlightened to learn England is on an island. Come on people, please don’t vote for a man that finished at the bottom of his class when his opponent taught constitutional law at one of our finest law schools. The IQ difference alone, makes this an easy decision.
Dear God–“unsuffisicated” blog for the unsophisticated populace????–please, please tell me this was an intentional spelling error to amuse us as you lecture us about how stupid and ignorant McCain and Palin are. You must feel pretty embarassed right now.
Thank you Dug for summing up the trooth. It was extremely irresponsible of the Demokrat Party to put this unsuffisticated man 270 elekteral votes away from being the most powerful person on earth. There’s a high probability he could actually survive his elected term, and then where are we? I’ll bet this man couldn’t find all 57 states on a map and would be enlightened to learn that “an unbroken line of fallen heroes” is not standing in the audience today. Come on people, please don’t vote for a man that mocks one of those war heroes for not being able to send an email because he cannot physically position his arms to do so from injuries sustained at the hands of his enemies. Or the man who claims 10,000 dead souls in Kansas when only 12 were the fact. Or the man who claims he can control the oceans level. Or the man who thinks he is on the Senate Banking Committee. The IQ difference alone, makes this an easy decision!
Why are people sanctimoniously scolding Rick Steves about what he can and can’t print on his website. If you’ve actually read his books or heard him talk you should know that one of his principle claims is that travel changes you (or it should) and opens your mind to new perspectives. For Rick, that has meant that he has become appreciative of the ways that other countries do things and critical of some of the things that we do in the US. His political views are directly connected to his travel. So, if you just want a travel guide to show you pretty pictures of cathedrals and castles, you should watch the Travel Channel. If you read Rick, expect the politics and criticism. Feel free to ignore them but don’t run around like Henny Penny because someone has mentioned a political view that you disagree with.
Hey Rick, in your dream were the people who bought the Maverick all those years always so constipated?
Yikes, well this fellow fresh hot young model finds the comparisons kind-of offensive. Just because a female is pretty and gregarious, it doesn’t mean she is dumb…but stereotyping someone like that shows a closed pretty closed and ignorant mind. I am almost not surprised anymore that people who think they are progressive and liberal are the most unable to really listen to differing points of view. And the Russian constitution? Give me a break. Ask all the opposing politicians and journalists what they think of the constitution. Oh, you can’t…they’ve all been shot or poisoned.
Catherine, thank you…and what I don’t understand is why Rick would you want to alienate your base of women purchasers. It is the women who probably shop for and buy your books, and if a poll was taken I will bet you find the woman of the family who did the research to chose the tour from amongst the other products out there. If you think women are so worthless why spend all that money to send Jackie to Georgetown if you feel that in the end she’ll just be someone’s trophy wife or eye candy on someones arm???
Thanks to Rick’s site, the Democrats now have the perfect campaign slogan: “Obama–the candidate for the suffisticated voter.”
> I only have to watch 5 minutes > of “Russia Today” via satellite to be > reminded of how precious and > vulnerable that right is. Actually I’ve watched Russia Today too and don’t honestly see much difference between it and mainstream American news. It’s frightening how the two resemble each other, whether we want to admit it to ourselves or not.
> Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought this was a website for TRAVEL and not POLITICS. You’re wrong. Consider yourself corrected.
I like your dream, Rick. I had a similar one recently. I was standing on a corner minding my own busienss when a bus came out of nowhere and ran me over. I didn’t catch the license plate, but the sign on the top said Straight Truth and it was an Express, since it never stopped. Yesterday I understand the bus made a U-turn and went back to Washington. The driver, who recently stated he doesn’t know much about the economy and he’s a foreign policy guy, suddenly decided the nation’s in trouble. Even though a week ago he said everything was fundamentally fine. Hey, didn’t they used to call that a flip-flop?
Does anyone know who said the quote:”I don’t care what people say about me as long as they are talking about me” ?