When I stopped in Rhode Island, I met several types. The two common themes I discovered centered on the issue of local government spending, and homelessness.
Apparently, many in the workforce feel that taxes are too high, and that the local politicians are corrupt. There are 39 school districts in the small state of Rhode Island, according to three separate people I spoke with, and each district has it’s own superintendent and individualized leadership. This apparently adds to the local tax burden, which supposedly includes a $5,000 excise tax for simply owning a vehicle.
Of the residents I spoke with, no one could explain where their tax money goes. Several speculated that politicians are padding their wallets through special interest causes. Some even went on to say that local mafia is going strong, since Providence is a central location between Boston’s Irish and New York’s Italian families, respectively.
I also heard from several homeless residents, and I discovered that the homeless population is not welcome in Providence. “Bob” used to work construction throughout Rhode Island, but when the industry turned for the worst, he was forced to live on the streets. “Wayne” turned to alcohol, and now he feels his life will never turn around. In fact, he was drunk when I spoke to him. He said he would continue to drink throughout the day because he hated his life.
Then I met a man named Gary, a published author and motivational speaker. Gary and his wife teach an ancient Chinese technique for dealing with stress and anxiety. It’s called Emotional Freedom Technique, and it apparently involves hypnosis, but it’s something people can do on their own.
Gary was an interesting guy. He seemed to be very genuine and caring, and I could tell that he was certainly a grounded individual, emotionally speaking. I’ve never tried hypnotherapy, but if I did, I would go to Gary for help. He was so nice to speak with, and very positive. He encouraged me to keep going with my project, and his techniques really seemed to parallel with my objectives to learn the art of empathy and listening.
I love the idea of emotional freedom. This is what America needs.
I can sympathize with Wayne who hates his life. I don’t drink, but am not too happy with where my life is at right now either, neither my hubby nor I. He used to be a minister till they shut him out for doing things right. Now we don’t go to church at all. With the economy the way it is, makes it hard to find bright spot in our future. Can really sympathize with Wayne. They may not drink or be homeless, but I think that there are a lot of Waynes in our nation today.
Aaron,
I see you will be in Chicago tomorrow, Sept 7th-where? I live in Napervile, IL, just 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. If you’re out this way, I would love to feed you, fill your gas tank and give you a comfortable place to sleep tomorrow night. All I ask is that you tell my two kids your story. They are 14 and 16 and need to see what’s really going on in the real world. They live a very sheltered life here in Naperville.
I think what you’re doing is fantastic! I hope you win that prize money.
My cell phone number is 630-901-5595.
E-mail: Brad1193@aol.com
Warmest regards,
Shauna Winters
Aaron didn’t know where else to post this you didn’t have an area to post on your travel route page. Anyway I see your in Chicago today or at least thats where you think you will be. Then you are heading to Michigan. Well I used to live in Chicago and now I live here in Michigan. If you are planing to come out this way soon I would like to invite you to dinner at my restaurant (on me of course.) We have a tiny art show next week that I have sponsored. I am near the 80/90 Indiana Toll Road. Comming from Chicago you take the off ramp 107 exit. As soon as you hit the stop sign turn left into Michigan 2 miles and turn right at the light I am down about 200 yards on the left.
The Country Table Restaurant
714 West Chicago Road
Shoot hit tab enter didnt finish my message lol.
The Country Table Restaurant
714 West Chicago Road
White Pigeon MI 49099
Shoot me an email or I will try to call you tomorrow and see if your interested. I am truly inspired by your expression of art.
Thank you,
George