I’ve been re-reading a book recently that’s always has quite an impact on me. It’s called “Resurrecting Aesop” and it’s by a friend of mine, he’s a shy man — so let’s call him…Mike Papantonio.
The essence of the book is that we all need to continuously reexamine and reaffirm the purpose and meaning of our own lives. It’s a process that is ongoing and, by definition, never complete. What it requires — as my friend sagely notes in this remarkable book — is a constant return to the basics. Mike writes about Henry David Thoreau’s three principles for engagement in life:
1) Live deliberately
2) Disconnect from the culture and the daily grind as often as possible.
3) Grow spiritually
With all that in mind, I’ve made a decision that after having spent most of the past six years on the radio, often on a daily basis, talking non-stop about our politics and our culture, it’s now time for me to step away.
I need to do it, not just to disconnect but, hopefully, to gain a different and renewed perspective on American life, as well as on my own.
I don’t make this decision lightly, but I do make it make it deliberately.
It’s been an extraordinary privilege to be a part of Ring of Fire over this past year and to work closely with two of the most dedicated and passionate public servants I’ve ever known, Mike Papantonio and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. They’ve taught me much, in word and in deed, and I’m a very lucky man for their friendship.
I will have a more to say about this next week, but rest assured that Ring of Fire will continue as strong as ever, just as it has for the past seven years. And I very much look forward to contributing to it, both on and off the air, for many, many years to come.
I may be stepping out of the Ring, but I’m not leaving the Arena. There’s too much left to do and we still have miles to go before we sleep.
Thank you for you listening and for your invaluable support of Ring of Fire.
Enjoy the show!
