The book is not quite done, but I'm 90 percent there and at least know, finally, how it ends (probably). I promised readers that columns would return in mid-September.
Coming back isn't an easy decision.
I know that nothing I write will change Phoenix's trajectory. It will bring more of the "Talton hates Arizona" claptrap. Nothing I write will alter the nightmare that began after Election Day 2016. I'm so tired of losing so much of the time.
As much as I hate "both sides" false equivalency, I feel increasingly alienated from the loud left, while "conservatism" is not only nihilistic and destructive but in power. It's tempting to watch the past few months and think Trump and the GOP are the gang who can't shoot straight and will soon be swept away. Don't fall for it.
Also, I tend to write what is now put in the genre ghetto of "long-form commentary," so you won't find quick hits, videos, and digital "storytelling" here, either. The photos tend to be limited and mostly as historical galleries.
Rogue began on Jan. 11, 2008. My pro bono work.
Given all of the above, plus the demands of my day job, it would be so tempting to wrap things up, say thank you and goodbye. I've seen my name in print enough times over the past 30 years to satisfy even my ego, if not my bank account. One of my fantasies would be to stop reading the news entirely — something I never imagined I would do — and immerse myself in a comforting pool of history and great fiction. My day job doesn't allow that.
But I don't think quitting would be right (to the dismay of my traducers, who have read this far filled with hope).
For one thing, I continue to believe Edmund Burke's timeless quote, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Make that "good people," so I am not attacked by the pronoun police. I have a few takes, different from the hive, on issues and news. Phoenix continues to need explaining, from current events to its history. If the boosters don't like it, don't be sore winners. A sizable, although far from giant, following depends on Rogue Columnist. I was raised to look around at the miraculous oasis of Phoenix, created by sacrifice and mighty acts (and federal money), and never never forget that I owed.
So, I'm back. Not guaranteeing twice weekly yet but soon.
And one last housekeeping note. The news aggregation pages (City Desk, Best of the Front Page, Climate Change and probably Arizona's Continuing Crisis) are going away. Typepad can't accommodate the years of links — which was the point, to show how we got here. Without that archival depth, they lose their value. (What happened to that promise of unlimited space on the internet — so 1990s.) I'll probably find another way to post the important Arizona stories, but not archive them. Sorry about that.
As for the book, it's called The Bomb Shelter: A David Mapstone Mystery, and is due out next May.
Welcome Back
Yes, welcome back. I have learned so much from your site.
Really sort of an odd coincidence, for whatever reason, I just now clicked on the site, only to see it back “live” as of a few hours ago. I checked one other time several months ago to find it was mothballed for awhile.
This is one of the few (only) places I’ve found on the internet where civilized, intelligent discussion occurs without the venomous howling, personal attacks and caterwauling that currently passes for discourse in America.
You are correct, you are needed in that context.
Congratulations on getting the book into a corner.
Glad you’ve returned; probably clicked twenty or thirty times looking to see if you would.
Let us resolve to do what we can with the time we have.
Grateful you are back. Looking forward to Bomb Shelter and this. It seems that 2017 is looking up after all.
Ah, good.
Just in time for the annual fall revival after the summer Arizona torpor.
You were missed.
Welcome!
Welcome back!
Welcome back and it is nice to have your comments and wry observations on Phoenix.It is a shame we have to depend on a resident of Seattle to comment on our weaknesses and short comings.We are going to need you mightily for the next 3 years.
Jon’s not really a “resident” of Seattle .
He is in exile from the religious extremist Confederacy of Developer land Pillagers.
Jon, I liked your photo of a Ha boob or as us desert rats call it a large dust devil. As a result of seeing that photo I thought I would take the liberty of thanking Irma for reminding us that Nature always wins.
I enjoyed the great photos of large mansions sliding into the oceans. That reminds me of a comment one of my Native American wives made after a large flood. “My people never set up a Tepee in a river bed”.
New rule when I am king. No construction within a mile of a sea shore or the Mississippi river.
So was Donald Trump’s rise to the WHITE house a blessing in disguise for Democrats? A reminder that Fascism is not dead?
A call to action for the planet?
Will Jon Talton permanently return to the Valley of the Sun?
Jon, “Keep Scribbling”
cal lash, aka The RED DUDE
I have a condo in Midtown.
I know Jon.
And occasionally you showup thar.
I did say “permanently”.
yey – you’re back
Welcome back Jon. In the words of Jim Valvano — “NEVER GIVE UP!”
Good to see you back. I didn’t realize you were considering shutting it down. I’m glad you aren’t. You have a unique perspective and enjoyable style. I often don’t agree with you, but your commentary is intelligent and worth reading and a contrary voice on AZ issues is good to have. Though clearly you’re a proud progressive, I appreciate that you aren’t a slave to liberal orthodoxy (a brave position to put oneself in these days). I also am attracted to the commentariat as a place where fairly civil debate can happen.
I’m glad you’re back online and hope that it’s for the long haul–and I do see a lo-o-o-o-o-ng haul ahead for all of us, regardless of political persuasion. I appreciate your on-target efforts to help make as much sense as possible of the journey.
Some excellent stuff in Front Pages.
Welcome back. I don’t come across much that’s worth reading these days, but your comments always are.
Glad to see you’re back and posting again. I’ll keep reading and engaging.
I don’t know how many writers out there can truly consider much or any of their work a public service, but I do consider this blog to be a public service to Valley residents, since there seems to be quite a dearth of intellectually-focused blogs/websites/forums for this city relative to other cities.