By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER
Last Saturday we posted an article about scams and misinformation about FEMA hurricane disaster efforts. The article originated as a press release from FEMA. We have received such releases from FEMA for years and have never known them to contain misinformation. I’d say that at least a third of the news articles we publish on RVtravel.com originate as press releases. It’s been that way with most all news media far before the internet came along.
But, wow! Did a lot of RVtravel.com readers fly off the handle with their critical comments, probably at least 250 total comments before we deleted about 100 of the most outrageous, irrelevant, mean-spirited, angry — even hateful. One commenter suggested we are “towing the communist regime’s line.”
The common theme, though: “Do not trust anything the government says: The government is evil!”
Last week’s article began: “The high volume of rumors and misinformation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has caused confusion and threatens important response and recovery efforts. It’s likely that more scams will appear after Hurricane Milton.”
While the article’s information was not specifically aimed at RVers, we figured it might help some of our readers avoid getting scammed or fed false information.
Here are a few of the many not-so-friendly comments we received and my responses:
From Nick: “Politics does not belong on this forum.”
Hmmm… So politics does not belong on RVtravel.com? So we should not mention when a particular state’s politician proposes to weaken its RV lemon laws? And we should not mention when South Dakota proposes to restrict voting rights of full-timers who establish their domain there? And we should remain silent when states propose legislation that would weaken RV warranties in favor of manufacturers? And we should zip our lips when brass at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) closes off recreational lands popular with RVers?
And should we not post government safety RV recalls that help keep our readers safe from potential dangers? The National Highway Safety Administration is, after all, a federal agency.
And when the National Park Service requests visitor comments about issues related to crowding, reservations or camping, should we simply toss its news releases rather than inform our readers so they can weigh in?
Sorry, Nick. While this website is by no means focused on politics, government and its politicians at all levels are a part of our lives as RVers. RVtravel.com will not keep its mouth shut like most RV websites which are just cheerleaders for the RV industry’s concerns.
From Richard: “Disappointing to see RVTravel towing the Communist Regime’s line.”
Richard, did you just have to blab our secret purpose to the world? We’re commies and proud of it!
From Dan: “Keep printing these type of obvious politically slanted articles and I will unsubscribe to this “RV” newsletter! I don’t care which direction they slant. Let’s talk RV’s and leave the politics to the professional pundits in the news media and the government. RVing is one way I escape this current crazy political environment!”
Dan, with all due respect, nobody is forcing you to read RVtravel.com. And, I beg to differ with you, but our writers at RVtravel.com are professionals, many of us with formal journalism training.
From Pat: “Concerning your defending FEMA, that has no place in your newsletter. You are all about RVing not politics, so if you have a political agenda, I’m out of here.”
Pat, may we suggest you find another source of RV information so you can eliminate your frustration with us? We try hard to be fair, but we know we cannot please everyone.
From Bob: “I was told by veterans they [FEMA] took money away from the VA for migrants.”
Oh, Bob, so you were told this by ONE person without citing his or her credentials, and that alone compelled you to pass along to this audience what he or she said. What will happen now, Bob, is someone who reads your comment on RVtravel.com will then write on social media something like “I heard that FEMA is taking money from veterans to give to migrants…” and then that will be spread far and wide by others, etc., whether true or not, and so it goes and goes…
From Deena: “I have seen several videos from people that ARE survivors and have applied for the $750 benefit and WERE denied the payment. So, it’s not “misinformation”, it’s people effected by government red tape and lack of competency.”
Deena: You saw several videos? Do you know how easy it is to make and post a video? Do you know that you need zero credentials to post any video on any topic? Oh, and a tip: Make a very controversial/sensational video, whether true or not, post it on YouTube, then sit back and watch the dollars roll in. Easy money. So to sum up: For you, watching three videos is all it took for you to form a belief so strong you would post it as truth on RVtravel.com?
NOTE TO READERS: We love your comments. But, please, do not pass along any hearsay or conspiracy theories from friends, social media, unknown websites or even from cable TV news networks. And accept that not everybody holds the same beliefs as you. So please weigh in on our articles when you have something useful to add. But, please, no rude comments and/or name-calling.
##RVT1179b
Chuck, I fully and wholeheartedly agree with you. If those who subscribe to conspiracy theory and misinformation or sow misinformation are upset “the communist regime” is not forcing them to read RV Travel. Let them go elsewhere. Frankly, I am tired of the whiners. While government may not be perfect, ours in the USA is not evil (at least not yet). Please keep up the good work reporting the factual news, and don’t cave to the crowd that simply loves to use the term “fake news.” If they are incapable of discerning the truth, so be it.
The problems with conspiracy theories is that so many of them have been proven true.
So true, John S
Really? According to who other than you? How about some facts other than just throwing something out there?
Conspiracy: The CIA was testing LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs on Americans in a top-secret experiment on behavior modification.
The truth: The program was known as MK-ULTRA, and it was real.
Conspiracy: The Dalai Lama is a CIA agent.
The truth: According to declassified intelligence documents, he earned $180,000 in connection with the CIA’s funding of the Tibetan Resistance to the tune of $1.7 million per year.
Conspiracy: The FBI was spying on former Beatle John Lennon.
The truth: NPR reported in 2010. “In 1971, the FBI put Lennon under surveillance, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service tried to deport him a year later.”
Just a quick search…Do your own research.
And how is those old wives tails have anything to do with FEMA ?
I agree with Chuck – no one is forcing you to stay on this website. BYE !
Scott, pretty certain I didn’t mention FEMA in my original post. Sorry that you’re leaving.
I think Scott’s “BYE!” was meant for you!
I think Scott needs to mind his own business!
Take a hike Scott! You don’t have a say on what any of us choose to do. So Bye yourself!
How about some facts from you JIM?
So true. Look at the dozens of convicted Trump staffers convicted in the Russia collusion conspiracy theory. On the other hand, some conspiracy theories don’t hold water like the rigged 2020 election theory. Trump lost every significant case there even before his own judges.
There is what a shallow minded, uninformed, misinformation/disinformation, spreader you are Dave! Trump was NEVER proven to be in collusion with Russia Yet here you are, in all your lie spreading glory, still pushing the lie! It is what you people do best!
A little more facts for you Dave: The SC refused to hear the evidence that they had for their cases. They cited “Lack of Standing”, as their excuse for not hearing the Cases. Search and Research Dave! Try it sometime.
Oh Dave…. you poor poor poor uninformed man. I shall pray for you…. TDS can be cured.
May I recommend you download the RUMBLE app…a whole new world awaits you!
Well played, Sir. Thank you.
100% correct Chuck! Unfortunately a huge percentage (60% or more perhaps) of the population) is so underinformed or just plain ignorant about government and so self absorbed they have no clue about anything that doesn’t fit their pre-conceived notion of reality.
as you discovered, we all have to put up with their narrow mindedness or be attacked by the under/misinformed who refuse to actually research reality.
Just wondering how much “reality” you have researched? Please enlighten us!
I’d be curious to hear your take on the $118.3B “Border Protection Act” (or whatever the cutesy name was) and share your thoughts. After your research, of course. Anxiously awaiting.
PSA: If that research doesn’t make your blood boil, and give you a sense of distrust in our elected representatives, nothing will.
Thank you.
Mr. Woodbury,
I have always thought of you as pretty solid, straight up person. That all changed when I read your very condescending replies to your readers regarding their FEMA comments. Well, FEMA is a sh*t show. You know it, I know it and anyone with a brain cell knows it. It took well over a week for anyone from the government to show up in the hardest hit areas of NC. That’s an irrefutable fact, Jack. Myorkis (why he has not been fired is outrageous)announced that FEMA was basically broke. And it is a fact that 100’s millions of dollars, that should have gone to the victims of the two recent major hurricanes, went to law-breaking illegal aliens instead. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Please provide a source for this ‘fact’: And it is a fact that 100’s millions of dollars, that should have gone to the victims of the two recent major hurricanes, went to law-breaking immigrants instead. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Linda. Alejandro Mayorkas himself has stated publicly that over $1.5B has been spent by FEMA on illegal migrants. The administration further clarifies that those funds are not part of the disaster relief fund, rather a separate fund. Fact.
There are two ways to look at those “facts” as stated by the current administration: 1) No money was diverted from the disaster fund. True statement. 2) IF there was no fund to assist illegal migrants, then those total budget dollars could have been originally prioritized to disaster relief for citizens. Also true.
Funny thing about political issues…always more than one way to look at them.
And this is not just by chance, this is the design of politics. Think our way. Expect someone to disparage your point of view, and then it is just about reading and investigating and thinking. Nobody wants to hear your outrage. Grow up.
Is there “outrage” in my post?
I provided two ways to look at the same facts while providing an answer to another poster’s question. I didn’t disparage anyone or anything. Why does that make you so angry?
Practice what you preach!
Please tell us why FEMA was said to be Broke by Myorkus? Where did their allocation go? Give some facts, if you expect others to do
Gee, it appears I’ve run out of brain cells. Oops.
Did you not read Chuck’s article? This comment is out of place. It is very early Saturday like 0400 on the west coast, so hopefully it will be taken down and your politics will stop here. I for one support Chuck and Emily as they walk a fine line to provide correct information of interest to RVs, balance the effects of AI and the plethora of google sponsored advertising which will lock up my computer when I am trying to read RV travel. These are real problems for any small publisher and you are only making it worse for all of us by just getting in that last word regardless if correct or not
So YOU are right and Steve is wrong? What makes YOU any more correct than Steve? Hypocrite much?
Wow – and the misinformation continues to be spread by people like Steve. I was a volunteer working with FEMA. WERE YOU STEVE ??? I have seen some of these “Influencer” videos. I was there. No funds were just “given” to immigrants. FEMA, did supply a $750 debit card once to anyone who applied – ANYONE – this money was for people who lost everything so they could get basic food, water, etc. I volunteered to assist – DID YOU ? NO !!!
X-president trump tried to divert FEMA funds in 2017 to fund his failed wall project – It was voted down by a bi-partison vote.
Time to get a life – don’t just parrot what you hear –
I don’t know what cucumber truck you fell from but please climb back on board and get back to the field.
Spoken like a true, shallow, narrow minded, individual!
My sister and her husband, who live between Boone and Ashville NC, are incredibly grateful for the assistance received from FEMA in less than two days. Sooooo…
Facts, and all.
Steve, it takes well over a week for my RV to go anywhere and about that long to load it.
Your expectations of FEMA mobilizing even faster into regions with roads wiped out has me questioning just how inefficient my RV movements are compared to FEMA trailers.
As the undocumented crisis, your suggestion that the millions in funding to secure the borders be redirected to hurricane relief will stem the flow of unlawful immigration AND reduce the flood damage is an “interesting” take. If that’s the solution, we do indeed have it all wrong…..
Safe travels
No, he is suggesting that the Millions being sent to help, illegal Aliens, sneak into our country is being done against the very Constitution these people are sworn to uphold! Not a penny of our hard earned tax Dollars should be directed to anyone not legally here.
Thank you Chuck. All the misinformation and disinformation out there is astounding. Unfortunately, our fellow Americans fall for it everyday. It is so sad people are so easily fooled.
Like “the sky is falling”, lol!
People like you Christine. Tell us what the misinformation and disinformation was. Then show us the proof. I already know I won’t hear back from you because you and a bunch of other people on here, don’t have a clue as to what the so-called misinformation and disinformation is supposed to be in the first place. And you most certainly will never provide me with any proof that the statements about it are true. I will be waiting.
Brilliant! That is the most reasonable explanation I have read on this increasingly common tendency. Thank you!
I about spit out my coffee laughing at this response.
Thanks! Chuck!
Thank you for standing up for the truth in the face of obvious political disinformation.
Every single example you cited in response to Nick’s statement IS DIRECTLY APPLICABLE to RV’ers – in stark contrast to the article that generated his and hundreds of other complaints. There is no problem with RV related topics. Come on. If you’re intent on being condescending, to your readers, as “professional journalists”, you can do better than that.
We have friends – don’t agree with them politically, but by and large those conversations are avoided. Both are educated, but will come up with some of the damndest ideas about how some systems work. I’m a former banker with responsibility for work within some of those systems. But he got angry when I exposed his world view on those systems to be incorrect. Suddenly my education and direct experience via employment were worthless. So be it.
Sad but true. Don’t confuse em with facts, their minds are already made up.
Kind of like your minds are “already made up”. Huh?
So your saying your mind is not made up? A chance therfore albeit slim, that you could vote the Republican ticket this year if only you were exposed to facts which go against your current belief system? Serious question. Your mi d is open to opposing facts, often referred to as misinformation…. like crime is up not down? Serious question.
Some just prefer the “alternate facts” pushed on their minions by certain “news” networks. It’s maddening.
Alternate facts…. like crime is up not down. 4 weeks ago it was fact checked in the debate as down and now 4 weeks later it is up. Please define alternative facts for us as it relates to FBI skewing facts for results.
Your readers suggest keeping politics out of RVTravel and then you double down? Not good guys! When I read last week’s edition I noticed a hint of leftist slant and I was bothered by it. Today’s edition confirms it! I will not allow my mind to be indoctrinated by leftist ideology whether blatant or subtle. I will quit this rag in a NY second.
Keith, I guess you will not get my reply because if you keep your word, you are already gone.
I thought the article last week was out of line as well.
Why?
Because it came across as FEMA could do no wrong when we know for sure the response by FEMA was bungled in NC. Now one will say show me the proof and I’ll have to say open your eyes and do some digging. FEMA is now giving aid to illegals at the expense of those whom have paid for it.
I did do some digging. FEMA has separate funding for many different areas and each fund can only be used for that area. There is funding for disaster relief and there is funding for sheltering the homeless. The only example I could find of funding being referred to for illegal immigrants was used years ago when municipalities on the Mexican border were being overrun with illegals. FEMA gave funds to those municipalities to help them house the illegals. Can you give me an example of when FEMA gave aid directly to an illegal immigrant?
I pretty sure no one suggested FEMA gave checks directly to illegals. Misinformation I guess, try harder.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2024/10/07/watch_karine_jean-pierre_in_2022_vs_this_month_on_fema_money_for_illegal_immigrants.html
Maybe, if there are that many people upset about a story, you should listen.
Of course there is never a need to be mean spirited or angry but your reply isn’t kind either.
As for FEMA, the truth will come out eventually.
As for the misinformation, that word has been used by the government so many times these last 4 years, to gaslighting the population into not believing in the truth.
It has been used so much, in fact, that in my book it has become codeword for hiding the truth. But, if you want to blindly believe in the government, you have a right to do so as much as those that do not believe in them anymore do.
Most articulate and fact based comment of the day. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Don’t let the avid consumers of propaganda get you down.
Did you like ‘fake news’ better?
Good point Thomas. It is one and the same. I never liked either. Both are awful and both are used as a distraction from the meat of the subject matter. The only difference is the purveyor. One comes from media outlets and the other from the target of the media outlets but both come from our elected officials.
Mary, I think you may have gotten the most “thumbs down” yet! I think your TRUTH scalded a few…I agree with Cancelproof…well stated!! 🇺🇸
Chuck, great essay. Thank you. Nick and those like him would be the first to rail against censorship while promoting it. The “Flat Earth Society” will live forever.
Thanks Chuck and well done!
That kind of reaction by so many RVTravel readers makes me glad that I am not on any social media, don’t watch youtube videos (except a few on RVTavel), don’t watch national TV news, read one local newspaper (used to read two, but one quit publishing in its 150th year), and read RV newsletters for fun and relaxation. RVing is my primary recreation, that’s why I am an RVTravel subscriber. But RVTravel is not my only source of RVing information and certainly not my political forum.
So, thank you, Chuck and Emily. Please keep publishing as long as financially feasible and I will keep reading as long as I am able to RV!
AND Support the RV Travel newsletter with your contributions to keep it influence free from manufacturers
I too am sick of liberals infiltrating every aspect of media with their false agenda. There is no room for politics in any articles produced by anyone at Rvtravel.
What I get out of many of those comments is that they don’t want to hear anything that doesn’t fit with their already formed opinions.
A closed mind is a wasted mind…everyone, including me should open up their thought processes to look at the reported stories to see who the cheerleaders in the media are and then decide. Journalism has degraded to opinion stories as a rule, both left and right.
Chuck, your responses to these viewer comments was priceless. I read them with “tongue in cheek” which I hope is the way you wrote them. Great job!! Whatever happened to critical thinking.
I worked for the US Department of Labor in a sub-agency Veterans Employment and Reemployment Rights (DOL VETS). I investigated complaints from veterans against their employers. Some veterans had valid complaints and some did not. We also gave out grants to support homeless veterans get back into the workforce. I am retired now. Not all US agencies are evil.
I love your attitude and it is why I have been a subscriber since day one. You can’t fix stupid.
Wow Ed. You just can’t allow opinions differing from yours. I guess this explains where you are coming from. And incidentally, I live in Central Florida also and was affected by Milton. I recall our “governor” assuring us there was plenty of gas. Why the long lines for gas? My power was restored by a crew of linemen from Oklahoma in trucks from a Louisiana Utility. I suppose some here would consider that a FEMA screwup.
In light of your condescending response, what exactly did the FEMA article have to do with RVing? Did you provide information to RVers who were directly affected by the hurricanes and who to contact? I don’t remember seeing any information like that. THAT would have been helpful. How about a resource to contact who had loved ones missing who were RVing in that area affected by the storms? Did you take the time to address that? Hmmm, I don’t remember if you did.
I have always enjoyed your newsletter and will continue to be a paid subscriber, it has been a great resource to me, but keep in mind there were plenty of people who were upset by it that just walked away without responding.
You have made a great point Mary…thank you!
I find it amazing how people can simultaneously talk from both corners of their mouths. FL is a republican state (overall). They bash the government, yet they are lining up to get financial relief from the same government. Why are you not throwing FEMA out at the state line? How can you even think of taking money, from that agency? Pull yourselves up by your bootstraps, like you expect everyone else who is not like you should be doing?
Thanks for the article. It was not politcal… it was important safety info.
(PART ONE)
Well Chuck, I for one, believe that any source of “information” should be open to discussion. Politics, or any other subject matter, should always be allowed in a free and open society. As long as the “Main idea” of that particular format is always at the forefront. I think RV Travel does, for the most part, a good job with its balance of RV News and “extra curricular” articles and subjects.
(PART TWO)
That being said, I also believe that if you (Yes, I mean you Chuck) are going to present what you perceive to be accurate comments on misinformation, disinformation, based on something that offered absolutely zero evidence of being factual from a “government source”, or any other source for that matter, You had better be prepared to be called out on it, just like anyone else on here. Being the Founder of this source, does not give you exemption from scrutiny. You are not any more right than any other person on here. So please quit trying to justify your “personal opinions” as being factual over all others. It makes you appear super condescending and very vain.
So you want facts when arguing against something you disagree with but not for what you believe in? That’s the definition of Hypocrites
No, I never offered anything I said as being factual. I merely offered my opinion. As far as I know, I am still entitled to my own opinion. But for Chuck to totally discount everyone else opinions and say his is the only correct opinion, is also hypocritical. he offered not a shred of evidence. But I would not expect to have someone as shallow as yourself ever admit there are other opinions out there that are just as valuable as your own.
(PART THREE)
The last thing I would like to point out is that you told people that anyone can post videos online about anything. Yet, you brought zero evidence about the original post you said was misinformation and disinformation. I recently watched an exchange between Peter Doucey of FOX News and the WH Public Relations person. She made the claim about the misinformation and disinformation. He challenged here and she produced zero evidence, other than it was her word. Not acceptable either. So my suggestion is to either allow others the same discourse you allow yourself, or don’t present hearsay as being factual. Even if it comes from the Government. Thanks for listening!
By the way….. Hurricane Milton came directly over my Home. So yes, I know quite a lot of what is going on here. I reside in Central Florida.
Fox news…enough said.
That is about the amount of response I would expect to receive from someone that sums up a persons comment when he just commented on something he watched live, on air. You are undoubtedly a Democrat that believes his alphabet choices of stations are more accurate and truthful than a right leaning outlet. News Flash Paul…. I don’t like FOX either. They are all liars for those that pay them the most. But why don’t you try something new Paul. Address the content I sent. I would be more than happy to engage you in meaningful conversation. Not just little childish innuendos.
Oh my! What a tempest in a teapot! I’m ageing just reading this stuff !
I’ll bet you have blown your entire 2 brain cells on that snappy, come back. Get a life Linda! Just like all the other progressive, lack of intelligence, liberal, lackeys, that have absolutely zero information to offer but always an insult! I would always be glad to challenge your intellect but you don’t have any, apparently because you never say anything worth commenting on. Just insult, after insult!
I commented on the gist of the conversation. Sorry if I hit a nerve, fellow traveler. Your response only reinforces my input.
Your input? What input? Just insults. You have not presented a single piece of evidence to show that any of the comments about where the fema money went were, in fact, misinformation and disinformation. I’m still waiting.
Because Whoopi and Joy, along with Morning Joe, David Muir and Anderson Cooper are good enough sources of REAL news for you! Now your posts are making sense. Thanks clarifing that.
Good for you, Chuck. Some people are so far down their information tunnels, they can’t see the daylight at the top. So much for reading an alternative point of view without becoming enraged.
Only “shallow minded” individuals become “enraged” over a difference of “opinion”! I guess you are familiar with the concept!
Thanks for this, Chuck. My husband & I helped with hurricane clean up after Katrina, and my son just volunteered in NC. I wonder how many of the critics can comprehend the level of suffering & chaos FEMA & others are up against. No, it’s not perfect. But the rumors & lies made it so much worse, even dangerous for workers doing their best. I’m glad you chose to address this, and sorry for the hate & vitriol that headed your way. Keep up the good work, & tell it as you see it.
Chuck, in all the years I’ve been a subscriber, (and I believe I may be #1), I have never read into any of your articles other than the latest news affecting RVing. I full timed for many years, but had to come off the road due to health concerns. I always find your editorials to be informative and in most cases, spot on. Please continue your information fight for all of us who have chose this lifestyle.
AMEN!!!
Totally agree. I appreciate the info you provide and found it to be helpful. Please continue as you have.
I believe people right now are on the edge of their political seat.
The past few years have been tumultuous times.
Chuck, if you indeed were true to your calling, you would look at both FEMA’s press release and also investigate what is going on in TN and western NC yourself and then report on your findings…not just repeat what FEMA puts out as “fact”. I personally have several friends on the ground, both retired and active duty veterans, that are actively flying missions and they have told me that FEMA was late to the game and are interfering far more then they are helping. Just like you say making videos are easy, so is making up press releases that paint a rosy picture or only tell the “facts” as you want them told. Stick to RV matters. Very disappointed in RV travel on this subject.
Bruce, as you can see, there are many cowards on here that can only engage the “thumbs down” icon, rather than engage in meaningful, honest, dialect, with anyone that has a different view point. Keep speaking the truth. We have three pieces of Land in NC, as well as reside full time in our Central Florida Home. Milton went right over our Home. So I can speak as an authority on Hurricanes. I would bet that not a single “thumbs down” pusher knows anything about Hurricanes, or has ever been in one. SMH!
Wah! We lived through several Hurricane’s and Tropical Storms in Lake Nona, Orlando. Thankfully no damage.If you were an authority on Hurricane’s then you wouldn’t live there screaming for Commie Government Help when a Storm hits. Florida is doomed. Insurance Costs and Climate Change. Good riddance whiners.
Spoken like the adolescent, underdeveloped, mindset of someone that still does not have a clue as to what he is talking about. Can you site one instance where I have called the Government “Commie”, or said I needed their “help”, or assistance? That was probably something that would be more up your alley. We reside in Deltona and the storm came right over our home. The fact that you used the term “lived” in Lake Nona, most likely means you no longer reside here. That would be a plus for Florida.
Excellent response. It is apparent that our educational system has failed us big time. If people don’t trust the government then they need to move to a country like Russia or Iran and see how that works.
I am old enough to remember the first Presidential candidates debates & Senator Kennedy & Vice President Nixon addressed each other by title & made sure to address the actual points raised by the other candidate. I am saddened (former high school & college debater) that most politicians can’t act as politely as teenage debate squadders. I also miss true news reporting (Walter Cronkite & Huntley and Brinkly) where news was given in an unbiased presentation
KEEP UP your GREAT work in reporting information that may affect RV travel.
Ignore the Naysayers.
Mr. Woodbury (formality because we have never personally met, I want to show you the utmost of respect), you are SPOT on on your observations, comments, and responses. Thank you! No one holds a gun to those that read/subscribe to the site, they are free to move on (or dismiss comments by others). I appreciate you and your staff.
You certainly didn’t speak up when the government caused oil and gas prices to skyrocket and create the inflation we all are living with. Or how about the fudged FBI data. No we don’t trust the government and we certainly don’t trust people who tell us to trust the government.
Well, of course Chuck didn’t speak up when the government caused oil and gas prices to skyrocket — because — wait for it … that didn’t happen.
Terry please tell us then what caused oil and gas to sky rocket?
That so many actually believe outlandish anti-government propaganda from Russia, China, Iran, etc is both astonishing and frightening to me.
It speaks to how poorly our schools teach critical thinking.
I fear for the future of our country.
Regrettably, our schools don’t really teach how to think anymore inasmuch as they teach *what* to think.
Thank you Chuck for standing your ground and not caving to the readers that choose to believe false information.
Who determines what is “false” information?
Chuck, THANK YOU for this article defending your piece from last week. It inspired me to make a donation to you. It’s sad how there are those who think “govt is evil” etc. when they’re using government-built and maintained roads and bridges to RV. Also, I suspect many, like myself, enjoy govt benefits that come with being of a certain age — including a lifetime America is Beautiful pass that allows us free access into govt-funded & maintained national parks, monuments and the like.
Thank you, Doug. We appreciate your verbal and financial support, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Have you been living in America for the past 4 years?
I thought most readers and RVers here were intelligent and mature enough to at least be skeptical of anything they see on the internet. I guess not.
I saw a few interviews with people, mostly in NC who are irate with FEMA about the claimed “help.” If you at RVTravel have doubts, look it up for yourselves. Go there and check it out. Don’t just accept one side over another. See for yourself before making a determination.
you “saw” a few good interviews ? That’s your research?
Why would you even say that? Watching interviews is gathering information and that IS research!
Indeed. I’ll believe the people on the ground over government every day of the week.
Exactly!
Hang in there, Chuck, your staff, and the professional writers, that report news of interest to campers of all types, from tents to huge motorhomes, even to those who live full-time in such.
While not an RVer since 2016, in the seven years prior to that we found many RVers to be, shall I say, a bit “extreme” in their spouted political beliefs. In the world we exist in today it has gotten worse. Too much noise whether it be on the right or the left. I believe in what I see and think is fact. We stopped watching most national news because each network slants its news. Where are the Ed Murrows and Walter Cronkites of today?
Ditto what Herman and Chris said! Keep doing what you’re doing so we can be well informed!
Thank you, Chuck. You have always seemed like a wise and helpful neighbor to me, one I’d gladly call “friend”. Apparently, there’s not much we can do about the nutjobs. This newsletter has always been one of the best in the online world. Thank you.
You do an awesome job with related topics and news that affect RVers and the general public at large!!
We need, to not only be informed, but to stand together, doing what is right, as Americans should and have done for centuries.
I am a disabled veteran; many more veterans and their families have paid a much greater price than I have and do daily. It disheartens me when I see and hear so many Americans who simply lay down their freedom without a fight, much less a consideration. I never imagined what I’ve seen occur the past four years.
Thank you Mike! Your words rise above all the noise as to what is truly at stake in our great nation! Your life was on the line and now you live every day with the outcome of your service!!…you humble me. It has to be unbearable what you are witnessing…I am in tears thinking about it. Reading your words have helped me and inspired me to know I AM fighting the right fight and it is the hill I too am willing to die on. Without our freedom we have nothing! Sending you a heartfelt hug! 🇺🇸
Thank you Kara 😊 I really appreciate many who are trying to help others in many ways. I have been camping in my Aspen Classic camper for the past several days in a State Park as I read the RV Travel newsletter. I believe that they’re doing a great job of informing us with what affects us and our ability to travel and enjoy the great outdoors, while we make great memories and “Enjoy The Adventure”. 😎
Together we can remain strong and effectively resolve issues… 😊
Happy Trails Mike! …and yes we can! 😃🇺🇸
You’ll never eliminate political slants from articles. Even AI generated stories will reflect ‘politics’. To be consistent, the offended parties would have to complain about everything they read or hear. I’ve yet to ready anything written on this platform that approaches what has been accused. Keep up the good work, provide information, and promote participation by your readership. We live in a nation that should welcome viewpoints, not discourage them. Debate is healthy, censorship is toxic. Freedom to choose whether to consume or not is always an option.
There’s no doubt that politics has infused nearly every part of our lives. I’ve seen lots of content here with hints of a particular party’s common enemies: Lemonis in particular comes to mind. There’s no doubt it can be impossible sometimes to not have politics infused here. But to try and check it at the door, maybe ask the question: is this indeed a verifiable fact AND am I sure I’m not adding some opinion that supports my political priors? We’d all benefit if journalists kept that top of mind.
Sadly, this is how democracies fail. Free speech, used wisely and constructively is a blessing. Free speech, used destructively, without regard for whether or not its truthful or harmful, or as a means to undermine the foundation of a country and its legitimately elected leadership is a curse. It starts quietly and seems innocuous, but its like termites eating away at a foundation.
Think carefully before repeating heresay. Before you dismiss or demonize the thousands of civil servants who go to work each day in service to citizens and country, consider, when you are attacking your own government instead of asking for better, you play into the hands of America’s enemies.
Opposites day again today JP? It is the silencing of speech that causes democracies to fail. Example: Russia (they hold elections)
Differing opinions, ugly or wrong distasteful or even mean spirited is the foundation of a thriving democracy. Labeling disagreement as misinformation or disinformation is itself a form of censorship.
We all seek the same things. Peace, prosperity, health and happiness. We may have differing opinions of how to acheive those things in America but by labeling each other’s opinions as disinformation, we try to exclude those ideas from the conversation.
Yep. False equivalency. I take issue with giving demonstratably false information, rumors and hearsay the same weight as information from government agencies and career civil servants and dismissing it as healthy for a democracy disingenuous at best.
Politicians will exaggerate and sometimes outright lie. Civil servants, FEMA, the military and others with few exceptions do a good job serving us and often with the resources given. To ignore or undermine them is to our detriment.
You don’t think posting false information in social media and spreading information in silos on the extremes is a very effective tool for Russia, China and others to undermine our democracy?
Well then JP, 1 simple question. Was David Muir fact checking T on “crime is down” and then the next day the FBI revises it up constitute misinformation and whether it did or not, should ABC not have fact checked themselves from the rooftop with a blow horn that T was actually correct….. or had the damage been done and the result of the ABC lie was good enough?
I stand by my statement that misinformation is a propagandist tool for distraction.
FBI upped the crime numbers again this week. Any headlines on ABC yet to further the FACTUAL claim by T.
By demonstrably false information you mean stuff like Russian Collusion? Laptop is a Russian Plant from 51 Intel officers and reinforced by Leslie Stahl? You mean stuff like that JP?
Journalists #1 responsibility is to question everything that govt tells the people. If Karrine J. Pierre says it at the podium, it must be questioned and the same if it is Kaliegh MacInneny. It is the real check on the govt. The health of a democracy is based almost solely on whether or not journalism is truly holding the govts feet to the fire.
Keep doing what you are doing. You are correct in stating that the internet has way too much hateful information and opinion. FEMA, like most federal agencies, is doing the best it can given tight budgets and thousands if not millions of restrictive rules, regulations, and laws. After 36 years of federal service, I can accurately say that Government is not out to take advantage of citizens or push a political agenda. Many if not most Civil Servants are very conservative despite some political claims.
Wow Chuck B , You sound like 36 years of indoctrination. Good for you comrade ! lol .
No 36 years of following the rules and coloring inside the lines. Politics on policy come from appointed officials. Politics do not come to work.
I also spent 33 years as a Federal employee. The public were my “customers”. However I was shocked at what I saw when I retired and went to work for a private company that was regulated by my former Federal agency. Many of my former colleagues had no clue what they were doing and the false information they were telling the industry I use to regulate.
My experience post Government and in government is a bit different. Yes there are a few that gave bad information, I stayed in touch and could advise training. Continued uninformed ill advisors soon left. Most egregious were ex-appointees and senior folks that tried to influence procurement decisions didn’t work unless there was a very ,very narrow specialty and a very urgent need. Then it took reams of justification at very high levels.
To Chuck and all the others that help make this a decent source of much needed RV news. An old saying borrowed from long ago casinos with restaurants. Winner…winner…chicken…dinner. Keep up the good work…some of us actually appreciate what you do.
Chuck… if you want to alienate me with your superior attitude… well done. I read this everyday… I will miss the helpful articles about RVs But… if I want to read about political opinions.. I read other material. Why would you treat your readers this way?
I agree with you Randy! I was disappointed with the turn Chuck took with such articles…and his abhorrent treatment of readers! Happy trails!
Chuck, I think that the words “disinformation” and “misinformation” were likely the triggers for many of the commenters, more so than the actual content of the PSA article itself. The use of those 2 words which have been used widely to misdirect important stories of late and was the catalyst for many of the comments. When a candidate of any party suggests that misinformation and hate speech are not protected speech under the first ammendment a lot of folks will rightfully question that candidates understanding of our sacred rights. We can never let the media or politicians define what constitutes “misinformation” because usually, it is just a different opinion.
Henceforth we shall declare all unapproved speech as MISINFORMATION. The Kings Court can no longer tolerate blasphemous speech of unapproved origin and thus the unauthorized distribution of such blasphemy will henceforth and for all time be known as MISINFORMATION and those that distribute this blasphemy shall wear the Cross of the Disinformatiinists which shall to be pinned over the left breast of the blouse. Only information in support the King shall be distributed for the common good of the Kings court….. peasants.
Generally speaking Chuck. Not intended as being directed at you, but at the elitists who propagate the myth of disinformation which is itself disinformation. Your report and response to last week’s article was well delivered and received.
Chuck – I’m with u. I was ASTONISHED at how many commenters thought the article was “political”. In my opinion – it wasn’t. It was about a PR move by a billionaire that isn’t exactly how it’s being marketed but ultimately good for his business in the long run. Your entire article had facts/statements easily found by googling & researching. ZERO political comments made or even implied in the article. If the billionaire had been Bezo, I guarantee feathers wouldn’t have been ruffled and they would have understood what the article was about. What’s the ole saying….”the pot calling the kettle black”
I have enjoyed reading these article for years, but this article bothered me. I actually thought Chuck responses to the readers was condescending and rude. I realize that Chuck has this soapbox and makes a lot of money spewing his perspective and can tell us all to go pound sand, but to denigrate and dismiss the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of his readers is a lot like the parable of the drowning man and not that of Jesus spitting in the eye of a blind man.
Sorry, William. I do not make a lot of money. Never have. I am a minimalist. So you see why I get annoyed sometimes — it’s comments like yours that bother me, saying I make a lot of money by essentially being condescending and rude, which is not true. How do you know that I make a lot of money? You don’t unless you work for the IRS. I’ve been writing to this audience for 23 years. I would have been dead in my tracks many years ago if my attitude was as you describe. I just get upset sometimes, and when I do I get on my soapbox. I have invested tens of thousands of hours producing RVtravel.com and its newsletter. Give me a little rope! Read my mail and all the nasty or stupid comments on our many articles each week and maybe you would see why I occasionally choose to vent my frustrations.
Hear hear, Chuck!
Right on Chuck.
Kudos for defending yourself with dignity and humor Chuck. We’re a country with wide ranging opinions and, as they say, two heads are better than one. I guess the name calling and labeling some people resort to these days would be funny if it wasn’t so appalling. For the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would think calling someone a “commie” is a cohesive way to explain their position or persuade anyone to change their mind. I don’t think it’s stupidity, so I suspect it must be anger based. Lord knows I’ve said some things in anger that were pretty stupid! Try changing the channel folks, life is way more fun without anger!
I’m with you Chuck!
Go get ’em, Chuck. Far too many people need to learn how to fact check and to read/listen critically.
Wow!! I think it is time we all take a deep breath ! All chuck did was publish a press release. He has posted many without this vindictiveness. If you are upset complain to your congressmen. If your comments are not related to RV’ing please address them somewhere else.
Chuck chose to post 2 articles that most everyone knows ARE hot topics at a time when many of us are rightly very concerned about the direction of our country! He made the decision to post them…which has caused the comments! And he continued to stir the pot by posting 2 more articles complaining about the comments!!
And it is obvious by the comments and thumb voting…he is getting the validation he is seeking! In my opinion Chuck put his well liked well commented publication into an unneeded tailspin!
Kara, first, I am not the on-hands on moderator of comments. And, let me ask you, who am I anyway to judge every comment and whether it has merit? Would you like to fill in one weekend for our moderator and make the decision of which comments have merit and which don’t? I can tell you if you rejected a comment with, for example, a conservative viewpoint and not one with a liberal bias, you would be chopped to pieces by readers who would ask you, “Who are you to judge?” They’d call you every nasty name in the book. Keep in mind that in this country we believe in free speech (different from hate speech). Most Americans are indeed concerned about this country’s future. But does that future depend upon the election of Trump or Harris? Both sides will argue their candidate is the ONLY answer and their beliefs are the right ones not those who believe otherwise. Who’s right? Only history will provide the answer.
That’s a lot of words Chuck…ok here goes…
You DID judge comments by “billboarding” readers comments
YES! America’s future does depend on this upcoming election! More now than ever in the history of this great nation!
Trump uplifted We The People!
No wars…peace in the Middle East…more $ in taxpayer’s wallets…strong boarder…respect from world leaders…prosperity for small businesses…
Biden…yeah
Clear answer for who is right!!
And that is where the rub is…it will be too late if this goes bad…
I have yet to have anyone tell me how their life is better now than it was under Trump…all I am told is “I hate him!” or “never Trump”…but never why!
(continued)⬇
A vote for Trump is a vote to put the power back in the hands of WE THE PEOPLE exactly the way our Founding Fathers worked so diligently to preserve…ie…our Constitution and Bill of Rights…as Benjamin Franklin said, “A Republic if you can keep it!”
A vote for Harris is a vote for the Government and a continuation of exactly what we are living right now!…which will only get worse
…as Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”
And thus the conclusion as to why this platform has lit up!
I’ll always believe citizens on the ground over government press releases. There is plenty of evidence of FEMA’s failures during the recent flooding, including interviews with FEMA representatives on the ground in Asheville. The incompetence and lack of readiness was quite evident. Do I believe the person who made the video hired actors to play FEMA representatives, including hiring fake FEMA trucks for them to hang around? No. The video was quite real. Do I believe government is evil? No. FEMA representatives were merely indifferent to the plight of the citizens of Asheville, and they were in no hurry to help. Think of the DMV/MVD or Post Office handling dsaster response.
IMO …. I’m not sure that in today’s age, anyone can write anything without it being construed as political. But a laundry list of rumors isn’t real beneficial unless it’s to stir the pot. Probably would have been better to put the onus on FEMA, and just reprinted their release.
FEMA always receives support, or otherwise, for how they handle any crisis. Perhaps that should be anticipated, since nothing ever seems to change in the way things are handled. This go around may be worse because Helene and Nate had poor timing. Right ahead of an already contentious election.
I am with Chuck. Spreading bad/false information helps nobody. Making sure people receive information that is accurate is important. Critical. Just because what is accurately reported doesn’t fit into “your” narrative, doesn’t make it wrong. A lot of this is more about what people want to believe vs. what is actually true.
Thank you for the information. My cousin is in North Carolina and has nothing but good things to say about FEMA.
Damage of this magnitude is overwhelming.
Love the work and information we get from your news letters.
Politics in recent years has become so toxic that we choose not to open ourselves to discussion with folks we meet camping. Life is too short to focus on the nastiness and misinformation (as Chuck found out) that many seem to thrive on.
We all believe we are red-blooded American patriots. We are sure of the “facts” over which we argue. Half of us are confidently wrong.
Who benefits from the political divide in this country? Certainly not you or I!
Some beneficiaries might be the news media, or perhaps the internet entities such as TicToc, Youtube,or X. All of these benefit financially from our increased interaction. I’m sure we can think of others.
Perhaps the beneficiaries with the most pernicious effects are our country’s foreign adversaries! It’s been reported that up to 30% of social media posts are by foreign government entities promoting lies and division. Is this true? We can’t know for sure, but It makes sense.
I resolve to always leave room in my mind that I might be wrong. After all, I’ve been proven wrong before!
When deciding to rely on new information, I’ll consider the possible beneficiaries if the information is incorrect. I’ll look for alternate, or more simple explanations, as usually the simplest explanation is correct.
Finally, I resolve to remember that those that I disagree with probably love our country as much as do I.
“Half of us are confidently wrong”
Huh? What? Gotta say that’s a new one! Can’t say I’ve heard anyone say “I am confidently wrong!” 🤔😆
I’ve worked many disasters, as a Red Cross volunteer, as a member of the military and as a federal employee. All of these groups (and all the other groups I had contact with) had one goal in mind that was to help people get back to a (new) normal. It is a shame that people want to make these response efforts something different. sigh
Yes Mr. Disaster, it is a shame when that happens. I 100% agree that It gets in the way of actually helping. It is shamefu ofl jourmalists too dismiss people’s real lived experiences as misinformation and it is then amplified by more journalists as definitive who are then parrotted by even more journalists.
Very effective propaganda tactic with a terrible impact on actually being helpful for those that need it.
Mic drop! Bam! Well said CP!!
Don’t take the thumbs downs personally Kara. As you can see, I have at least a dozen on my rather innocuous comment. I wear them like a badge of honor pinned to my lapel by uninformed people. People that have never even heard of things like the FBI falsifying a FISA warrant and likely don’t know what the FISA court is.
It’s a much more prudent endeavor to cause thumbs downs! 😃🇺🇸
Keep up the great work!
Politics affects everything we do. We should avoid posts with a specific political slant, but also need to fight against the propaganda machines that are spitting out misinformation!! When the politicians are purposely lying to everyone, we are duty bound to fight back to correct the lies!! FEMA has been doing a great job, despite the fact that they are in fear for their lives from people who have been lied to
Hmmm…. misinformation police alert. Which of these do you consider as having been misinformation from the media? Or maybe none of them?
A) Russian Collusion hoax?
B) 51 former Intel officers saying the laptop was a “Russian plant”?
C) Crime is down Via David Muir of ABC’s debate?
D) No apartments in Aurora taken over by gangs?
E) Biden runs circles around his staff?
So you see T Hartman, given that every single one of these 5 examples has been 100% exposed as misinformation AKA propaganda, and all were endlessly parrotted by the MSM, is the misinformation game really just another right wing conspiracy?
Asking for a friend.
Hoping my friend Joe Phebus, who I consider very pragmatic and articulate helps me out with this one. I’m still trying to qualify the difference between misinformation alerts and propaganda dissemination.
Stop! 🤣…I miss the days of pure good ol’ “information” that stood all by itself encouraging anyone to freely investigate for themselves! 🇺🇸
Robert
You can tow a car, but not a line. You meant toe the communist line? Think about it. Please.
Chuck your comments to your readers are insulting. You don’t know me or how many people have commented about the VA using funds for Illegal emigrants. Who am I going to believe you or a 100% disabled veteran with MS from agent orange in Vietnam usein the VA medical facility to treat him and is a VFW member. I worked for a the Army for around 33 years plus 3 years in the Air Force who after retirement ended up with cancer. After surgery I spent 9 hours in the emergency room because it was full with mostly illegal aliens with the sniffles. The emergency room could turn them away. I’m sitting there with bodly fluid coming out of my body around a tube.
handful of Republican lawmakers ripped the VA for working with ICE to pay for medical treatment of people who they say shouldn’t be in the US at all. “I am a disabled veteran and get 100% of my health care through the Veterans’ Affairs system,” Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), a retired Navy SEAL who sits on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, told The Post. It is incredibly insulting to our veterans who risked our lives defending this nation, and it should shock the American taxpayers that the Biden administration is using VA resources to provide health care to illegal aliens,” he vented. Van Orden added that the VA’s work with ICE is “despicable and needs to be stopped immediately,”
Just remember who called us all “losers”.
https://nypost.com/2024/01/10/news/va-ripped-for-reimbursing-migrant-treatment-as-veterans-wait/
Thank you Bob for your service! 🇺🇸 What is up with all the thumbs down to your comment regarding your OWN experience!?! Unbelievable! This site is so proud of taking down comments yet this is supported! Shame on all who did this!!
I hear you brother…Agent Orange myself…most Americans could care less…they sure didn’t 50 years ago and few do now. Welcome home.
Chuck, keep informing me of the activities of various government agencies where their activities may impact the RV community. I know it takes a great deal of research to uncover such activities. I don’t consider such information political. If you started telling me I had to vote for a certain candidate then that would be political. If people don’t want to read about government activities that may impact the RV community then don’t read RVTravel.com. I think the invention of social media has screwed up people’s brains.
I agree…Chuck keep up the great job. Life is full of conflicts and issues that need to be discussed. Controversy is something that we all have to face, some handle it better than other who wilt/ melt if their view is challenged.
Social media has given all people a voice, some are a bit off the bubble but still can babble through the social media venue
………..Chuck….Diane..ETAL: Please keep on doing what you are doing. I’ve enjoyed your workplace for some years now.
Those with little education need to go back to school.
Was that said without upsetting anyone?
Didn’t upset me David. Others maybe, with the “go back to school” part but I took no offense. I also enjoy this place and quite often find those that appear to have least amount of formal education, without actually knowing them, to be the most knowledgeable and well informed. That’s just my experience tho.
Cancelproof. Good, old fashioned, logic. You get it! Many on here don’t! Keep up with the good, intelligen, informative, comments!
Thank you Ed for the breath of fresh air! It’s quite stuffy in here!
Agreed and appreciated!
Touché
Yes, David, they do. I suspect you will be enrolling in Kindergarten on Monday!
David can certainly dish it out…let’s see if he can take it!
At last a voice of reason
At last!!
Chuck, with all due respect, you sound a little defensive. Most people are pretty level headed and they, like me, are getting bombarded with political ‘stuff’ and we just like your great articles about rving. The fema article was not about information we need like the SD issues and full timers. Just saying.
Great comment! I was wondering…why post such political articles and then write 2 articles bashing reader comments. 🤔
Thanks Chuck! I certainly wouldn’t have read about the LTVA changes being considered in most other publications. The changes are probably needed and fair. I hope the misinformation spreaders heed your call.
Chuck, the Deep State does exist. It consists of several million dedicated public servants who work hard to carry out the dictates of Congress in accordance with the law.
Don’t paint all dedicated public servants with the same tainted brush, Bill. The Deep State is a separate entity from the regular folks in government just trying to do their job.
Sorry the exercising of the First Amendment irritates you so. I applaud your confession of using censorship against your critics. Kinda like our Communist Regime.
So, readers’ comments exercising their First Amendment rights is okay, but the publisher reporting the facts available to them should refrain from doing so?
They were questioning the “facts”…as should we all! 🇺🇸
it reminds me of “settled science”. Well, no; the entire point of science, the entire point, is to question the science. It used to be that way with journalism. There are times that journalism might collide with ones worldview, but that doesn’t mean that the news presented is necessarily wrong. It’s OK to disagree, but it’s not OK to be disagreeable. And therein lies the rub…
Well said Artful!! It is crystal clear who lives in the land of “feelings” and those of us who have a country to save and don’t give a * about “feelings” 🇺🇸
You know what they say…if you don’t like the game then go home.
Wholey Carp! I have no idea how much time I just spent reading thru all the comments – at least an hour. Chuck, I read the original article that evidently prompted this a day or so ago. I just got my computer back on after Milton. I saw NOTHING political in the original article and then was astounded that different people read political ideas into it. I reread and still nothing political. I fear, in general, reading and comprehension is a lost skill. Reading the misinterpretations in the comments, leads me to believe my view. Having just gotten my electricity back after 1 1/2 weeks and my impassable street opened, so we could get out of our area, after Milton,
(cont’d)
(cont’d)
I can attest to the value of FEMA. Right after Helene they came in, and had to pull out until Milton came thru so they wouldn’t get decimated too. I have friends in mobile home parks that have literally lost everything. FEMA is assisting them with vouchers and a list of places that will take them and shelter them, as well for food. They have assessed each damaged property and are writing checks to their accounts, to at least get them started. Was everything immediate and is it all neat and clean? NO – how could it be? Helene and Milton had no idea that we had local govt and FEMA to help us survive. SURVIVE! Both Left and Right SURVIVED! Knock off the politics People!
Thankfully, a primary source!!
Why, why, why believe everything one reads, hears, or sees coming out of a talking head’s mouth!
I saw nothing politically slanted in the article. You published the facts as you understood them according to the official source. That’s all you can do. I’m sure if you had verifiable evidence to the contrary, you’d have written that instead. If the government is lying, I understand that they’re not going to let you or any press into the room to find out. Not your fault. I’m open minded to evil going on behind the scenes, but I’m certainly not going to blame RVTravel for not knowing it.
I enjoyed the article. The comments I should have skipped.
Chuck, please ignore the wingnuts and just keep doing what you have been doing. I subscribed to read unbiased news that affects RVers, and RVtravel is a good source of that info. You and your staff clearly make the effort to find fact and research primary sources. That’s what real journalism is supposed to be. It saddens me that clicks, views, and other metrics have pushed critical thinking aside. Thank you for what you and your team do – I’d bet the majority of the subscribers feel the same way.
Thank you for your positive comment, Ken. It was very nice to read it after all of the “not-so-positive” comments received today and the past few days. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I appreciate you clearing up disinformation! People need to have the facts about FEMA so they actually do apply and please do continue sharing the same valuable content! Just because someone wants to spread disinformation to hurt people for political gain, it just means people like y’all need to keep doing what you’re doing to counteract it! People won’t listen to someone like me (I used to work for the government). Thank you for your time.
Your post is just another reason that as Canadian Snowbirds we do not talk US politics when we spend our winters in your beautiful country! Oh wait, I will whisper about it with fellow Canadians, but never an American as I do not want to upset anyone.
When an American does want to start a conversation with me about politics, my standard line is “We have enough problems in Canada with our politicians, I don’t want to comment on politicians that I have no impact on.” It has worked so far!
There is very little doubt y’all have plenty of problems in Canada…been there many time and have seen it.
Thank you RVTravel for helping to stop the misinformation circus. I loved one comment above leaving political commentary to the news media. “The news media”. The ones that are paid based on theatrics, clicks, and viewership. They want the controversy. They want the opposing sides. It is sick what they have become. Some have already shelled out hundreds of millions of dollars from fake news and still operate. How is this possible? Because it is that lucrative and they keep lying.
Can’t wait to make my vote heard in Pennsylvania. By mail.
So you’re saying mailing your ballot is a good thing…why?
When the “politics” involve RVing, please keep the politics in the newsletter. Management’s opinion regarding RVing politics is also welcome.
Keep up the good work!!!!
Chuck, you rock!!!
Chuck great reporting on the rv industry, I wouldn’t go anywhere else than right hear with you and your team! I cant believe some of those comments but just goes to show Duct tape can’t fix everything Keep up the good work !.
Chuck, Why even write this? There is only one reason…you didn’t like the way the conversation was going. Our country is divided for one thing and one thing only…people being bullied into silence. In your “NOTE TO READERS” You state “don’t be rude”…yet that is exactly how you responded to your readers comments! …you even “billboarded” it! After scrolling through the comments and thumb voting it is obvious you have succeeded in showing you have a huge following of supporters and the rest of us need to go away. Perfect example of “do as I say not as I do!” This is exactly why our country is now so divided!
…FYI…there is a lot of value in hearing each other out…rude or otherwise 🇺🇸
“Our country is divided for one thing and one thing only…people being bullied into silence.”
Sorry, but it’s because of deliberate efforts to divide us.
Some of the players are well known and some are not, but they include, but are not limited to, a major news network, a political party, a presidential candidate, a billionaire, and a foreign country. That’s why Americans are so angry now.
You are making my point…We can’t simply believe what we are being told on either side! We need conversation with our fellow Americans. We need to find common ground for our common good. Shutting down comments because of feelings is what has divided us. I would hope you agree, we were so much better off 4 years ago than we are now. 2020 changed everything that united the United States! I want my freedom…my security…my country back…🇺🇸
Absolutely correct: I will put the specifics in place so you don’t have to.
CNN is the Major news network.
D Party, quite obviously.
Harris
George Soros is the Billionaire
Ukraine and China both, you decide.
Not angry at all tho, just ready to get back to peace and prosperity.
I love “specifics” 😃
CNN is not the major news network by a long shot. CNN did not start out with a strong political agenda (it was to be a 24-hour news station based on a local TV model except broadcast round the clock). But when Fox News came along, founded by conservative Republicans to report the news from the party’s perspective, CNN reacted by gradually leaning toward the left in its coverage to set itself apart and build its own loyal crowd. The major change in news networks, cable networks specifically, was when they realized they could earn far more money by hiring controversial hosts discussing controversial topics rather than maintaining a costly news staff. The “talking head” hosts, often spewing sensational commentaries, drew higher ratings for far less money than programming traditional news. And. . . the higher the ratings, the more viewers, the more that can be charged for advertising, the higher the profits. News on the web often follows a similar model.
Chuck, I agree, for the most part, with everything you said.
My reply to Mtryalex was based with 100% confidence that *alex must have been referring to FOX as the major news network, based the entirety of the comment.
I do remember when CNN was a fairly impartial news source.
Regardless, the *alex comment was about a “Major” News Network so given that FOX has been number 1 in viewership for over 25 years, connecting the dots seemed pretty easy. In fact, I’m guessing they have about 3 or 4 times the number of viewers as CNN in every time slot. It was simply a t*t 4 tat, CNN v. FOX, not an assertion that CNN is a Major network.
Happy trails Chuck
Why don’t you spout off about Newsmax and all the other right wing propaganda outlets since you like bashing the other side so much.
And now prepare for hundreds of cherry picked comments supporting the left leaning “journalists” of rvtravels. Myself, I’ll take Chucks advice and go elsewhere for my RV info. Somewhere without the political slant.
Yep! 😅 It’s obvious the discourse is gone and it’s now simply a cheering section for Chuck. Thank you Bart for your reply! I do find in my adventures so many other folks who understand our country is headed in a very bad direction and it’s great knowing I just met one more! 🇺🇸
Please Kara!! Would you please email me at chuck (at) RVtravel.com and we can set up a Zoom meeting and I will be happy to address all your concerns one on one (you have made many comments in this issue). So let’s talk. Otherwise quit telling everyone what you think of me. With all due respect, you don’t know.
Chuck!!! YOU made the decision to publicly post your 2 “feelings” articles! If you look back at my comments to the FEMA & Musk articles I stood by you that you had the freedom to post any article you wished and readers had the freedom to do with it as they wished. You crossed a line when YOU publicly berated readers! In 2020 America was changed…we were now told we had to see everything through a “feelings” lens. Our great nation is facing an election that will determine the freedom of each and everyone of us living here! And the side wanting to save it is being told to sit down and shut up…just as you are doing here. One man showed us how great our country (continued below)
…can be! And another man and or woman has shown us how horrible our country can be! We have now lived examples of both sides of the isle…and we have all now seen where the “feelings” side has gotten us. So yes…this is the hill I am willing to die on, and I will stand for my freedom and that of my fellow Patriots until my very last breath…[You have my email address. (email address removed by Diane)]…I welcome a conversation! I only fear GOD and I am grateful for the words of fellow Patriots I have found here on RVtravel! 🇺🇸
Hi, Kara. I removed your email address so that you won’t be getting spam or other unwanted emails from around the world. Chuck can see your email address in our “master list” of comments. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you Diane…I appreciate your concern…but I meant to give my email…I’m open for conversation from others as well 🇺🇸
Thanks, Kara. I wasn’t so much concerned about others emailing you for a conversation. But since our newsletters go around the world I was concerned about it getting into the hands of someone/something that will flood it with spam, or worse. If you want, I’ll put it back in and take my note out.👍 –Diane
Thanks Diane…I do understand and appreciate your concern. Have a wonderful day!
Kara, I for one hope you stick around and comment in the future. I know it can be frustrating. In the past, perhaps once or twice per week and maybe more, commenter’s openly asked RVT and Chuck to ban me. In fairness, that was 4 or 5 years ago during the hayday of cancel culture. It still happens occasionally but alas, I’m still here.
Your voice is important. All voices are important. Easily, 1/2 of the readers of RVT agree with your world view but unfortunately, many stay silent and let the bullies win. It takes courage to be vocal in a time of PC and CC.
I use sarcasm occasionally and find laughing at the ridiculous works. I hope you find your stride.
Happy trails.
Thanks for your words CP…oh I found my stride a very long time ago 🤣…I have had way worse thrown at me over the 6.5 decades I’ve been on Earth 😅
Evil is so prevalent right now, courage matters now more than ever! May all the “silenced” find the courage to speak!! It’s actually quite therapeutic! 😆 I’m grateful I was lead to RVtravel! 🇺🇸
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I figured all that…. and I didn’t mean to imply any weakness on your part. Simply, I was more fearful of not seeing your name continue popping up in the comments.
I’m confident the next outrage from the bullies will be the push for a 3rd and 4th impeachment starting on January 21.
I too will never be silenced, nor complacent. God bless you Kara.
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Awwwww…how sweet of you CP! 🤗 Value truly comes when our words cause this much commotion! 😆 The hate that has been unfurled is astounding! Reading through the comments it is clear who has done their own homework and/or shared their own experiences and those who simply parrot the propaganda and get angry when anyone attempts to question it! …We Patriots have a country to save and I’m in it 100%! God bless you too CP…I truly appreciate our friendship! 🇺🇸
Thank you for clearly addressing what is essentially a critical thinking issue. Merely hearing a statement expressed as “fact” doesn’t make it so, no matter how many times one hears it. If there was ever an impartial source, its RV Travels! People need to think, apply the skills we’ve all learned without prejudice. We are all making important decisions daily. How many of those decisions are based on thousands of repetitions of lies?!
Critical thinking has nothing to do with this situation, and I agree it is rarely applied these days. It was an opinion article posted for a deliberate purpose. The was no impartiality applied by Chuck, only more repetition of half truths, knowing the difference is critical to thinking clearly and maintaining publishing integrity.
Well said!!
Bashing Fema and the Government for their lack of response is insane. Two major hurricanes decimated hundreds of millions of acres of the United States in less than a few weeks, and destroying the livelihoods of millions of people and killing hundreds. Damage was beyond anyone’s imagination, but some people complain that not enough has been done. Fema and hundreds of volunteers from all over the US responded.
Then their lives were being threatened by militia’s who had no reason to show up other than to cause problems and slow down the efforts of all that were trying to help.
Maybe the naysayers should have traveled to these areas to help. bob
Not hundreds, it was / is thousands of people responding. Just on my block long street, there were two twenty-man crews, from California – a 5-day drive, that took a full day (sunup to supper time) to just clear the road and power lines of downed trees so emergency crews and electrical crews could access us. The two five-man (two of them women) crews from an Ohio electric company got the downed power poles and power back on our little street. I didn’t call them, they just showed up. Tampa Electric and FEMA ran the most efficient ballet of trucks and people that I could ever imagine. No one on our street was asked about their politics, race, or religion.
Thank you for your firsthand report, Kelly. I’m glad you have your power back and that the situation is improving for you and others affected. Take care.🤗 –Diane
We are good, we are grateful, we are so very thankful, we are blessed to have our houses / homes. There are so many in our area with almost nothing or nothing at all left.
In a short time, I realized that I would not have made a very good pioneer. P.S. Even though under a tree before the storm, our Class B made it thru with just a couple of surface scratches. We are still RVers!
Yay! Glad to hear you, and your RV, “weathered the storm” so well, Kelly. But I sure wish that were the case for sooooo many others. Take care.🤗 –Diane
Chuck stepped into it with posting the article. It was a political statement on his part. I hope he learned a lesson here. Now, an informed perspective on FEMA. They are inefficient, inept and at time malevolent. How do I know? I live in hurricane alley and had my homes destroyed. Never saw or received assistance from FEMA. I was a utility worker for 42 years. I coordinated restoration in at least 10 storms that hit the Florida peninsula. I have boots on the ground experience with local ,state and federal restoration authorities. FEMA was rarely to be found in the worst hit areas. FEMA does not run electric restoration, that is done by your local utility with the help of other utilities.
I realize that the electric companies from across the nation all have agreements. I know what I saw with tree removal and elec restoration. I also know that my buddy’s mobile home was totaled, along with his possessions and within 48 hours of the FEMA investigator assessing his damage, he had a check applied to his bank account. FEMA evidently does / did some people right.
What you saw was an anomaly. I know what I did see in many more instances, just a complete lack of competence from FEMA. I dare say that the folks in the hardest hit counties in NC would agree with me. There are no winners here. The lessons is, be prepared to save yourself in a catastrophe, natural or man made. Oh, and I implore chuck to put down the shovel, when you are in a hole don’t dig.
Please keep writing the truth about when polititians corrupt the RV industry. That is important to us. The Snowflakes can leave if they want to.
Thank you for taking the time to address these issues. I appreciate your newsletter.
I don’t trust much anymore that I hear or read from the media. It used to be I never questioned the news media and always felt they were telling the truth. Now I question everything. I don’t mind articles that are political. What I do mind are opinionated articles. My belief is opinion should not hold a major place in journalism. Facts and truth should be the main ingredient.
Wow, I am appalled at the response by some readers who think FEMA announcements are political and shouldn’t be trusted. Reminds me of those denigrating the CDC for doing its job during COVID in 2020. If FEMA is not to be trusted, I hope you are never in need of federal assistance after a disaster. As for FEMA notices being put on the RVtravel site, it is helpful to be aware of what is happening around us, rather than be ignorant and find ourselves in deep trouble because “no one told us!”
Hey Chuck, keep on writing!
Don’t listen to the haters who are too lazy or brainwashed to use the brain God gave them to check their facts. I’m not uncritical of the government, but this is my country and my government. I vote, I look carefully at so called facts from any source. I’ll support anyone who is honestly working to make things better in this country and this world for all of us.
Keep up the good work, it’s impossible to please everyone.
I appreciate your magazine and all the content you share. It is a shame that your attempt to share vital information fell on so many deaf ears. It shows that even the RVing community is dangerously divided by the current political situation in the U.S.
I hope RV Travel continues to provide factual and relevant news concerning all aspects of travel, camping, and anything affecting those who love to enjoy our amazing country. You will always have my support!
Thank you for you rational comment response to irrational rants. It’s refreshing to read your response!
Please do not publish my personal information. I’m fearful of attacking responses.
I always knew there was a long distrust of the U.S. government and the heated comments here prove it. Rest assured, its not like that overseas. Now you see why you shouldn’t talk about politics and religion on the first date. LOL I am not going to preach my views here as I genuinely don’t feel I can persuade anyone to change their strongly held beliefs. My biggest issue is the junk science and misinformation that perpetuates our society, made worse by the internet. So much of what is published is simply untrue!
These readers only want politics “out” if they disagree.
Thank you, Chuck! Well, just remember that, although this is your newsletter, you had better get all articles “approved” by the self-appointed censors. My comments already have to go through them. It isn’t too painful. 😉 Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂
So, don’t ever trust the government huh?!? I guess that retired people who are receiving Social Security benefits and / or are covered by Medicare shouldn’t believe or accept anything concerning these programs. Like that’s going to happen!!!
The “don’t ever trust the government” folks seem instead to put all their trust in the current president, despite overwhelming evidence that he’s not trustworthy.
Anyone (such as RV Travel) who fights for honesty and truth is part of the conspiracy according to them.
How can America survive the continuous firehose of misinformation?