I retired from teaching in 2024 after stints in northern Michigan at Gaylord, Char-Em ISD, and Boyne City and downstate at East Lansing.
While living up north, I wrote regular columns for the Petoskey News Review and the Northern Express. Since returning to downstate Michigan to be closer to two of my four grandchildren, I am trying to continue advocating for justice through this blog.
I am a teacher by trade, but a student by occupation. The more I learn about politics in my state, the more questions I have. I recently told a friend that maybe I’m too old to be this angry about things. And then I realized that being this angry is keeping me young.
Through most of 2025 I have been travelling with my wife essentially around the world. By the time we’re done in October we will have visited more than 20 countries. I will continue to write about what gets me going, and I hope my experiences abroad will help me understand better how to overcome the the agonizing place the United States has become in our absence.
You can follow our travels on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@vagabonds-2025/videos
The Grumblings 
Your recent piece in the Northern Expresswas excellent. Poignant, to be sure,but true to my progressive values. How great to see a voice for the true American dream in northern Michigan. Keep writing and sharing your ideas. Thanks, from a retired high school English teacher!
Thanks very much.
Hey Mark. I am starting a Fuck you hashtag. Sorry ass hole like you can not be a member.
What’s cool is this makes no sense. But did anyone really expect you to?
Over 400k new manufacturing jobs to American workers in less than 2 years; last Admin. lost over 200K manufacturing jobs and made it clear that they would never come back to the States. Here is the challenge for you: in your next opinion peace list 3 things you feel our prez has done to help the working class and then you can balance that with 3 things you feel that have hurt the working class. (the catch: they must relate only to tangible job and paycheck topics) ////this is in response to you opinion peace: “It’s not me, It;s you” in the NExpressWk 12/31….a piece that I found to be so easy to write…but not at all thought provoking. Perhaps one needs ‘contrast’ to get a vibrant picture.
I would love to write about ANYTHING he’s done to help the working class. Alas, I don’t write fiction.
Mark, I’m sorry to read that you’re leaving, but I feel confident that your voice will continue to be heard. I met you first at MAMUN conferences in BC and Kazoo, and your work impressed me there. Lately, your words have brought a very necessary perspective to northern Michigan, and I’ve been keen to follow them. Please continue your great work, and good luck in your next venture!
Thank you, Mark, for your insightful columns over the years, and for having the courage to keep speaking out despite the hateful comments and threats. Wishing you the best.
Mark, I wanted to share this piece on fb but I couldn’t in good faith that no where in the article does it have the authors name. This is the first time I’ve seen ” the grumblings” (nicely written article by the way). I didnt see it was you until the comments section. Not even in your About tab. Is there a reason you are not putting your name onto these writings directly?
Thanks for reaching out. It should be fixed now. Share away! I’m honored.
Go WLC Vikings 🙂
Yup. Who is this please?