“Rural Voices” shares cultural, educational, economic and artistic views of people who have lived and thrived in the Upper Peninsula. Each of our authors in Rural Voices may be living here in the U.P. or living someplace around the globe, but the U.P. is an important part of who they are and what their beliefs and values are today. Rural Voices wants to share the voices of our neighbors and friends about life and experiences in the UP.
Recently Published
Still Believing in America, Still Asking Questions
In the third essay of our American series, Bill Vajda compares the faith he placed in America’s promises as a young man with what he sees today, urging voters to weigh their sources, see past propaganda and glittering generalities, and do the work, while affirming his faith in the American way of life.
The Weight of Citizenship
In the second essay of our American series, Karen Ogle weighs the legal and moral duties of U.S. citizenship, drawing on her years representing the country abroad and arguing that voting and civic participation are obligations every American carries.
What It Means to Me to Be an American
Naval Academy graduate and retired Seabee Hugh Marcy reflects on family service, participatory democracy, and what active citizenship asks of Americans.
Global Service from Upper Peninsula Roots: Talking to Karen Ogle About Her Foreign Service Career
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Karen Ogle, a Marquette native who has carved out a distinguished career in the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service.
Diplomatic Paths: From Marquette to the World with Robert Hilton
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Robert Hilton, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a Marquette native with a storied international career.
