We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
His essay is a rambling one, touching on essay construction, why English profs got involved with composition, why modern lit became college study, etc.
for my money Edward Hoagland is the best recent American essayists along with Joan Didion and of course John Updike. A good essay, a glass of bourbon and a wood fire and a comfortable chair make for a nice evening.