Who I Am (And Why I Finally Stopped Holding Back)
Straight talk from an old man who’s lived it, lost it — and learned the hard way.
I’m Fred Ferguson.
I’m 73 years old.
I’m Canadian.
And I’ve lived long enough to know the difference between noise and danger.
I didn’t come to writing late because I had nothing to say.
I came to it late because for most of my life, I didn’t think anyone needed to hear it.
I worked.
I watched.
I paid attention.
I’ve seen institutions earn trust — and I’ve watched them spend it.
I’ve seen countries project strength while quietly hollowing themselves out.
I’ve watched the same historical patterns repeat, just dressed in new language.
And lately… especially over the past few years…something shifted.
Not all at once.
Not dramatically.
But enough that pretending everything is “basically fine” stopped feeling responsible.
This Substack isn’t about partisanship.
It isn’t about shouting matches or team jerseys.
And it sure as hell isn’t about being polite at the expense of being honest.
It’s about clear-eyed observation.
About noticing when assumptions no longer hold.
About naming uncomfortable realities before they turn into emergencies.
About sovereignty, power, money, borders, narratives — and the quiet ways ordinary people adapt when the ground starts moving.
Most of what I write lives on The Porch… reflections, pattern-spotting, and calm assessments of what’s actually happening around us.
Occasionally, when something needs to be dismantled rather than discussed, it lands in ❌ Un-Learn — where I take apart ideas we’ve been trained not to question.
I’m not here to scare anyone.
I’m here to think out loud… carefully, deliberately, and without bullshit.
If you’re looking for outrage, there are plenty of louder voices.
If you’re looking for reassurance without substance, this won’t be your place.
But if you want steady perspective from someone who’s seen history rhyme often enough to recognize the cadence… pull up a chair.
I’ll keep watch.
You decide what to do with what you see.
—
Fred Ferguson
GeezerWise
