First-hand report from rural American.

[Just Me]

Believe it or not, I support a "Mom-n-Pop" gas station and general store run by dedicated Republicans. They have taken care of me when my lines froze or the when "critters" invaded the walls of this old house or when my water heater broke or when I was without heat. Now, that I have work, I support them with my dollars,...and then some. I love them.

Over the last year or so, we have inched to wards discussions that include "politics". I guess our respect for one another has always taken front seat preventing our political orientations from interfering with that. I did take the step of just asking questions, though, about what is really taking place beneath the veil. I never demanded answers; but rather, stay tuned to the connection of our common respect and caring for one another.

Earlier today, I went to my favorite "Mom-n-Pop" shop to pick up the usual mid-week milk, bread and fragrant golden home-grown tomatoes I love. As always, the daughter and cousin cashiers kindly asked me "how's life fer ya'". I didn't even hesitate this time responding, "it's sweet with so much bitter,...I've been crying that my favorite brother, in the National Guard, is being sent to Iraq, and rejoicing in helping plan his first wedding."

Both nodded and reflected. The cousin said, "I don't think we should be there." We put our heads down for a few moments. I replied, "The ones benefiting from this insanity does not include us or the Iraqi people. Why are we even there?"

They quickly bagged my groceries and smiled. I respected their time and their limits with a "Thank You".

There are those who manipulate and abuse such good people (Bushco & the neoCONs) and there are those who underestimate both the common sense and spirit of people (put your name here).

Those of us who are genuine advocates of human value and potential must FORCE the distinction between those who are advantaging themselves through emotional manipulation or physical will over the less advantaged,....from the rest of humanity.

We MUST NOT be fragmented/distracted/divided away from our very CORE belief in human compassion and human potential and the human spirit.

[getmeouttahere]

1. Strong stuff, Just Me....

I like the last couple of paragraphs the best :)

[blm]

2. Very visual.

As if I could see the entire scenario unfolding before my eyes.

[Just Me]

5. I only wish I could make the experience "alive" for others.

I only wish I could carry the connection of being human to all those being pounded with so much noise.

:shrug:

A moment of human hope is worth acknowledgement above human noise.

[jedr]

3. Garrison Keeler did a wonderful essay on this during the election;

I'm not good at links,but was posted in Common Dreams...told of how wonderful , hard working people in his Midwest town had been lied to and manipulated by the likes of Karl Rove to achieve nothing more than extreme wealth for a very few...So glad you were able to bridge that gap today....as a veteran; I feel for your brother. He will do his duty , just as so many have done.

[Quakerfriend]

4. Wonderfully told, Just Me.

I still believe in this common good in everyday American. However, I don't know how much strength and toughness people have anymore.

I'm praying that I will be pleasantly surprised...just as I was in the days immediately after 9/11.

[Just Me]

7. Strength and toughness aren't necessarily the remedy to human ills.

True?

The Quakers have proven that. True? :shrug:

[Imajika]

6. Great post!

I generally dislike these anecdotal posts, but yours was well told and I think reflects what a great many rural Americans think.

I'm fairly certain that people like you've described don't oppose the Iraq adventure for the same reason folks on DU do, but in their gut they have a feeling that we don't belong in Iraq and the quagmire that has followed now makes them question the party they generally vote for. I am not so sure this translates in to votes for Democrats, but the fact that they are doubting their leaders can only be a good thing.

You really brought this incident alive in your post. I look forward to reading more of your comments.

Imajika

[Just Me]

8. They are JUST people,....like you and me,...

,...who DO CARE about their neighbor.

Meanwhile, they try to cope with that HORROR being presented on the boob tube every day, grateful to be in a safe yet always threatened community by such "horrors".

I HATE HATE HATE the media for exaggerating fear,...for MANIPULATING PEOPLE INTO A STATE OF FEAR!!!

I don't give a damn whether the media is doing the fear-for-profit ON PURPOSE or not,...what it delivers is destructive and evil,...and that recklessness deserves CONSEQUENCES. May the CM hit the friggin bottom without the fail-safe public wealth to safe it.

I've had enough of the profits from human weakness/disappointment/ failure/darkness. I believe we have ALL had enough of those who reap from the worst of human existence.

May the human HATE profiteers be smothered by a human spirit that NEVER RELENTS!!!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

11. I know how you feel

The post was definitley well written. I also hate how the media is maniuplating us all. *sigh* That's one reason why I've turned it off.

[Indy Lurker]

9. the distracted masses

When I think of the distracted masses, I can't help but think of the Romans and the Coliseum, and the song "Razzle Dazzle" from the Show/Movie Chicago.

[Just Me]

10. I'd just advise Dean, whom I LOVE, to target OUR enemy.

They happen to be "Republican" but sure as hell don't represent their party or anyone,...other than themselves.

Follow the money.

[Redstone]

12. You've started to break through the barrier...

I commend you for your community spirit and sense of humanity.

Great post, wonderful story. And a lesson to all about how dealing with people who are on "the other side" politically as human beings is the right thing to do.

As long, of course, as they're basically decent human beings like your neighbors, and not freeper types.

Redstone

[Hissyspit]

13. Here in Red State NC

I have picked up on similar things. Change is slow, but occurring.