WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Often walking thru my small town, I will meet many residents of this beautiful place. Each has a life of their own, but all here are tied to one another because it is so small, and so very close.Almost all families know each other and have great, great grandparents who helped to found the town, and all feel related to one another, Everyone speaks, some have time to chat, but as it is summer, there is much to do on the family farm, or at the local hardware store, or the feedstore. And while there are these wonderful long days to get into the earth, or the livestock, or the backyard garden that will produce, perhaps a prize winning canned recipe, or long hot , lazy day's for the children to rest, the fact remains, a large part of these ways of life, provide the means to survive the winter, and  to be ready for next spring, time cannot be wasted. The winter is for time resting, that often occurs in one of the four restaurants, and two fast food places for the kids, even in  the local eateries, each and every one of them,has a long list of regulars, and to not call them by name is a shame, and perhaps an unintended insult.

It is a beautiful place to be sure, but as I walk along, I have begun to wonder about my place here, I suppose it is from having been gone for so long. But here, for a female to discuss poltics in a bold or assertive manner is considered "inappropriate" by many of the town "elders", all of whom I respect,( they were here when I was a wild drag-racing teen-ager of doubtful reputation,) however, time has marched on and there is a War going on. As I grew up and began to read history, I remember the pictures of the military coming home in other wars, and specifically the sailor kissing the girl in  the crowd, I know we all remember that, and I wonder at all the changes, in ourselves and the country. How beautiful they were, and how United we were.

Even tho we have a "Tribute to Troops" going on, and a "Freedom Walk" scheduled for the eleventh day of September, I actually had a store owner, not want our local high school artists, decorate one, not all of his windows, but one, because it was his "advertisement". Our committee for this "Tribute ," has a well known lady , who approached the Courthouse officials to see if we could have a two hour street dance at the place we plan to end our walk/parade, and have officials speak and hopefully representatives of the Military, Even with the horror of 9/11, and the current war, we were told NO, and we could not begin until after five p.m., because of the Courthouse being open, and the employees and lawyers needed  place to park. For the first time, I was ashamed. Our own Valley  children are in Iraq, and I cannot understand the apathy. Do people just want to not accept the war? If it is ignored will it go away?  Honoring our dead American's and the many families who suffered on 9/11, and our Military in the fight of their lives , for just a few hours is not a lot of sacrifice in my book. And what of future generations if this nonchalance is perpetuated? I am just wondering if any one else out there has run into this on the grand scale? I can get a lot of positive response from Military families, and one on one, but as a whole, I am not feeling it yet, Perhaps I have lost touch, becauseof the  many things in my own life's struggle, Any ideas out there? Is heart communication over? Let me know your feelings, I would appreciate it, surely even tho a lot of people oppose the war, we cannot forget our Military, is this happening elsewhere? Or am I in a different world. Orientation please. Still RED, WHITE, AND BLUE!!!< Ellen B