Tina Bishop
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11:45:25 am on February 7, 2010 |
60 years ago I moved into a well-known town I’ll call Old Haven. There were rich folk galore in this place. They lived quietly behind stone walls. The walls had been built a few generations ago by a group of less rich folk— gifted artisans from Europe. The majority of these followed the politics of their employers. Old Haven became a haven for true blue Republicans. Politics were seldom discussed. Why bother? Religion, too, was rarely a topic of conversation. Were not all of us Christians?
Times have changed. The metaphorical walls that once barred blacks and non-Christians have since evaporated. Schools have morphed into “magnet” institutions, drawing children of assorted backgrounds from all parts of the town. We are trying very hard to erase the term “bigotry” from its history.
Until recently I have been heartened by these developments. Unfortunately there are now signs of fracture in our peaceful lives. Though the town is no longer split among rich and poor, and racial and religious factions, there is a kind of unspoken war going on- an unpleasant tension between the pro and anti Obama forces. Though the town’s character was recently turned upside down by a surprising number of Democrat votes there are certain sections where it is risky to admit to being an Obama admirer. Such is the bitterness in some Tory quarters that one hardly dares to venture into political discussions. Weeks before Obama’s election I felt quite courageous when I put an Obama sticker on my car. Would my social life be scarred forever? Better park that old red Camry out of sight.
I can only hope that better economic conditions will bring a softening of the relations between our not-so-civil wars. Meanwhile I’ll just have to try to keep my mouth shut- and that ain’t easy!
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