"Talk To Each Other"

Monday is Labor Day; a day off, and the unofficial end of summer. School is now in full swing across the nation, pools are closed, beaches are empty and football season is a reality! When we were kids, my Dad would load up the car and take us to the "Chain-O-Lakes" in northern Illinois; we had a boat there and a sand beach to swim in. We all knew the next day we were going back to school and we wanted the day to last forever. This was our last chance to escape reality before the routine of the school year took over our lives. Don't get me wrong, we all liked school well enough; but after all, it wasn't the beach, or "crusin'" with the radio blasting. Soon, we would feel the crisp cool of autumn mornings, and leaves changing colors and falling on the lawn that I would have to rake; way back then you could burn your leaves at the curb. Neighbors would gather around their piles of smoking leaves, and many conversations were begun in the sweet musk of those leaves.

Today, we don't burn leaves anymore; we put them in environmental bags for proper disposal; nobody stands by the curb and talks to his neighbor about the happenings in the community, or how badly their local team did in the last baseball season. Today we sit in the dimness of our homes; hunched in front of a computer screen, or stretched out in a recliner, watching a 52" television. We have become separated from each other. We have some local festivals, yet we don't have too many block parties anymore. Way back in my younger days, Mom and Dad knew all our neighbors and their children; and that was in Chicago. Now, we seldom exchange words with neighbors, escaping into our homes as soon as we get back from shopping or work.

America has become a great nation because of the multitude of people who have taken the time to talk to each other. Our modern society has driven a wedge between people as technology has pulled us into our own insulated little world. The only people I know who gather on a regular basis are those who attend church.

Our nation is being maneuvered because of our separation from one another. Stereotypes are being used to portray segments of our community as less than loyal Americans. Half-truth and innuendo seems to be rampant in today's dialogue. The word racism is used like a "flame thrower", covering masses of good American people who wish to voice their opinion in a democratic forum.

Tuesday we are back to business as usual in America. We cannot continue to pursue this path of character assassination and blanket hatred of each other. I urge all of us to talk to each other about the issues; not the rabble rousing crap that some people thrive upon. Summer is coming to an end; no "cruisin" and no beaches; if we don't meet reasonably we may not get a summer next year. Don't be blinded by mindless rantings about any group; ask somebody who is in that group. Talk to each other!!

(This is my last blog until Tuesday; enjoy your holiday. T.P.)