Civil Divisions

I've done my best since I started this blog to avoid controversial topics on the home front. I do a lot ranting about the battle we've fought here in Texas on the corn front, but that doesn't really get too personal, unless you're Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Governor Perry, you're a moron. There, now I'm getting personal.

My comrades in Texas may find it humorous or a waste of time that I would spend even a minute worrying or getting involved in disputes, rumors, gossip or anything that accompanies small town living back in the homeland.

But one fact remains, you can take the girl out of the small town, but you can't take the small town out of the girl...no matter how far away I may move.

When you love something, you become passionate about it. I love Prairie Grove, despite its occasional flaws that stem from its citizens. Every town has them, so it's just apart of life. That's what makes the world go around. I mean, what would the old farts down at the parts store have to talk about? What would the regulars at the Courts talk about? Without controversy, the small town as we know it would become stricken with the worst kind of demise - boredom.

Thanks to technology that's all fancy-like, I still somehow find myself in the middle of hometown debates. Some may say it's none of my business since I chose to leave, but my argument to them would be that I still pay taxes on a house and property there, so take that.

In most towns right now, if you mention the word "election" they assume you're talking about the presidential race between Obama and McCain. And, now while that in itself may stir up some debate anywhere you go, Prairie Grove, Ark., is different. You mention the "e" word in the Grove and you can see people's blood pressure rise...but not about who will carry out duties in the White House for the next four years. (Since I'm all about controversy today, I'll go ahead say thank goodness "W" will be going back to his ranch in Texas.)

No, their excitement rises for a different election...a more local election, and I will leave it at that.

At this point, I've lost my Texas readers on today's post. That's ok. This doesn't really concern you guys. Fellow Texans, yall come back later when I talk about something a little more fun, like tailgating, ok? Great. Glad we got that settled.

Now back to my soap box.

Perhaps today's blog post should have been brought to you by Charmin toilet paper or Bounty paper towels. There seems to be plenty of wiping up to do, and I would welcome any sponsors.

It never ceases to amaze me how certain issues can really spark a flare in people's hearts, and bring out the true colors in them. They set aside all reason because someone told them something and they grasp it without investigating all sides of the issue. The glory about living in a democracy is that we can have different views on issues or candidates. That is what makes this country great.

However, when the truth becomes tainted, stained or manipulated - that's when disappointment sets in, and the happy, everyone-loves-everyone town that is so dear to me becomes some what of a farce. People aren't always who we think they are.

Now, I realize that not everyone in the town has to agree on things. I'm not an idiot. We all have our right to free speech, and we all have our right to believe what we want to believe. That's what thousands of U.S. soldiers have died for through the past centuries.

But, to think that a controversy could tear apart friendships and separate all logical reasoning in people? I thought we had this all settled back on the cold winter day of December 7, 1862 when the North and South fought on the bloodied hillside of Prairie Grove.

Maybe we were due for a relapse. I mean, after all, it has been a while since such an issue has divided a town. I'm just waiting for the stoning to begin at the center of town, or maybe even a scarlet letter will be placed on someone's forehead? Perhaps we could consult the writings of witch hunters of the 1700s. They were good at confusing the truth about people.

It just saddens me to think that people are allowing such an issue to influence what they know is right. Everyone has their reasons for the decisions they make. Whether it be another individual's strong influence or bad gas, this issue has gotten out of hand.

I'll put my head on the chopping block any day for what I know is right. That's the way I was raised, and I'm not afraid to take a stand. If that makes me a "vigilante sewer dweller" then so be it. I've always loved the Ninja Turtles. But when I go to bed at night, I know in my heart that my intentions are pure, my reasons justified, and my cause worthy.

At the end of the day, we're all still Prairie Grove Tigers. (Again, if you're a Texan, I'm really impressed you're even still reading this, because I know you couldn't give a flip about this.) We'll all still see each other at ballgames. We will volunteer together at FFA events. We will pass each other on the road. Our kids will play sports together (I don't have any kids, but you get the point). We will all still be Tigers.

Get over yourselves. This never had to be personal. Throwing rocks like a little kid on a play ground isn't exactly what I call a good exercise of free speech. Regardless of what side of the fence I fall on in this issue, I will respect anyone's argument if they have solid ground to stand on. Just be reasonable about it. If you fall on the other side of this, I still like you, I just don't understand you. There's nothing personal about it.

Now, let's all be friends, burying the hatchet, and go see Bernice for lunch. I like the town a lot better when we can all eat pie together in a civil manner.

And, while we're at it, pray that Hurricane Ike doesn't wipe out the Texas coastline in the coming days - I'm supposed to be in Austin for the Razorback game.