Thankfully, traveling mercies were granted us as we traveled through the snarl of Boston traffic. The drive from Maine was smooth and uneventful. The day, cool and bright, gave us a preview of the fall colors we can expect next week. As we drew closer to Boston, the traffic picked up, and like in most big cities, drivers are both assertive and defensive. And as is our human condition, some are occupied by their personal concerns, distracted by their devices, or otherwise just preoccupied. And some are angry. We encountered very few of those drivers. Mostly, the drivers were safe and sane. A couple of "Massholes" weaved dangerously in and out, but luckily, I was able to steer clear of them. We invaded Johnny's home (Our Boston bachelor friend), returned the rental, did the shopping for Vermont, and Judy and Deb fixed a comforting dinner of roasted vegetables and meatloaf. After dinner, Johnny served us ice cream as dessert, which he bought just for us. Since it's a bachelor pad, the dining arrangements required Judy and Deb to eat in the living room. The "boys" ate at the kitchen table. After dinner, we had a brief political discussion. For the most part Johnny, Ed, and I agree that while we don't know who we'll be voting for, we do know we won't be voting for Trump. We did disagree a bit. I believe that even though impeachment is unlikely (See senate), the proceedings should proceed apace so that the voting records will be clear. From my memories as a young Catholic hooligan, I know from personal experience that I behaved much better when Sister Mary Michael looked over my shoulder. Johnny expressed a common political argument that must concern Democrats, the idea that they must use caution so as not to impair the 2020 election. If I were in charge of messaging I'd be pounding the idea that human decency should be the guiding star. I'd throw picture after picture of how people are treated on the border. I'd appeal to our "better angels". Instead of name calling, belittlement, frustration, and hair pulling, I'd remind the American people that we're a Nation of immigrants. That's when Johnny disagreed, sighting the electability playbook. He said, "The people in the heartland don't see the current immigrants as equals. White America is afraid of being taken over." That made me pause, because if that's true, we haven't rid ourselves of our less than noble history. Recently, an incident at the McCloud Plantation on James Island in Charleston, SC went viral. A white lady complained that she was incensed that her "vacation" was disrupted by an African American tour leader who she felt was lecturing her on slavery. She didn't want to hear it, that all that stuff was a long time ago, that she or none of her family had ever owned slaves, and from that point forward, she and her husband would remove plantation tours from their schedule. I think her attitude captures the crux of our national problem, and worse, ignores the threats born of "snakes, moats, and shooting people in the legs". I think it's high time we take a real look at ourselves, the preachings of Jesus, what equality means, and a real look at the words at the base of the Statue of Liberty. I've always believed that people are more alike than they are different, that compassion is better than cruelty, and that there's room for everyone. I really think things don't have to be so hard. If I were in charge, everyone would have the chance to succeed on their own merit and effort. The immigration process would simply be a facility with the American flag flying above it. Immigrants would stand in line. When they entered, they'd be given a tax number, a pamphlet explaining the path to citizenship, and a welcome. (As for those already here, a legitimate path to citizenship must be provided). That's as far as I'd go. Anyone choosing to remain undocumented after that, would have to rely on the kindness of others. Anyone breaking the law would have to be deported. No one would be above the law, and the law would be a level playing field. Other than that, the government would have no special responsibility over and above its normal services to its citizens. I think we should embrace the mosaic that is America. One benefit of travel is observing how lives are led. What I've seen (Not on the news) is people going about their business: kids to school, kids to activities, family life, working life, goals to succeed. Everyone should have the same chance I had. My grandfather came through Ellis Island as a sixteen year old. He had five dollars in his pocket, less than an eighth grade education, and a desire to better himself. He got the opportunity. The officials at Ellis Island recorded his name, gave him a number, a pamphlet, a welcome, and wished him well. For him, that made life good, especially that day. As a result, I, the son of an immigrant, now live what's known as the American Dream. Let's build our nation on acceptance. Let's be the beacon our Declaration of Independence claims. Let's choose our better angels. Sister is watching.
As an accomplished foodie, I'm hard to please. This breakfast hash was top notch.
As Judy and Deb wandered around the L.L. Bean mother store, I practiced the "form" here.
We spent a good bit of time shopping for the next part of our adventure: Vermont.
Here's my Bunny, solving the quandary of which basil to select.
Hearty meatloaf and roasted vegetables: what better fare for East coast supper?
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