BBC ran this little article. I was really just watching the news, wondering if they were starting to drop bombs or anything, and I stumbled across that article.
I wanted something light, to break the tone. Working in East Austin, I ordered a breakfast taco from a lady who refers to me as “amigaito.” (We worked through the pronunciation several times before I got it right; it’s a hard G.) Spanish for “little friend.” She doesn’t speak much – if any – English. The guy I bought a coke from called me “sahib.” “That’s ‘sir’ in my language,” he graciously explained. From India, originally, I’ve watched as he flawlessly shifts through at least three different languages, Mexican, Texan, and his native tongue. Claims five, I believe.
The guy who runs the cleaners waved to me, and I wanted to stop and chat, but I had a bevy of minor problems eating away at my afternoon, just day-to-day management chores. Oh yes, did I mention he’s from Egypt originally?
Several years ago, when I was in Seattle, I made a comment, something to the effect of, “Just because I’m from Texas doesn’t mean I voted for him.”
What’s better, it’s recorded here, on the website, buried in the old journal someplace. It was good for a laugh at the time.
Doesn’t mean that I’m not patriotic, nor does it mean that I’m an outspoken anarchist, nor, for that matter, does it mean much of anything of merit, other than I probably tend to vote democratic. Or Green, these days.
I’m wondering if I’m about to be shunned by whole groups, or worse, censored, because of my not-really-that-outspoken political beliefs?
Or, for that matter, my not really that far left-of-center point-of-view?
Colonel Travis, where are you when we need you now?
(Which is a reference, of course, to his note from the Alamo.)
