They say the country is divided almost 50/50 politically. Well, based on two conversations I overheard: older people in Maine represent the nation. Maine, a state with 2 moderate Republican senators, but primarily considered a Blue state.
Situation 1:
Walking by a group of older men sitting on a bench. They are the kind of guys who look like they should be fishing - the kind of guys who look like they would say "you can't get there from here" in that Maine (notably different from a Boston) accent.
Oldtimer 1: they say Kerry has raised more money from people in California than from Massachusetts.
Oldtimer 2: it's all those liberals out there! Geez!
{disgusted snorts all around from the old timers}
That and California is significantly larger than Massachusetts doesn't seem to occur to them.
Situation 2:
In line in the small town store - an older, grandmotherly woman in front of me is talking to the cashier.
Grandma: How is your family? I just saw your mom and she looks good.
Cashier: Everyone is great. My sister has gone back to college, it's her last year.
Grandma: What about your brother - I heard he was having a rough time.
Cashier: You know, he is doing much better. I think his problem was he was gay and in denial about it. Now that he has come out, he is much happier. I guess that is all it took.
{silence. Cashier stares directly at Grandma to see her reaction. About 10 seconds pass.}
Grandma: Good for him! I'm glad he is happy now. {Grandma leans in close to the cashier} You know, it's easy now a days to come out. All the gays should do it if it makes them happy.-----
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