HAPPY TO LIVE IN FLYOVER COUNTRY

Once upon a time, there was a young girl who couldn’t wait to get out of town. She thought big cities like New York and Los Angeles sounded far more appealing as a place to live out her adult life. But after college, she didn’t have more than $50 in her bank account, so she settled for the nearest big city—Chicago. After that, she moved to Miami, and then the 1972 meltdown brought her back home to Indiana with her young family. And somehow, she never left. And now, in the midst of all this upheaval in our nation’s capitol, she’s happy to live in flyover country.

That’s not to say that people in the Heartland don’t have strong opinions. We’ve lived here long enough to have family and friends at both ends of the political spectrum. They will passionately argue and defend their viewpoints. We see trucks flying American flags rumbling through the city. And there are Black Lives Matter signs in many quiet, middle class neighborhoods. So yes, people do care. But riot in the streets? Storm the courthouse? I don’t think so. There’s no big city anonymity here. Having grown up in the same place, most of us have friends and acquaintances from grade school on up through college and the workplace. We’re not going to start rioting against our fellow churchgoers, relatives, colleagues and friends.

I was born in New York City, but the great depression drew my family back to the safety and security of the family farm. Still, I often dreamed of what my life might have been like had we been able to stay. Now, I’m very glad we didn’t. Did you know that people are leaving New York City in droves?

Here in flyover country, I’ve lived in a state where Democrat Evan Bayh was a much loved Governor and Senator. He was repeatedly voted into office by both Democrats and Republicans. Our current Republican Governor Holcomb won re-election by a landslide. Both men are known for their common sense approach to government, and have a down to earth persona that appealed to people throughout the state. There was nothing in the temperament of either man that was– or is–likely to incite a riot. So yes, I’m happy to live in flyover country.

October 18, 2019October 18, 2019

BUTTIGIEG VS. PENCE 2020?

Last week, this may have sounded crazy. Mayor Pete’s chances of winning the presidential nomination were very slim. But this latest debate might have been a deal breaker. Buttigieg came across as the only candidate who seemed authentic. He challenged Elizabeth Warren’s pie- in- the-sky promises as to the real cost of Medicare for all. He calmly spoke with the voice of experience on the US withdrawal from Syria. Now, there’s a real possibility that Trump will be impeached. Therefore, it’s not a pipe dream to imagine a presidential election with two Hoosiers on the ballet . Buttigieg vs Pence 2020? It could happen.

There's a possiblity that two Hoosier will be on the ballot in 2020 — Two Hoosiers could be on the ballot during the 2020 election

Of course, I’m not at all biased (: However, I believe our country would be well served if we had a POTUS who brings some good old Hoosier Values to the table.

What are HOOSIER VALUES? The very phrase brings to mind a dull, penny pinching, religious fanatic who’s never traveled more than 100 miles from his home town. I’ve surfed the internet and found that there are no clearly defined Hoosier Values. Different sources say the following character traits define an Indiana native: Patriotic, Honest, Responsible, Faithful, Humble. Others claim that the typical Hoosier has a strong work ethic, family values and a sense of community.

Wow! That’s a lot of good stuff. Does that mean that no one in my state is cruel, vulgar, promiscuous, dishonest or rude? Hardly.

When I think of Hoosier Values, I envision someone who doesn’t brag, or make false promises, and behaves with dignity in public. In other words, someone with just plain old common sense.

Buttigieg vs Pence in the 2020 presidential election would be a win-win situation for Indiana. . No matter which party prevailed at the polls, we could rest assured that Hoosier Values are well represented in Washington DC.

September 2, 2019September 2, 2019

INDIANA POLITICIANS EXEMPLIFY CIVILITY

Our weekend winds up at 8:00 o’clock on Friday night, when we turn to the Public Broadcasting channel on TV. First, we listen to Washington Week in Review– a panel of left leaning reporters who seldom disagree. (Ho Hum) But then, at 8:30, Indiana Week In Review comes on like a breath of fresh air. We are treated to lively, but courteous discussions, with both political parties given equal time. The show exemplifys the civility of Hoosier politics, much needed at the national level..

That’s not to say that Indiana Week in Review– moderated by Brandon Smith– is dull. In fact, it’s much more lively and entertaining than Washington Week in Review. That’s because they have a balance between Republican and Democrat panelists. Rounding out the discussion are Fort Wayne journalist Mickey Kelley, and Indiana Law Makers Host Jon Schwantes.

Democrat Anne Delaney is full of passion. She knows what she’s talking about, and doesn’t mince words. Sometimes, she gets pretty mad. Her Republican opponent, Mike O’Brian, gets worked up, too. But just before they reach the boiling point, they back off, and agree to disagree. The moderator maintains objectivity, and quickly changes the subject if it looks like someone is going off the deep end.

The Indianapolis race for mayor is another example of Hoosier civility. During.their first public debate, Incumbent Joe Hogsett and his Republican challenger, Jim Merritt focused mainly on the issues. . While the debate sometimes got heated, there was no name calling or profanity. Indiana politicians tend to take a more measured approach. .

It appears that the politicians who live in middle America behave more respectfully with one another. I’m sure some high falutin political analyst can come up with a reason why this is true. , It may reflect the Midwestern culture, where more people come from small towns. As opposed to big cities, they interact with each other on a daily basis through their churches, families, volunteer work and various other activities. If you’ve ever ridden a subway, you know that rudeness is an acceptable survival tactic among strangers in large metropolitan areas.

While profanity, name calling and rudeness are now the norm in our nation’s political arena, It doesn’t fly here in flyover country.