It’s uncomfortable here on the cutting edge…

I really love everything about where I live — the vistas, the quiet, the small communities, the ease with which generations interact — and until now, the feeling that we aren’t quite as tainted by the fad-problems of modern decades as are our urban neighbors.  Yes… fad-problems.  Yes… until now.

As is my usual early Wednesday morning habit, I took a look at the online version of the paper — always eager to see what’s in the news and always too impatient to wait for the hard copy which comes in our mail.  Today’s front-page headline, “PUD No. 2 Commissioner admits touching woman without consent” was a bit of a deal-breaker for me.  That’s the only way I can express it.  All of my shimmery feelings about the area — about the vistas, the quiet, the small communities, the ease of interaction — suddenly dimmed.  From shimmer to shame in one easy headline…

It wasn’t the substance of the article that really bothered me even though I read it carefully.  It was the realization that one of the fad-problems of recent years has finally found purchase here.  And right on the front page of our only community newspaper.  A report of sexual harassment?  Years after the alleged occurrence?  Right when the accused party is running for office?  Give me a break!  Shades of Joe Biden and Tara Reade.

It’s probably a knee-jerk reaction on my part, and without knowing all the facts I should button up.  Not that I’m in any way judging the merits or truth of the situation or the accuracy of the reporting.  But I am definitely lamenting that the greater world has suddenly impinged.  And with a front page headline, no less.

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