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.