One thing I know for certain is where I will not be next year. With all of our futures next fall swirling in the wind I have drawn my conclusion that in no way shape or form will I be living, teaching, working, tending bar, golfing, playing basketball, or hanging out in Eastern Oregon. The Grande Rhonde Valley has treated me well in my 19 months here, but its time to move out of here. I have always told my friends and family that this area is 10 years behind everywhere else. I believe it. Coming from beautiful Western Washington, Eastern Oregon is a drastic change. I believe that this area is still a very racist community. I heard some things at work Saturday night form some local highly regarding community leaders that have made me sick to my stomach. Without naming names or going on a witch hunt, I heard a local official offer a commentary about both the ethnicity of our president and the problems that will arise with him as our president. Also, this person mentioned that not "if" but "when" the president gets shot, that things will get back to the way they used to be.
This person was sitting with a large group of cronies or local supporters, it was not the stage for me to voice my opinion. I had to bite my tongue.
I will never live in an area where people can not respect a common person for who they are. My parents may not have been able to provide me with all the great amenities and vacations growing up, but they did teach me values and respect for ALL people. I need to thank them again for raising me right.
