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Thanks, Nautikos.  Yes, I agree.   Mostly, we focus on the things we enjoyed about the good old days and we forget on purpose that which was not so good.

posted by TAPS. on June 23, 2008 at 8:04 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS

What a marvellous response to Ciel's prompt! And to those who always speak of the 'Good Old Days', we can say how very bad they were in many respects, and that, no matter how bad things are now, in many ways they're immeasurably better...

posted by Nautikos on June 23, 2008 at 7:58 PM | link to this | reply

Taps

My how things have changed and in reality it doesn't seem that long ago!  Yet again you share an important message with us yet you convey it within such a touching, tender story. 

posted by Troosha on June 23, 2008 at 10:19 AM | link to this | reply

TAPS

This is a lovely story. Usually it is only Alabama that is mentioned with racism. We are considered the only racists. Most of us were as strained about the situation as you, but some how we could not get out from under it. Why do you think that is?

posted by Justi on June 23, 2008 at 6:39 AM | link to this | reply

Great story ! Thanks for sharing !

posted by afzal50 on June 23, 2008 at 5:13 AM | link to this | reply

Very good story. Unfortunately, a lot of people in the world, outside and inside USA ,don't know or want to recognise that there is still a big problem in the USA. A lot of non-USAmerican can't believe us when we tell them of racism. Surely they say, that was in the past, before the 1970'. I think we all need reminders once in a while.

posted by auslander on June 22, 2008 at 11:52 PM | link to this | reply

Great story taps. Enjoy that sheep feta. I have ıt every day, fortunately they now also have a low fat version which tastes equally good. Shall I send you some?

posted by vogue on June 22, 2008 at 11:09 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS. ..you are an excellent story teller (i know others have told you this

but I don't think I ever have, and it's long overdue...I remember the early 50's and the odd trip to Detroit and wondering why the blacks always sat at the back of the bus.....(and it's still happening today, in Calgary Alberta, not that long ago...sad, but true)

posted by Rumor on June 22, 2008 at 9:22 PM | link to this | reply

What a wonderful comment, Sinome.  Thank you so much.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 8:48 PM | link to this | reply

Cheugon, So many experience in 70 years and they are all tucked away somewhere out of mind until someone or something jogs my memory.  This time it was Ciel's photograph.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 8:47 PM | link to this | reply

Re: sometimes I feel the world is advancing but not often.

Thank you, kabu.  I feel the same way about your tales.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 8:45 PM | link to this | reply

sometimes I feel the world is advancing but not often.

You are such a special story teller Taps. I could read your tales for hours

posted by Kabu on June 22, 2008 at 8:43 PM | link to this | reply

I agree with Sinome, TAPS...

...this would make for a timely article in a magazine.
Thank you for sharing this poignant yet hopeful perspective from your personal experience.

posted by metalrat on June 22, 2008 at 8:43 PM | link to this | reply

This is a wonderful story Taps...You drew me into your memory and I saw you sitting there, looking out your window, and I felt your shame and sadness at the sight of that General Hospital #2.  Can you imagine if you could?  If you could tell your friend that Obama is even running for president?  May how things have changed ... and about time they did.  Wonderful post my friend.  Maybe you should consider sending this to a magazine...it would make a great article.  Loved this read.

posted by Sinome on June 22, 2008 at 7:59 PM | link to this | reply

Jacenta, a concerted reach would be nice.  Do you think we can get all Americans to do it, or even all bloggers?  Or even one whole extended family?  There is so much diversity of opinions in this world.  Bunnies are nice and cuddly.  I think I've been reading too much news and too many opinions.  I need to borrow your bunny. 

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 6:37 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS.

    She sounded like a nice person, Taps.  As individuals we can still keep reaching for the ideal of universal acceptance and caring.  Nice post. 

posted by jacenta on June 22, 2008 at 6:09 PM | link to this | reply

Re: TAPS, that experience was not uncommon in those days.

Pat_B, I read it at your suggestion.  The ending doesn't leave us much hope that anything has really changed at all, or will.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 5:54 PM | link to this | reply

Re: And yes before that time people would be left to die in the trenches

She was, mysteria.  If she were still alive she would be well over 100 years old.  She's been gone a long, long time.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 5:52 PM | link to this | reply

Re: Interesting post

Yes, untangel, but I'm afraid that the progress we see, or think we see, just might be an illusion and, as Bill Moyers said on the subject, "We live today in a system of organized evil that has not materially changed at its core since the era of slavery... and electing a black man as President won't do a...thing to change it.  If anything, it will be one more facile excuse for continuing to ignore the legacy of systemic evil that still lives in our midst."
Thanks for your comment.

posted by TAPS. on June 22, 2008 at 5:50 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS, that experience was not uncommon in those days.

I saw a very disturbing Bill Moyers Journal last night on post-emancipation slavery that continued until WWII and beyond in the south.  You could probably see it online if you've got the time. Your friend as a person of color lived in a very different country than we did. It makes me so sad.

posted by Pat_B on June 22, 2008 at 3:21 PM | link to this | reply

And yes before that time people would be left to die in the trenches

Perhaps Miss Mae saw even this meager offering as a proud advancement for us all.  She sounds full of heart

posted by mysteria on June 22, 2008 at 1:41 PM | link to this | reply

Interesting post

We need to hear these stories to be reminded of how far we have come.

posted by untangel on June 22, 2008 at 1:24 PM | link to this | reply