Contrast (kən-trāst’, kŏn’trāst’) To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences
Visually, New Mexico geography defines contrast. From the rich color stratifications to the jutting rock formations, you experience it but it is hard to feel a part of it. Meteorologically, you have to disavow yourself of everything you think a desert should be. This is high desert. And it is cold.
The multiple layers that I packed simply did not cut it today. There is cold, and then there is 60 mile an hour cold. I am learning.
During my many attempts to warm up today, I was able to speak with a variety of people. I would like you to meet Barbara Gordon from Gallup, New Mexico.
Barbara Gordon is a study in contrasts. She comes from a long tradition of military service. Her father was a fifth generation career military man and her maternal grandfather was a General in a family of Generals. She traveled the world and decided to settle in Gallup because it had ‘the best stars’ and a ‘360 degree sunset’. Here, she worked for 28 years as a teacher and principal at the Zuni Pueblo Reservation. She raised two children and now works with the Navaho tribe. She speaks with equal eloquence of her support for Obama and the need to be more effective with our Federal funding programs. Barbara has always wanted to see a woman in the White House. Just not Sarah Palin.
Finally, I would like to introduce Mary and David Workman from Yorba Linda, California and Donna and Ron Workman of Williams, Arizona.
We met at Old Smokey’s Pancake House and Restaurant. David and Ron are brothers and share political leanings. They were warm, kind and open. And while they describe themselves as staunchly conservative, as you will hear, it isn’t that simple. Listen for the contrasts.
(Ron speaks first)
October 12th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Ssshh! Barbara is really Batgirl. She rides the Batcycle, maybe she has some tips on the wind for you.
Time to visit a thrift store and pick up a cheap sweater to layer under your jacket. If fashion isn’t an issue.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Okay, so I can’t listen to the interview right now because I’m supposta be studying and they’ll know I’m not if they hear audio, but yay for getting to a new state!
Whenever you say anything about New Mexico it makes me think of that military academy out there, haha.
Love you! I was going to call but we didn’t get home until just before now so I think you might be sleeping soon.. If not gimme a call.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Glad to hear you’re weathering the winds and cold … and it hasn’t sapped the delight in your voice when it matters most!
There are nice folk everywhere!
Stay warm, little sis!
L
October 13th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Dear Julie,
I am so proud of what you are doing and want you to know that you are developing quite the cheering squad!!!
We will have to have a major homecoming when you return!
GO JULIE!!!!!!
Yes We Can!!!
~ Wendy
October 13th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Julie,
I love your writing almost better than your interviews. I love that this one is on contrast. You do a beautiful job of weaving the themes together. I am going to use this essay when I teach comparison and contrast to my students!!
Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to the picture of the new flag!!
d
October 13th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
leather jacket and chaps trust me they work dan
October 13th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hello out there Miss Julie! Thank you for your phone message–it was wonderful to hear your voice!! I am reading your entries every day with so much delight. You are talking to some thoughtful people and getting I think very candid impressions of what’s on people’s minds. You are putting real faces and names and backgrounds to people who may have very different political leanings, and that humanizes “the opposition” for me. I’m sorry you’ve been cold–I personally hate being cold so I empathize hugely! I hope you have warmed up, my darling girl. I think you are amazing and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be your friend. I am so lucky to get to share just a little bit of your brave adventure. Love you to pieces, Sharon
October 14th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
This interview sparks a thought that I was tossing around in my head the other day when discussing the bailout plan and the general progression towards governmental buyouts of private interests that seem to be occurring. I’m no political science major and by no means a socialist, but when we use the word “socialist” in the context of these buyouts and government regulations, do we use the term to try to synonymize government interventions with overbearing governmental coercion, or do we use the term implying that the government is becoming coercive, and this tends to be leading down the path toward failed (at least for the sake of stigma) attempts at creating socialist states? In other words, do we not like the act because it seems socialist, or do we not like the act because it seems excessive, which simultaneously happens to be socialist?
The reason I’ve pondered this is that yes, the government has had to deal with implementation of very large buyouts of private corporations, and this is probably an act that tends down a more socialist path. If the government, however, only does this in situations (like what we’ve had for the past week) where the economy appears in dire straits and is literally having worse setbacks and drops than it has had in years, should we have a critical eye toward that behavior, or should we be glad to have implemented a stopgap measure to stem the bleeding while we figure out how to keep this from happening again?
My gut reaction, and this is perhaps because I’m often trustful, is that this is a limited occurrence that isn’t ultimately going to result in some “terrible” form of socialist control of our lives.
I haven’t thought too much about this yet so I haven’t really made up my mind, but it’s still an interesting thing to reflect upon.
Fascinating and thought-inspiring interviews, as always!