I used to be there all the time, as a Chicago resident. But we saw the light in 1992 and moved to Colorado.

Then there’s a voice like yours. I thank God for you. My husband and I would love to meet you… before eternity!

Are you ever in Northern Indiana?

Thank you, Philip.

If you have read me at all, you would know of my implacable opposition to communism, one of the great scourges of human history.

I hope you just goofed or were feeling lazy when you wrote that. ‘Cause, the only other explanation is that you lied. Given your bent toward all things communist, I’m going with the inconvenient, uncomfortable option.

Extremely perceptive comment. Thank you! Philip

However, the problem (since you originally shared this message) is that there are no more “small communities.” Technology has now ensured that no one with an internet connection is limited to the people at hand. At a tiny table in a quaint café, we can easily grumble with like-minded folks thousands of miles away, and snivel and whine in social media “communities,” crowded with kindred spirits.

With our techno-wizardry, we’ve created a world where we no longer have to listen to (or even live with) those around us, but rather cluster with cultural clones, never challenged to understand or even acknowledge those who think differently. And frankly, I don’t know what the answer is. But I’m sure part of it is to keep pleading with folks to look up from their smart phones to recognize and appreciate those at the next table.

I couldn’t agree more. When there’s no agreement on basic facts, it’s hard to have real conversation.