The Not-So-Great Generation: War Among Old White People is Killing America

The papers are crammed these last few days with thoughtful essays about the split in the Republican Party. I read them all with a certain shrug. Yeah, fine, but what about the split in my life?


Library of Congress
Even when the white-haired ladies weave it out of posies, it's still the Stars and Bars.

Earlier in the week I ran into a lady I have known for 30 years. We're not close, I guess, but our personal lives have crisscrossed on numerous occasions. She said at one point, "I feel so alone. I can't talk to anybody anymore."

She told me a very sad story about a lifelong friend and colleague she had to just stop talking to recently. I told her the same thing had happened to me. I had to tell a guy I have known and liked for 30 years not to call or write any more.

Look, I know it's only anecdotal, but I hear these stories more and more, as if we were in an America of 150 years ago torn by civil war. And who are we? Old white people. These are just very hard times for social and even familial relationships among old white people.

More at http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2013/10/this_last_week_was_hell_on_old.php .