In Linda Rantz’s UD response to Osage County Republican’s rejection of her “UNIQUE” political ideas, she sited her life as a child of a career military father. Then she asked “Someone in Osage County should let me know when the ‘initiation period’ ends for ‘outsiders’ to graduate to at least ‘neighbor’ status - I’d like to inform other military members and families how long it takes before they can expect to be welcome here.”
Well Linda and I have a 2 year history of disagreeing over her pretty amazing and far fetched political views, but her observations on military families and Osage County attitude has ABSOLUTELY LIT MY FUSE!!!
I come from a Gold Star family, losing my brother in Vietnam while I was in basic training. When passing the 50 plus US flags at the Linn Cemetery, we’re reminded that each fly’s for an Osage County service member lost in WWII or Korea, there are further memorials on the square and VFW Hall in Linn and the American Legion Hall in Freeburg. I’m a retired NCO from the US Army and Osage County is home to countless veterans and many, many active duty service men and women.
Mary Jay and I moved here 3 years ago to be near our grandkids and we were immediately welcomed with open arms. We are constantly amazed at the charity, graciousness, enthusiasm and peace that emanates from the wonderful folk we happily call our friends and neighbors.
Linda, I believe I have the answer to your question of the “initiation period”, to paraphrase the astute Walt Kelly from his iconic comic strip of the 1970’s, ‘POGO”, Linda, you have met the enemy and it is you. I will recommend you showing your Osage County neighbors a little respect and you’ll find your initiation does not exist.
Gene Lang
Linn
