After last night, I am more concerned than ever that America will ever be able to get over, get around, get by, this divisiveness that seems to permeate most discussions about serious issues. My wife and I and another couple (close friends), had a magnificent dinner at Flat Creek Lodge in Swainsboro. It was a little warm and late in the meal I stood on the chair and turned the ceiling fan over our table on high. After doing so, I asked my companions whether the ceiling fan was turning clockwise or counterclockwise.
Big mistake!! My wife and I said counterclockwise. The couple, clockwise. I was astounded that we would disagree over something so simple. Lawyer that I am, I could not let this go and pressed my case to the occupants of the next table. Even more astounding results! Out of these three couples, one agreed with my wife and me, the other two went clockwise.
I cannot describe the ensuing discussion, other than to say, we stood on our heads, we twirled our fingers in various circular patterns, we held our watches over our heads, we drew on napkins and still no unanimity. Some people changed directions-several times. Everyone swore they were right.
Good grief, Charlie Brown!! What a nightmare for logical thought! Do you agree that “clockwise” describes a left to right rotation around an axis? Yes! Look at the fan. Which way is it rotating? Clockwise! No! No! No! No!. Look at the damn fan!
This is one of those maddening wastes of time that are more important than life itself. (Their life, not mine!) Regardless of who was right (me), it is really bewildering to think we could not agree on so simple a concept. Disagreement split pretty much along political lines, but not entirely. Democrats correctly identified counterclockwise. Republicans were either wrong and unapologetic or flip-flopped back and forth. Positions became entrenched. Attitudes took on an edge.
Ultimately, we realized the problem could not be resolved and abandoned any attempt to resolve the impasse. We moved on to other things, with only quick, subtle references to the conundrum. Like, “Excuse me while I move counterclockwise toward the restroom.”
Fortunately, we made new friends and have agreed to return at the October 20 “Beer Paring” for the final battle. If anyone out there has a plan for victory, keep it to yourself. This is just too much fun to resolve this year!
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