Today we took a scenic drive through the Catskills and stopped in a small town for lunch. There was an 80 year old white woman on the corner holding up signs for racial justice. I asked her how often she does this.

"Every Saturday at 12 PM."
"Since when?"
"Since George Floyd."
There was a Black man standing with her, probably half her age, also holding up anti-racism signs and speaking with folks as they walked by. Many cars honked and some people cheered. A few drivers shouted "TRUMP 2020" and revved their engines..
I watched as kids came up on their bikes -- one of them had a Trump sticker -- and asked questions about race. Eventually I made my way over, as did a 60-something year old Trump supporter and his liberal wife. I stood on that corner talking with them all for nearly two hours..
I asked the Trump supporter his name. He gave me his business card and evidently wanted me to know that he's a CEO. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Dr. Fleming."
Anyway. There were 8 of us on this corner -- 6 humans, a dog and a cat -- talking, arguing, listening for nearly two hours. A Black man, one interracial lesBian couple (us), one white straight couple, a bad ass 80 year old white peace activist, a Jewish Trump supporter.. I mean..
We addressed everything from fracking to foreign policy, the Civil War, immigration, the civil rights movement.. I lectured this man on the meaning of systemic racism, the history of white supremacy -- even brought in W.E.B. Du Bois. By the end, he promised to read my book..
Before we parted ways, the 80 year old activist invited us to visit her the next time we're in town, the Black antiracist asked to collaborate, and the wife of the Trump supporter wants to bring my work to the school where she teaches . . . .
The Trump supporter was like "At least you're willing to talk about these issues. My wife gets too upset. She won't speak to me about this."

Me: "Well, I would never marry someone with your views. The only reason I can talk to you right now is because I can walk away..."
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