Oh hi Oh
I have been thinking about Ohio recently.
Growing up the only context I had was my favorite song “Ohio”, about Kent State during Vietnam, by Neil Young.
Interestingly, for me, Ohio has come full circle. It is now back in the middle of politics during a time of warfare. First of all, by becoming the decisive state in the ‘04 presidential elections; next because Ohioans almost always vote on the side of the winner, more so than other states. This has special meaning because it implies that Ohio is a mini-mirror of the country.
While traditionally one would have asked whether something, “played in Peoria”, it is more pertinent today to ask if it will play in Ohio. Ohio is the US maybe.
Let’s review my recent impressions on Ohio and how it is a reflection of our broader country, keeping in mind I have not studied anything about the state.
I have worked with great charity and business people from Ohio the last few years; in fact there seems to be a resurgence of good young mobile tech savvy businesspeople around the country.
Lots of factories in Ohio have shut down recently. Clearly a reflection of the country too.
There is Klan activity and related race clashes in Ohio, and plenty of racism around the country.
Job loss, poverty, racism, and illegal immigration all intersect in unhealthy ways in Ohio like throughout the US.
There are terrible pockets of poverty and crime in Ohio like around the country.
Ohio seems to have the lowest life politicians imaginable, many of whom are being indicted currently. Traficant was just the tip of the iceberg as far as corruption in Ohio politics goes.
Maybe one day I will read about and go to Ohio. For now it is a little mirror of America in a little corner of my mind. Peace.