In May 3 issue, Russell County News
By Barbara Sharp Zimmerman, Columnist

From time to time, I hear from people who read this column, and, thankfully, they’re nearly all favorable, whether they agree with my political views or not.

Sometimes, people call me. Sometimes, they stop me at the grocery, or at church. One group of men gathered at a repair shop wanted to know if I was the one who wrote articles in the paper. I told them it depends on whether they liked what I wrote or not. I probably got more comments on the column about teachers than any other.

At lot of people liked it when I took on the “do-nothing” legislature. One dear fellow told me he likes the column but he likes it better when I don’t discuss politics. Guess I know where his allegiances lie.

A lot of people do agree with my political views, and I was taken aback by that. I thought I might have been the only political liberal in Russell County. Judging by the number of people who tell me they agree with what I write, I am one among many. But I may be one of the few to admit it publicly.

One lady wanted me to take on her neighbors, whom I gather are real slobs. Another stopped me in the grocery aisle to tell me she agreed with my column about this being Hillary Clinton’s time to be president. At first, I was shocked, but on reflection I realized this was in character for the strong woman she is.

I even like it when I hear from people who disagree with me, though they rarely will tell me so to my face. One fellow allowed as how my father must be turning over in his grave over my crazy views. He was informed (not by me, however) that although Dad might not have agreed with me all the time, he was and would still be very proud of me. And that made me feel very proud, indeed.

Another person disagreed with my view that the banks should be open on Saturday mornings, calling it “silly”. This person, who naturally didn’t confront me personally, is retired; wonder if working people think this is a silly idea? Another wondered why I wanted to “stir things up” – implying that she believes things are just fine the way they are.

No matter whether people agree or not, I am pleased that they at least seem to be reading the column – maybe just to see what that crazy woman is saying this week.

My aim in writing this column never was to change people’s minds, but rather to get them to think about their views a little more and consider other points of view – to help them become perhaps a little more tolerant. That, and to point out what I think are failures of leadership, broken promises, missed opportunities and people who should be praised.

If I can do that, then my life will be complete and I can be content, though maybe a bit crazy.