The South - Some Impressions

Operationally defined for this trip, “the south” includes southern VA, Eastern TN, Northern GA, Northern and Central AL, LA and AK.  Why is this the south, you ask?  Well in all these places you hear the term, “ya’all”.  Texas I consider a different country.  And I’m not sure how to classify Oklahoma.  Admittedly, this is a 5-day whirlwind cruise through this area on both country roads and freeways but its hard not to make some observations.  Here’s mine.1.)The motorcycle of choice in the south is Harley-Davidson, 2.) Southern legislators are more adept at getting pork-barrel projects than NW legislators if the number of recently paved, currently being paved roads and road construction projects is any indication, 3.)Apparently, individual property rights are a big deal along with lax zoning laws.  Anything you can think of is built anywhere you can think of.  4.) There is a kind of solve your own problems mentality here, e.g. this sign soon after entering Georgia, “Thieves will be shot on sight”, 5.) They are also clear about what booze is for, e.g. another sign seen soon after crossing into Arkansas, “Buzz-Rite Liquor Store”, 6.) There is an alternative way to spell Utah.  It’s Eutaw and the town is in Alabama.  Eutaw is also the place where I got a lesson in the social system down here.  Upon entering town you see small low houses.  But on any hint of a rise the houses immediately quadruple in size, complete with huge columns, verandas and expansive lawns.  There just seemed to be an aura of dominance between the people of means and those with less.  The church buildings followed the same pattern. 7.) Speaking of churches, the Baptists procreate like rabbits followed by the United Methodists.  Baptists are everywhere!  I’m signing off as “Mr. Wayne.”  It’s a southern thing.