An encounter with the poorly educated

Recently, I returned to Ohio for my 50 year high school reunion, which was a wonderful affair. While visiting my hometown, now referred to by one of my cousins once as “Trump Territory,” I took the opportunity to spend some time with family.

We visited my 84-year-old aunt, my father”s sister, who is doing well with the help of a caregiver. In order for it to be a pleasant visit, I knew that it was paramount to avoid politics.

As the conversation proceeded, and with Fox News ironically blaring in the background, my aunt asked me if I voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. I suggested we avoid politics, which she then did for a minute or two, then asked again. I said, yes I voted for Biden in the 2020 election. She then told me that I was a communist. My very own aunt called me a communist. My late father’s only sister called me, her nephew, a communist. I responded simply and calmly that I wasn’t aware that I was a communist and switched topics.

A few minutes later, again with Fox News blaring, she asked me why I don’t like Trump. I could have responded with dozens of answers but kept it simple by responding that I don’t like Trump because he incited an insurrection against my country on Jan. 6, 2021. She looked at me, genuinely puzzled, and asked, “What’s an … insurrection?”

If she weren’t my aunt, I might be tempted to conclude that it’s true: Trump does love the poorly educated.

Louis S. Guagenti

Arlington Heights