No single news item has gripped the attention of the nation, even the world, as much as the slow, but inexorable march of the caravan. And though its arrival is still days away, it’s effects are already being felt. Feared by some; welcomed by others…the only certainty is that it will bring major changes … changes that will affect us all.

The caravan has placed good people… genuine friends…in different camps.

“I like it the old way”, say many…advocates of formality and traditions. “I’m nervous. I hear that the caravan introduces a new language.”

“We need change”, say others. “We need to make life easier, more forgiving, more amenable to to the masses, particularly the millennials.”

“No. We needed a ‘Boundary Object’ to stop this thing, sighs an elderly gentleman from the traditionalist camp. He is, of course, referencing the new language replacing what had heretofore been known as a “wall”.

“Yeah, now there’s nothing to stop it”, chimes in a listener. “There are no more “Water Hazards”. That term has been abolished! The caravan shouldn’t have any trouble getting around ‘Penalty Areas’. They may even be dry.”

The subject changes. “I hear the caravan lets them play background music”, says one crusty old-timer. “Imagine that!”

“I love it!”, his friend exclaims. “When it gets here, I think I’ll play my harmonica whenever you drive.”

A total stranger interrupts. “Do you know they are going to take our word for identification purposes? They are going to trust us! We don’t have to announce anything to anyone, or give them an opportunity to observe.”

All shake their heads at this radical revelation. “This is far more serious than election fraud”, one concludes.

“Yes, but relax. Some of the changes the caravan is bringing make perfect sense”, says a young lady, interjecting herself into the conversation. “For instance, if our kids want to play in the sandbox, they will be able to toss out the sticks and leaves first.”

No one disagrees with this change. Some of the old timers admit they even still play in the sand from time to time.

Yet doubts persist, rumors fly, fears gnaw. Soon, all will hear the drumbeat in the distance.

The rules caravan is coming….January 1, 2019!

Respectfully submitted,
F