Welcome to my Co-Moderator

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

I'm very happy to announce that Everitt has agreed to become a moderator with me here "on the trail." Just examine that handsome visage in his new profile shot.

Who knows what lurks beneath that calm, cool exterior? Well, I do. He's a good guy who loves Southern Lit, probably as much as I do. And I'm happy to have his help.

I never blow anyone's cover. I'll leave it to Everitt to reveal what he'd like about himself.

Thanks to everyone here. I enjoy each of your comments and posts.

Now, as you know, I'm big on democracy. I'll be calling on some of our ladies to volunteer as a moderator from the feminine perspective. Let me be quick to say that none of you North of the Mason-Dixon Line, or West of the Mississippi, will be exempt from my request. This is very much an equal opportunity group. Smile

For the feminists in the group, please excuse my use of "ladies." I am from the South.

As we say around here, I was "raised right." I was popped on the rear by my grandmother for telling her there was a woman at the door. "She is a Lady," my grandmother said with great emphasis and then apologized to the lady at the door who said she was in dire need of the use of our "facilities."

Well...just how should I put this? My grandmother subsequently found the "lady" passed out in our facility with a syringe dangling from her limp arm. It was in the late 1950s. It seems the lady had a heroin problem.

So, you see, I mean to show no chauvinism in my speech. It is ingrained, inherent, and embedded. And, as for my digression, you'll have to be patient with me. After all, I am a Southerner. One must always tell a story.

But to return to our original purpose of this post, welcome to you Everitt. I thank you for your good help.

Lawyer Stevens

[Larry]

Everitt wrote: It's very humbling to be asked to help with a group of intelligent and thoughtful individuals. I hope we can have some great debates in the coming months.

I like the word "debate." I do hope there will be some discussion of differences of opinion occasionally. But I have the impression that debate is not what "polite" southerners do with strangers. But I do assume that there will be some different takes on what we are reading. I am hoping for some civil debate.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Larry wrote: "I like the word 'debate.' I do hope there will be some discussion of differences of opinion occasionally. But I have the impression that debate is not what "polite" southerners do with strangers. But I do assume that there will be some different takes on what we are reading. I am hoping for some civil debate. "

Oh, I definitely think "polite" Southerners do debate. Often, in the past, to the point of illegal dueling. *chuckle* However, debate does not connote ill-will. Debate can be a weapon in the hands of one individual, wherever they happen to reside. Or, it can be a thorough and thoughtful means of discussing the merits or lack thereof of every book the group chooses to read. I have been a participant in groups, particularly a writers' group that dissolved into absolute rancor and flame wars over the most insignificant of issues. As long as ego is not an element of debate, it is a healthy and welcome thing.

"Lawyer Stevens",
who does NOT own a set of duelling pistols, but is always up for a good discussion, but is a crack shot with a Walther PK .380. *AHEM*

[Kathleen]

Larry, Please take it from me that while Mike is a polite Southerner (as I think I am), we can both debate endlessly (and frequently loudly).

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Kathy wrote: "Larry, Please take it from me that while Mike is a polite Southerner (as I think I am), we can both debate endlessly (and frequently loudly)."

My friend, you always put things so diplomatically. A hearty chuckle here.

Mike, who hopes that the role of Gavin Stevens isn't driving you totally bonkers...much. Laughing Big

[Larry]

Everitt wrote: "I noticed you are originally from Michigan but have lived in Virginia for eight years. I'm curious as to what your impression of the state has been so far? And what brought you down here in the first place?"

I live on the James River in a loft in a converted shoe warehouse in a revitalizing downtown in Lynchburg, Virginia. I moved here to do that and because there is less traffic and less winter.

I am an ethical humanist living in the Bible Belt. I am a liberal living in the red part of the state. I never heard of Carson McCullers until a couple of weeks ago and now I have two of her books to read. I have a biography of Eudora Welty to see if I can figure out what she is talking about.

Since I live in the south, I better learn more about it than just politics and religion! I am sure I am going to learn a lot here because the people who post in this group know a lot more about the south than I do.