In the Delta Elite Lounge at the Atlanta Airport
I have always wondered where Republicans came from.
Granted, I grew up around the military and know plenty of conservative people, but when one considers my background, even with the significant degree of military influence, I have spent more time around young students and idealists (differentiate at your own leisure) than I have around well dressed, scared white men intimately involved in corporate America.
Already I have heard a discussion as to how drilling in Florida and the ANWAR will give us more oil than we could ever use and a husband and wife fretting over whether or not they will get the same room at their favorite five star.
There are several others in my situation here, but I don't know if they are enjoying the same people-watching experience I am. Indeed, it took me some time, too, to calm down after finding out about the free brownies and beer. The buffet offered plenty of wonderment as well, as my peers and I are generally not accustomed to a variety selection of free humuses (humi?) or caviar atop our deviled eggs. Even so, once I stopped and looked around, I couldn't wait to judge everyone around me based on the incredible indulgences that make up the American Dream.
My one consolation is that there are Brits participating in the hulabaloo as well. It makes me feel good that a corporate aristocracy (and the ignorance regarding the general populus it sometimes yields) is not limited to our great country. I'll remember this moment next time I am scoffed at by a European.
All the same, one day I may earn my way into this elite airport culture by my own merits instead of ticketing constraints. I may very well become just as oblivious to the long term consequences of my hedonistic ethics. Until then, however, I will enjoy my free beer and try not to be blinded by the gleam off of all the lapel pins.