It was supposed to rain today but it has been dry and, for the most part, sunny. Andy and I read most of the morning then took a long walk and finished with a drive around the outer perimeter of the Galena Territories. Interesting. It's a non-gated, gated community with all the amenities that come with a level of privilege. There are twenty-six miles of walking/hiking trails, a stable, a marina (nothing allowed on the lake over 10 hp), a lodge, an owners clubhouse and three 18-hole golf courses set amongst the homes. The Territories are being managed well by a maintenance group that barely makes their presence known. In fact, the occupants of the Territories are barely seen, at least we haven't seen many since we arrived on Friday last. It is quiet here. Very quiet.
We've had several long discussions on privilege even to the extent that we have no idea what we are talking about since neither of us has been more than a brush near privilege. At least we think we might have been that close. It's not clear since we also don't know how much money constitutes a lot. There is a home next to our rental cottage for sale. I looked it up. It is listing currently for $1,475,000.00. The home has 6 bathrooms, 6 bedrooms, a dog run, a three-sided granite fireplace, a game room, a sauna, an exercise room and some other rooms. I'd list those however I am not altogether sure what they are so you can just imagine. There are many houses in the Territories for sale that are listed well below the million and a half price but I'll bet there are many that will give this property a run.
Andy and I can't get our heads around that kind of monied privilege. We don't know what people do who make the kind of money to have an $8,650/mo house payment. Or a 4-car garage or not to even live here but live in Chicago and use this as a weekend/summer retreat. Amazing. On our walk this noon we tossed around possible careers a person (or two) would have to have to afford this luxury. Then we began laughing because we have no idea what we are even talking about. We live in a 2-bedroom apartment in Janesville, Wisconsin, a relative haven for the Common Person. We have one older car with high mileage and don't travel except to see relatives. We rent movies from Netflix, don't go to theater movies much, pay bills (sins from previous years), read books bought cheap from Amazon or from the library and consider a really, really good time coming to this cottage as a splurge for 7 days. We also have considered a good and important time to be going to protest in Madison. I don't think we would fit in here with the level of savior faire needed to negotiate the monthly cocktail parties at the Clubhouse.
All that said, we are having a completely fabulous time as renters of the cottage. It's interesting to peek in on what wealthier people are doing with and having in their lives. Each time we drop in to the Territory store for something or other we see ladies from Chicago shopping the bakery or the package store. I have seen some sizable rocks!(I don't just assume they're from Chicago, the plates give them away) Friday morning we will have to pack up and return to Janesville. In the meantime we have had a view in to a gated world. It's been quite instructive.
Tonight we are missing a Common People's gathering at the Holiday Inn in Janesville to protest Gov. Walker's appearance there. He's coming to do some Business Speak to the Forward Janesville group. I muse on what it is Forward Janesville will come away with when the Gov leaves tonight. What will they hear during his remarks that will assure them Janesville is a priority on his agenda? What do they wish for him to do about the GM plant, hulking at the side of the Rock River? What is it they feel he can give to their effort to encourage business in this beleaguered community after the end of nearly one hundred years of auto manufacturing? Especially as the apparent end of collective bargaining, a mainstay of the auto industry, is also going the way of the plant. I don't wish to leave this hideaway in the privileged Territories but I'd give anything to have a Star Trek transporter so I could drop in on the festivities tonight. The Common People are going to be there, outside, holding signs and singing songs. I know they feel privileged to be exercising their rights in their own home town.
Power To All The People!
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