A nice reprieve

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a car show that took place in a wealthy and well-known suburb just north of Indianapolis. The remarkably well-attended event served as a testament to the community’s shared passion for classic beauty on four wheels. The cars were phenomenal — polished to a mirror sheen, each curve and contour a celebration of craftsmanship intertwined seamlessly with utility (no sport necessary). It was an outdoor congregation of engineering marvels and a nostalgic homage to the automotive achievements of many nations. The weather contributed its own melodic note to the symphony of the day — temperate and forgiving, as if nature consciously fostered an environment of enjoyment and appreciation. The ambiance was effortlessly pleasant, characterized by the kind of light-hearted camaraderie that can be hard to find these days. In a world that is increasingly polarized by political puffery and the cacophony of constant campaigning, it is rare to find a sanctuary that affords one a temporary reprieve from the seemingly relentless struggles of life. Amid this serene backdrop, where politics seemed as distant as the moon, I was starkly reminded of our current social climate by a bold statement that was emblazoned on a passerby’s...