During dinner, the organizers passed around a microphone and asked all the family heads to stand and introduce themselves, along with their spouse and children. Along with names, people were encouraged to say how long they've lived here, where they came from, and any other pertinent information.
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This, dear readers, is just one snapshot of life in the midst of the nationwide exodus of people relocating. These newcomers in our area aren't unique. Similar scenarios are unfolding in conservative areas all across the country.

For the last couple of years, Americans have been on the move. The COVID lockdowns prompted millions of people to leave the cities and take up residence in suburban or rural areas in a movement called the "Great Relocation." This movement was compounded by how fast urban areas embraced woke policies that made them unlivable (so many city leaders defunded the police and then acted surprised when crime skyrocketed).
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But the people we met at this get-together are not leftugees. They are America's political refugees.

The pressure on conservatives living in blue areas has gotten worse and worse. Schools are hostile to conservative values. Health care is hostile. Libraries are hostile. Social media is hostile. Even some churches are hostile. In short, the climate for many has become untenable. Most are forced to live with their lips perpetually zipped. One false word, one incautious statement, one non-woke observation, and they could honestly be in fear of their safety. No wonder these people flee and end up as our new neighbors, grateful beyond words to be living in a place where they're not spat upon, cussed out, beaten, robbed and generally hated.
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The political refugees we met at this gathering are going to be wonderful additions to our community. They won't be bringing blue policies with them. In fact, they're far more likely to fight to uphold the values that attracted them here to begin with.