CHAPS

We photographed the car in front of a roadhouse on Hwy. 176 near St. Matthews, S.C. , which goes by the name of Chaps. We're pretty certain that this is not a franchisee of Ralph Lauren and willing to bet that these folks aren't British since that ain't the Union Jack flying up there.

Neither does this seem like the headquarters of Welcome Wagon. We've eyed the place in passing a few times before and thought that it might be wise to wait until the parking lot was clear of motorcycles, pickups and draft animals before calling at their door. There seemed to be no one guarding the place except for that moose which is hiding behind the tree.

For Chaps, the jewel in their crown is clearly the "C" flag. We have learned that it is politically correct to bring up any odious word using its first letter, in caps if you can, in quotes if you will. That way we can admit that we know the bad word, use it openly and often, but prove that we fear and loath it. The red in the "C" flag is for the red herring, that handy device which provides the necessary absolution from logic, facts and history. It means that one need not set their own house in order, need neither care for nor support their own issue, but have the blank check of blame to write anytime, anywhere for any amount. This currency would dry up should anything happen to the old "C" flag.

The present irony is that the Bubbas who keep that old flag flying are not protesters against the politically correct they are enablers of it.