WHERE IT BEGAN

In 1963 when I was 21 I went to Europe. On my return trip to the US aboard the America, I met a charming, attractive, funny girl from England.  We were friends for 53 years. We wrote regularly and met occasionally. I always referred to her as my longest-term friend. At the beginning of the last presidential campaign, she called to chat. After a while, she launched into an attack on Hillary Clinton, spouting all the popular misinformation of the day. I expressed my admiration for Hillary and suggested that my friend was yet another victim of Republican propaganda. I also pointed out that if Trump won because of misguided persons like her, it would be a disaster for America. The call ended on a sour note. When I sent an e-mail to make things right, I inadvertently attached another e-mail expressing my disappointment at her lack of facts. Despite several e-mail apologies I have never heard from her again. I wonder if she—realizing what a tragic mistake Trump was—ever regrets our estrangement. Probably not. Like so many people, she probably still believes all the lies about Hillary Clinton and never thought to do some actual research.