I dislike the phrase "white trash" intensely. I feel the same way about the western state version ("trailer trash"). I find it very disturbing to hear employees in public schools, police departments and the judicial system using these terms - especially when they are talking about children.

Historically, white trash and the "N" word were so close in social status, they were considered synonymous. In some parts of the country, like mine, white trash were considered race traitors. Unfortunately, people today don't seem to know enough history to realize that the use of these terms reinforces racism.

I live in a small southern town where very few of my neighbors look or think like me, but they love my cakes and cookies. When it comes to winning hearts and minds, homemade cakes and cookies go a long way. When I deliver baked goods to my neighbors, I get hugs and smiles. I may be the only liberal for a hundred miles, but I am the only one people around here can talk to about current events. We have some really good conversations.

Of course some people won't even look at me, let alone wave hello (because I talk to those "other" people). But in my book, four houses in a neighborhood of 30 homes is a win. Do I change hearts and minds? No, I don't. Sometimes calming people down is the best we can do.

Calm people tend to think more clearly, so I figure that too, is a win.