The True Symbol of Takoma Park

Pappy is a resident of Takoma Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. An "alternative" community, we like to say this is where the hippies fled when the local communes shut down in the 70's. Whereas we would be considered bleeding-heart liberals in a "red" state, around here we fall squarely into the more conservative end of the bell curve. You always feel sad for the Republicans in the city, both of them; their lawn signs are drowned in the torrent of signs for opposing candidates and viewpoints.

Takoma Park has a friendly, small-town feel in the looming shadow of DC, and we have a diverse group of neighbors and local celebrities. Alternately known as "Azalea City" (because there are lots) and "Tree City" (because there are lots, and you can't cut any down), I've been thinking our true symbol ought to be the car bumper. Bumper stickers are a way of life here, and you'll routinely see references to world peace, the goddess, gay rights, vegans, midwives, UFOs, Democratic candidates, and, of course, uncomplimentary references to the President on the backs of the ten-year old minivans and beat-up economy cars. Personally, our cars keep a low profile.

By the way, Takoma Park is noted for being a Nuclear-Free Zone, but I never have been sure exactly what that means.