Huckleberries: Not only rude, but wrong, too

It’s not every day that a coupla North Idaho natives are told to “go back to California,” including one who’s a 220-pound star football lineman. But that’s what happened recently to Starr Kelso and his son, Matt. Starr told about it on his blog, Go Figure. Seems the two were enjoying a ride in Matt’s car, with the sunroof open. As they turned toward home, Starr sez, “the stillness was broken by a loud yell.” Starr didn’t catch what was said because he’s a bit deaf from all those yesterdays of working in the Silver Valley mines without earplugs. But he recognized the tone. His hackles were raised even before his son told him what had been yelled at them. Then, he was startled. After all, he was born in Wallace and his son was born in Coeur d’Alene. They’ve lived in North Idaho their entire lives. He was also puzzled that the rednecks in a rig behind them knew that his son had been in California for a few days in July. Where he’d picked up his new vehicle as a gift from his brother-in-law. That’s when it hit him. The car still bore California plates. Again, Starr: “I’ve never been around someone who arbitrarily has been belligerently anti-Californian.” The incident helped Starr to understand why former Californians are quick to apologize for their former place of residence. And to comment that “obnoxious slobs” like those in the other rig who discriminate against newbies from California aren’t true North Idahoans.