Where's the beef?

Regionalism happens. As long as there are people, there will be regional factions. We always need to have an adversary. Every green lawn needs the other side of the fence. Every Cub needs a Cardinal. Every IU needs a Purdue. Unfortunately, when these differences become the grounds for any conflict more than a playful jest, we have a serious problem. \nYou can't make hard and fast judgment calls unless you put things in perspective. If you're a Midwesterner accusing a New Yorker of being stuck-up and privileged, consider this: You both live in the United States, the most powerful, privileged nation on earth. If you're an East Coaster accusing a Hoosier of being a slack-jawed yokel, don't forget that you both got accepted by and chose to go to the same university -- this one. \nRed state, blue state? East Coast, Midwest? Cubs, Cards? It doesn't matter. We should consider character first. \nP.S. Go Cubs!