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The Slice: Some of us just don’t know jack

I think I have figured out the difference between rural and urban Inland Northwesterners.

It’s this: Rural residents know how to change a tire.

OK, of course, there are city dwellers who have mastered the art of putting on the spare. And I suppose there are a handful of people out in the country who cannot swap out a flat.

But as a general rule, it’s increasingly safe to say that rural residents can do it and city people can’t. Or won’t.

Now this isn’t the only thing changing in America. Still, it’s indicative of something significant. I’m just not sure what.

Almost all of us get tired of hearing “Back in my day” stories. But the simple fact is changing a tire once was regarded as a basic ability. Parents instructed their driving-age children about lugs nuts, et cetera, and made sure the kids knew their way around the trunk of the car.

Today, a driver with a flat is more likely to reach for the phone and have someone come take care of it. At least, that’s life in the city.

Out in farm country, there isn’t always the luxury of having someone else come do the tire wrangling. With low-traffic roads and spotty cell service, you pretty much need to know how to handle it yourself.

I’m not suggesting all rural residents are self-reliant salt of the earth types and all city dwellers are helpless sissies. There is no more truth to that than saying all those out in the country are hicks and everyone in town has streets smarts.

But when it comes to flat tires, we are divided.

When was the last time you changed a flat tire?

New nominations sought: For The Slice’s Inland Northwest Barn Cat Hall of Fame.

It has been years since I asked for these. If you have photos, please include them – even if the feline in question is no longer with us.

Warm-up question: How broad is the spectrum of experiences after previously home-schooled kids enroll in a traditional school?

Today’s Slice question: After you have been out of town and have just gotten back, what’s the one thing that always reminds you there’s no place like Spokane?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. The Slice endorses women wearing denim jackets.

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