Drove Into Reser's Fine Foods yesterday for my daily delivery of 6500 gallons of soybean oil just as I've done for the last four years. Great place, great people and everyone there is happy and working hard. What the heck...? Where's the production crew and the guys buzzing around the warehouse on forklifts?

Paul in Quality Assurance tells me that so many folks are attending the Immigration demonstrations in downtown Portland that they had to call off production for the day. Told me that this was part of a "Day Without a Mexican" deal. Paul is from Poland. Anh, who checked my sample, ticked off the seal numbers and signed my bill of lading has Vietnamese parents. On the way out, I waved at Ali from the Middle East who supervises bulk supply and guys like me delivering with tankers.

Today I returned and found the Mexican production and warehouse crew at their customary stations. I dodge a forklift and hear a sincere "How ya doin' buddy!", turn and find the Latino driver giving me a wave and a grin. Well, he did have an accent but I show these guys respect and they return it, no cost but has rewards I think.

Strange world we live in and our country is a true melting pot and we're just seeking a new level... again!