Those who did claim to remember, all too well, kept giving him sad looks which soon—it being Illinois—soured into what was known as moral horror.
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What is it about Illinois that turns "sad looks" into "moral horror"? Is this one of the reasons the area is known as The Bible Belt? I grew up in California where if we remembered somebody's sin, we'd probably invite them to our next party. I don't believe I ever encountered "moral horror" growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s. Oh, but the 1980s changed that. Thanks a lot, Reagan and your demonizing of those infected with HIV and AIDS. But that was less a "moral horror" originating in the Bay Area and more of an American moral horror targeted at our national neighborhood.
"moral horror"
This phrase just intrigues me all the more! What sin did Lew Basnight commit?! Is this what's called a "plot hook"?! Or am I just being titillated by small town gossip?! Either way, I'm all atwitter!
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