There are those who will say that Margaret Wente's rant against her washing machine is proof that the Luddites are always with us. However, every technological advance is abhorred by someone or other. It's my belief that one of the greatest blows to civilization was the introduction of the washing machine.
Even the tub-and-washboard were a step in the wrong direction. Try to imagine how wonderful it must have been when all the women in the neighborhood got together down by the river on wash-day, giggling, grousing and gossiping while they happily swished their soiled clothing against the rocks. Compare that harmonious scene to the loneliness of the modern woman and her infernal washing machine? Were those river-laundry get-togethers the good-old-days, or what?
William Bedford
Toronto, Ontario
CFP “Poet in Residence” William Bedford was born in Dublin, Ireland, but has lived in Toronto for most of his life. His poems and articles have been published in many Canadian journals and in some American publications.
