Voices What Do You Think?
Is the Thermostat Getting Political?
As households nationwide report tension over a single dial, the Reporter asked residents whether the thermostat has become political.
“I keep it at 70 because that is the number my father kept it at, and his father before him, who did not have a thermostat but would have picked 70.”
Brenda Coulter, 54 Dental office manager “I don’t think so. But I have noticed lately that my thermostat only shows me temperatures I already agree with.”
Marcus Pell, 31 Freight dispatcher “In my day you put on a sweater and you didn’t bring it up at dinner. Now my grandson has a position.”
Gloria Ainsley, 67 Retired “My wife and I have agreed not to discuss it until after the holidays. In the meantime, we’ve set it to Fan.”
Darnell Fitch, 42 Insurance adjuster “I unplugged mine in protest. It’s now the most neutral thermostat in the house, and I have never been colder or more right.”
Hank Oberlin, 58 Small-engine repair