From reader LE (who is in the same corner of Ohio as Rayelan, I believe):

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I live in NE Ohio. Right on the edge of the 4th largest Amish and Mennonite communities in the US. I've been to Amish auctions, salvage stores, swapmeets and flea markets and businesses. I've had the opportunity to speak with Amish men about a variety of subjects as an "Englisher." Unbeknownst to them, I am Jewish and do understand some Yiddish. There is "High German" and "Low German." Some of the "Low German" has Yiddish roots. Much of the Amish and Mennonite dialect is "Low German."

To say that the Amish don't involve themselves in government or politics is largely true. There are however, exceptions. Some months ago, there was a miles long "Trump Train" here in Geauga County sponsered by the local TEA Party. Many Amish were standing on the side of the road beside there horse and buggy's waving American flags.

Back around May or June, the Amish were having a protest against the "Face Diaper" policies of the local ChinaMart. The local TEA Party got wind of it and showed up with a few hundred people in solidarity.

As the article states, they embrace their liberties and freedom to worship their Creator. You wouldn't find that many Amish that don't own a firearm or multiple firearms. And they wouldn't be "on paper."

If you traveled the backroads in Amish Country, you'd notice frequent school signs put up by the county. Each district has it's own school and it's own teachers. Outhouses are the norm. The district owns and maintains the buildings and property. Education usually lasts until about the 8th grade

If you could travel some back country road like Georgia Road in Geauga County some Sunday evening, you'd see the vibrancy of faith, family and community. The "old folks" are sitting around a the fire while the "younguns" are playing volleyball or some other sport.

There are many religious districts in Amish country. Each district has a Bishop. There is no "church building." Amish houses are designed with large living rooms and dining rooms for a purpose. The Church only owns benches and a few other furniture items.

Church is in a different house each LORD's Day, Sunday. The furniture is carried by horse and buggy to that house for worship services. In essence, this is the very meaning of "House Church." Men are most likely separate from the women and children. Men are usually in the living room for the main part of the service while the women and children are in the dining room. Everyone comes together for a meal after service for continuned fellowship. Fellowship continues into the evening at someone's home.

It is wonderfully interesting to travel the backroads at dusk and beyond. The glow of the kerosene lamps in various rooms of the house cast an interesting glow.
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