Admittedly, I am not macho nor do I care. So, everything I'm about to say can have the previous sentence used as a qualifier.
Toxic masculinity is one of the main contributors to our societal woes. It has often had a hand in the mass shootings. Toxic masculinity is the foundation of rape culture; thus it naturally plays a role in the mindset that dismisses #MeToo. Toxic masculinity affects our politics and who is elected. *Whispering* And, if you think this is a right wing problem you would be seriously mistaken. Toxic masculinity is pervasive in society regardless of race, political affiliation or even gender. Yes, I said gender.
Now, the concept of masculinity today is different (thankfully) from what it was 50 years ago. However, the "traditional" view of masculinity is still quite prevalent. In fact, one could argue it helped fuel a certain presidential campaign.
Many people see masculinity as being a certain way and if you don't adhere to that way you're weak and soft. Being a man means being tough or more accurately appearing tough. Showing any vulnerable emotions is effeminate. Real men control everything. They're dominant. Being masculine means there are certain things you're entitled to and taking no for an answer is not acceptable.
I'm sure some read the previous paragraph and said that's not true. But, it is. I know plenty of "real men" and they all adhere to things I listed. They might say in a singular statement women are equal but everything else they say and do highly suggests otherwise.
As I said, I know plenty of "real men-tough guys. They believe only certain jobs are for men and they feel inadequate if they have to work a "woman's job". They feel certain types of television programming and music are not entertainment men should partake. Superhero movies are good while romantic comedies are bad. Two Chains is a man but if you listen to John Legend you must be "funny". This mess is still happening in 2018 every single day.
Toxic masculinity says real men are tough and keep their women in check. We all know these guys. They walk around with their arms all puffed up at their sides. They are constantly mean mugging. They threaten to beat up anyone who "crosses" them. They're initial reaction to everything is either to get their gun or start throwing hands. Talking things out is for pussies. We all know that dude and probably know plenty of those dudes.
What kills me though is almost every #ToughGuy I know isn't actually that tough. If anyone stands up to them they crumble into punk bitches. With any adversity or failure they react like petulant children. And, they don't understand the difference between being tough and being strong.
I know a lot of strong men. They aren't dudes sipping chai tea. They would describe themselves as masculine. But, they are secure enough to show emotion or vulnerability. They don't feel the need to tell you how tough they are. They don't feel their being a man entitles them to whatever they want.
Earlier I said toxic masculinity has a hand in these mass shootings. They do. Many of these shootings are because of losing an ex-wife or unrequited love or because they were bullied by having their manhood challenged. Many of these males held their emotions in until they exploded. As is often the case, using a gun or performing some sort of violence was seen as the only option. In the cases of lost or unrequited love these guys had an attitude of entitlement to these women which led to anger when they were rejected.
Don't get me wrong. Nothing is wrong with masculinity, so don't even go there. Toxic masculinity, however, is an entirely different story. These archaic ideas of what being a man is are ridiculous. It's ok to cry. It's ok to show vulnerability. It's ok to be empathetic. These are not characteristics that make you a "pussy". And, these dudes who love to say that are showing their effed up view of masculinity by calling anyone they don't see as a real man a "pussy", which is misogynistic.
As I said earlier, some of the biggest whiners and cry babies I know are these #ToughGuys. They get sick it's like they're five years old. If something doesn't go their way, they literally stomp and mope around. Someone has the gall to disagree or contradict them they become pettier than any 16 year old girl could dream of being.
Being a man isn't about being tough, intimidating, controlling or emotionless. Being a man is the same as being a decent human being which is being strong through adversity, humble, thoughtful and empathetic. It's about taking care of your family and others; not so you can say, "Look at me! I take care of mine!" but because it's the right thing to do.
If you have to constantly show or say how tough you are and you're a man, I am going to have serious doubts as to whether you're being honest. Real men don't have to tell you they're real men.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
Truth Is Not Subjective
The late Senator Patrick Moynihan once said, "Everyone is entitled to their own, but not their own facts." The truth is made up of facts. Facts are not subjective. Thus, the truth is not subjective.
However, we live in a time some people call the "post fact era". We reside in a space where we believe what we want to believe regardless of it's authenticity or factual standing. The truth is what we want it to be. This nonsense has caused our society to become caustic, narcissistic and toxic.
Any truly free society must have freedom of opinion and a structure of truth. The members of such a society must understand that these two things are different but by no means are mutually exclusive. Any solid reasonable intelligent opinion has to be composed of facts.
Now, while the truth is certifiably objective and facts are undeniably elements of certainty, how truth and facts are perceived can be varied. For instance, the country's job numbers are unquestionably high. Unemployment is low. That is not up for debate. But, the interpretation of those numbers can be a matter for discussion. If you're a proponent of the current administration you will likely say 230,000 plus jobs added every month is an awesome achievement. However, a critic of the current administration could point out many of those jobs are low wage and low skilled jobs. Both lines of thought can be seen as true. But, what is unquestionably a fact is the raw added job numbers.
What is happening though in the current landscape of the country is facts are only being acknowledged if it fits a desired narrative. If said facts do not fit the narrative they are either being ignored or represented as a falsehood. Gaslighting has become as natural for some as breathing. It could be argued maybe more so.
We dwell in a time where people literally make up their own truth. A practice that used to be reserved for the deranged, unhinged and criminal.
If people read or hear something they don't like, they label it "fake news" even if it's something that has been proven and is verifiably accurate. Folks literally reject things that are right in front of their face for something more palatable.
We have people of prominence, influence and power who get up before us every day and simply lie. They twist and distort facts. They call facts lies and lies facts. They say, "The truth is what we tell you it is." But, it is not! The truth is what the facts say it is.
Look, I'm 5'4". Yes, I am short. I am perfectly fine with my height. However, I will not lie. It'd be nice to be 5'11" or 6'0". But, I'm not. I could tell people, "I'm 6'1"." They would look at me like I was insane and say, "Bruh. You're short. You are not 6'1"." I could reply that I am and keep repeating it. How crazy does that sound? Well, guess what, people do similar every single day. Some of our leaders do it. People do it in their personal lives. It's gaslighting run amok.
Here is the issue. It works. It really works. As a society we are so polarized, so narcissistic, so caught up in our prejudices and self-indulgence that we allow it to work.
Instead of accepting the reality we're in and working to change it if we don't like it, we create our own. Or, we reside in a reality created by someone else. We literally live in bubbles. "Bubbles" is an in vogue term but an accurate one. Many of us insulate ourselves from any and everything we don't want to be associated with or accept. Many of us ignore the truth if the truth isn't what fits our ideal world. We gravitate toward a bubble that will cultivate the truth we want.
The media has been made victim of this. The so-called mainstream media has numerous faults. They have biases. But, the vast majority report accurately. They relay the facts as they are. Some may put a slant on them but they report verified information. And, if you don't accept what they say the information they report is verifiable. And, what isn't verifiable most of the news organizations are very good at saying that.
But, so many people reject any news stories or articles if they are negative toward their "guy or woman" or a subject they're for. Again, it's called "fake news" regardless if the information is verifiably factual. However, if the news is something they like, "Well, they're being truthful."
As someone who loves journalism and information and who loves to learn, it saddens me that we are in this "post fact era". This mindset that has pervaded our culture is toxic. Quite frankly, it is dangerous.
One of the pillars of a democracy is the fourth estate, the press. A free press is essential to a free society. That is exactly the reason a free press is mentioned in the beginning of our Constitution. But, the press is under constant attacks from some of our leaders. And, they're not under attack because they are lying. They're under attack because they are reporting facts. And, facts themselves face attack every day.
It is not just an issue in our politics but in personal interactions. People will literally attack and gaslight other people for merely confronting them with the truth. This should not happen in a healthy democratic republic.
The truth is perhaps the pillar that holds us up. The ability to hear the truth, read the truth and express the truth is what makes us free. The truth is not what we say it is. The truth is what facts say it is. Hopefully, we haven't so lost sight of this that it's too late.
However, we live in a time some people call the "post fact era". We reside in a space where we believe what we want to believe regardless of it's authenticity or factual standing. The truth is what we want it to be. This nonsense has caused our society to become caustic, narcissistic and toxic.
Any truly free society must have freedom of opinion and a structure of truth. The members of such a society must understand that these two things are different but by no means are mutually exclusive. Any solid reasonable intelligent opinion has to be composed of facts.
Now, while the truth is certifiably objective and facts are undeniably elements of certainty, how truth and facts are perceived can be varied. For instance, the country's job numbers are unquestionably high. Unemployment is low. That is not up for debate. But, the interpretation of those numbers can be a matter for discussion. If you're a proponent of the current administration you will likely say 230,000 plus jobs added every month is an awesome achievement. However, a critic of the current administration could point out many of those jobs are low wage and low skilled jobs. Both lines of thought can be seen as true. But, what is unquestionably a fact is the raw added job numbers.
What is happening though in the current landscape of the country is facts are only being acknowledged if it fits a desired narrative. If said facts do not fit the narrative they are either being ignored or represented as a falsehood. Gaslighting has become as natural for some as breathing. It could be argued maybe more so.
We dwell in a time where people literally make up their own truth. A practice that used to be reserved for the deranged, unhinged and criminal.
If people read or hear something they don't like, they label it "fake news" even if it's something that has been proven and is verifiably accurate. Folks literally reject things that are right in front of their face for something more palatable.
We have people of prominence, influence and power who get up before us every day and simply lie. They twist and distort facts. They call facts lies and lies facts. They say, "The truth is what we tell you it is." But, it is not! The truth is what the facts say it is.
Look, I'm 5'4". Yes, I am short. I am perfectly fine with my height. However, I will not lie. It'd be nice to be 5'11" or 6'0". But, I'm not. I could tell people, "I'm 6'1"." They would look at me like I was insane and say, "Bruh. You're short. You are not 6'1"." I could reply that I am and keep repeating it. How crazy does that sound? Well, guess what, people do similar every single day. Some of our leaders do it. People do it in their personal lives. It's gaslighting run amok.
Here is the issue. It works. It really works. As a society we are so polarized, so narcissistic, so caught up in our prejudices and self-indulgence that we allow it to work.
Instead of accepting the reality we're in and working to change it if we don't like it, we create our own. Or, we reside in a reality created by someone else. We literally live in bubbles. "Bubbles" is an in vogue term but an accurate one. Many of us insulate ourselves from any and everything we don't want to be associated with or accept. Many of us ignore the truth if the truth isn't what fits our ideal world. We gravitate toward a bubble that will cultivate the truth we want.
The media has been made victim of this. The so-called mainstream media has numerous faults. They have biases. But, the vast majority report accurately. They relay the facts as they are. Some may put a slant on them but they report verified information. And, if you don't accept what they say the information they report is verifiable. And, what isn't verifiable most of the news organizations are very good at saying that.
But, so many people reject any news stories or articles if they are negative toward their "guy or woman" or a subject they're for. Again, it's called "fake news" regardless if the information is verifiably factual. However, if the news is something they like, "Well, they're being truthful."
As someone who loves journalism and information and who loves to learn, it saddens me that we are in this "post fact era". This mindset that has pervaded our culture is toxic. Quite frankly, it is dangerous.
One of the pillars of a democracy is the fourth estate, the press. A free press is essential to a free society. That is exactly the reason a free press is mentioned in the beginning of our Constitution. But, the press is under constant attacks from some of our leaders. And, they're not under attack because they are lying. They're under attack because they are reporting facts. And, facts themselves face attack every day.
It is not just an issue in our politics but in personal interactions. People will literally attack and gaslight other people for merely confronting them with the truth. This should not happen in a healthy democratic republic.
The truth is perhaps the pillar that holds us up. The ability to hear the truth, read the truth and express the truth is what makes us free. The truth is not what we say it is. The truth is what facts say it is. Hopefully, we haven't so lost sight of this that it's too late.
Monday, July 2, 2018
The Democratic Party's Bitchassness Is Why They Can't Have Nice Things
Allow me to start off by saying I owe the U.S. Representative from California, Maxine Waters, an apology. I was wrong. I rewatched her entire comments twice and she said nothing wrong. This is the second time today I've apologized because I was wrong. Sometimes you have to be an adult-an actual grown mature man and admit when you've been wrong.
Auntie Maxine wasn't inciting violence with her comments a couple of weeks ago. I thought upon initial listening they were inappropriate because they could be misconstrued but upon actually listening to everything in context I concluded my previous conclusion was stupid. I got caught paying attention to Conservatives and Fox News who as always cherry pick and distort. I also got caught up in listening to Democratic leaders who also condemned Rep. Waters for something she didn't say. The Republicans and the President (so-called) hijacked the narrative and twisted it into something to rile up their subjugated base.
And, therein lies the difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Somebody says something slightly controversial and the GOP manipulates into being something it isn't while the Dems take the bait hook, line and sinker. They then wind up aiding the GOP in ripping their own in some misguided attempt to snatch the moral high ground.
Do you think for one effin second if a Conservative politician had said that about Obama's administration what Waters said about the current administration that Republican leadership would've condemned their comments? Chile, please! They would've doubled down and fortified around them. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would've disappeared from sight while every Conservative pundit alive would've flooded CNN, Fox News and MSNBC defending the comments and repudiating anyone who dared criticized or called the statements "inciting violence".
Straight up, Democrats (in particular the leadership) are soft as baby shit. They allow themselves to be pushed around and bullied. They allow Conservatives to dictate the narrative. Dems are always concerned with "appearing to do the right thing or be civil" while Republicans could give a rat's left nut. The GOP could not care less about how they appear or even if their stances and talking points are coherent. All they're concerned with is dominating the conversation and dictating the narrative.
This entire Supreme Court nomination is the perfect example. Colonel Sanders nephew, Mitch McConnell, doesn't give two damns he looks like a blazing hypocrite about this nomination nor that he stole the previous nomination from President Obama. That wannabe Civil War reenactment participant stood on the Senate floor last week and with a straight face said that this nomination needed to be confirmed swiftly. Nevermind the nomination is being made by a president under multiple investigations who has shown a tendency to think he's above the law and isn't even close to being above selecting a justice who'll guarantee him of ruling in his favor should his legal predicament go before the Supreme Court. To hell with all of that if this justice will also overturn Roe V. Wade and LGBTQ rights. Someone like Chuck Schumer, on the other hand, would never do something like that because it would be "wrong". That's why Obama's lawful and just pick, Merrick Garland, was thieved in the first place. Obama and the Dems were too nice and trying to do right instead of ensuring they got their way and win.
See, the GOP doesn't give a fuck. That goes for elected officials, the base and the evangelicals. They aren't interested in doing "right". They are interested in only winning. And, evangelical Christians, save it. I mean really save it! If morals, ethics and doing what is just was really your concern you wouldn't have hitched your wagon to a morally bankrupt, unethical, ungodly, corrupt repugnant person like the current president. Save the crap. That ship has sailed and is lost at sea!
Another example is this entire bullshit convo about civility. Something else which I fell into the trap. I largely stand by what I said last week about civility. But, having civility doesn't mean losing your nutsack. Sorry, it doesn't. It is absolutely absurd for Democrats to cower in shame over lectures from Conservatives about civility. Are you fucking kidding me. The same people who are shamelessly fear mongering and lying about Liberals wanting unchecked unpatrolled open borders are lecturing about civility? The same people who call anyone who is prochoice "baby killers" is lecturing about civility. The folks who scream at homosexuals "God hates fags" are lecturing about civility? The very people who stay silent or look the other way regarding White Nationalists, White Supremacists and Neo-Nazis are preaching about civility? The people who full-throated support the guy at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave despite every racist, homophobic, xenophobic, misogynistic and repulsive thing he says and tweets are all high minded about civility? The people who cheer aforementioned dude at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave when he encourages violence at his ego rallies and incites vitriol toward journalists are scolding Liberals and Independents about being civil? Why, yes, yes they are? And, Democrats and Independents just take it shamefully looking pathetic and disgraceful.
The reason the Democratic base is so uninspired and disenchanted with the party is because they don't feel the infrastructure of the party has a backbone. They don't believe the leadership fights for them the same way the President ( so-called) and the GOP fights for their base. Or at least has the sense and perspective to fear it's base. And, they're right.
The Democrats only give credence to a fraction of their base. They don't seem to take seriously or listen to or adequately defend the true backbone of their base which is Black women, Hispanic women, the LGBTQ community, young people, millennials and Progressives. All of these folks fueled Bernie Sanders' campaign in 2016.
Instead the Pelosis, Schumers, Bookers and Clintons of the party think they can just be civil. They repel at Conservatives' attacks of being called "progressive", "radical", "leftists" and "socialists" instead of setting the record straight and firing back. They allow #CheetoJesus to propagate lies and half-truths about them and everything else without nary a word with the exception of a minute few. They "go high" but when they do that and allow unfettered false narratives to be spewed they hurt their standing and alienate their base. There is a reason Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kamala Harris, Maxine Waters, Eric Swalwell, Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff are the most popular people in the party and none of them are in leadership. It's because they push back against #Cheets and his bullshit. They punch back against the sycophants and ball lickers in Congress. They embrace the aforementioned groups of the base that establishment Democrats either ignore, take for granted or simply don't take seriously.
Take Ocasio-Cortez. She is 28 years old and took out an incumbent in the Bronx, Joe Crowley, who had literally been in Congress for a damn generation! She won in a system designed to protect people like Joe Crowley. She embraces the term Democratic Socialist. She pushes back when the likes of Nancy Pelosi dismisses her. She takes the gloves off when tools like Sean Hannity go after her. She doesn't recoil when two bit Conservative tv hosts attempt to discredit her by telling lies and distorting facts. She didn't do the usual Dem tactic and whimper like a lil bish. She stood firm and set the record straight. She defended her background, her parentage and her story. She didn't allow Republicans to dictate the narrative about her or steal her story. She essentially said, "Fuck you! This is who I am! You muthafuckas won't define me!" I took some journalistic liberties but it's essentially what she meant. And, for that, her base will solidify and her support will swell.
It's what #Cheets did and does. He didn't recoil at criticism. He doubled down. Of course, his behavior and most of his positions are either asinine or doomed for eventual failure or simply amoral and morally repugnant. But, he stands by them, makes his base believe he's fighting for them and he's unapologetic. Why the Democrats refuse to do the same I don't know. They always want to appear to have the moral high ground. Muthafuckas, you already do! You don't have to appear to do shit! Have some fucking convictions for God's sake! Stand up for the people who stand up for you and want to believe. Like Obama said the other night, "Quit moping." This self-loathing and searching for the perfect message and candidate is pathetic! Fight for what you claim to believe in. Don't give in. Don't succumb to media pressure or pressure from the other side! Be resistant and persistent! You don't have to get as sleazy as that Orange Wannabe Dictator. You can't realistically do that. But, you can battle and force your will!
It is exactly what the Republicans do. I watch MSNBC, CNN and Fox News. Every #Cheets Conservative pundit has one thing in common. Well, two. They lie without conscience. But, they also stick to their talking points. They never relent. They get the desired message across. And, most news hosts and some Liberal pundits never fact check them in real time.
Less than 1/3 of Americans identity themselves as Republican. On most key issues (abortion, immigration, race relations, environment, economy, entitlements, Russia) the Democrats have more of the public's support. Yet, Democrats can't win shit. They're almost non-existent in the middle of the country. Why? How? It's simple really. The GOP are brilliant at getting their message out and dictating the narrative. They vilify the other side with little to no resistance. They stand firm on their beliefs with no apologies. They have zero shame in their tactics. They don't care about the moral high ground in their approach. They care about winning! Winning at all costs. They come to the fight with guns while Liberals come with rocks and butter knives because it's the "civil" way to fight.
Democrats will continue to lose as long as they alienate their base and insist in being purveyors of bitchassness! #UltraFact
Auntie Maxine wasn't inciting violence with her comments a couple of weeks ago. I thought upon initial listening they were inappropriate because they could be misconstrued but upon actually listening to everything in context I concluded my previous conclusion was stupid. I got caught paying attention to Conservatives and Fox News who as always cherry pick and distort. I also got caught up in listening to Democratic leaders who also condemned Rep. Waters for something she didn't say. The Republicans and the President (so-called) hijacked the narrative and twisted it into something to rile up their subjugated base.
And, therein lies the difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Somebody says something slightly controversial and the GOP manipulates into being something it isn't while the Dems take the bait hook, line and sinker. They then wind up aiding the GOP in ripping their own in some misguided attempt to snatch the moral high ground.
Do you think for one effin second if a Conservative politician had said that about Obama's administration what Waters said about the current administration that Republican leadership would've condemned their comments? Chile, please! They would've doubled down and fortified around them. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would've disappeared from sight while every Conservative pundit alive would've flooded CNN, Fox News and MSNBC defending the comments and repudiating anyone who dared criticized or called the statements "inciting violence".
Straight up, Democrats (in particular the leadership) are soft as baby shit. They allow themselves to be pushed around and bullied. They allow Conservatives to dictate the narrative. Dems are always concerned with "appearing to do the right thing or be civil" while Republicans could give a rat's left nut. The GOP could not care less about how they appear or even if their stances and talking points are coherent. All they're concerned with is dominating the conversation and dictating the narrative.
This entire Supreme Court nomination is the perfect example. Colonel Sanders nephew, Mitch McConnell, doesn't give two damns he looks like a blazing hypocrite about this nomination nor that he stole the previous nomination from President Obama. That wannabe Civil War reenactment participant stood on the Senate floor last week and with a straight face said that this nomination needed to be confirmed swiftly. Nevermind the nomination is being made by a president under multiple investigations who has shown a tendency to think he's above the law and isn't even close to being above selecting a justice who'll guarantee him of ruling in his favor should his legal predicament go before the Supreme Court. To hell with all of that if this justice will also overturn Roe V. Wade and LGBTQ rights. Someone like Chuck Schumer, on the other hand, would never do something like that because it would be "wrong". That's why Obama's lawful and just pick, Merrick Garland, was thieved in the first place. Obama and the Dems were too nice and trying to do right instead of ensuring they got their way and win.
See, the GOP doesn't give a fuck. That goes for elected officials, the base and the evangelicals. They aren't interested in doing "right". They are interested in only winning. And, evangelical Christians, save it. I mean really save it! If morals, ethics and doing what is just was really your concern you wouldn't have hitched your wagon to a morally bankrupt, unethical, ungodly, corrupt repugnant person like the current president. Save the crap. That ship has sailed and is lost at sea!
Another example is this entire bullshit convo about civility. Something else which I fell into the trap. I largely stand by what I said last week about civility. But, having civility doesn't mean losing your nutsack. Sorry, it doesn't. It is absolutely absurd for Democrats to cower in shame over lectures from Conservatives about civility. Are you fucking kidding me. The same people who are shamelessly fear mongering and lying about Liberals wanting unchecked unpatrolled open borders are lecturing about civility? The same people who call anyone who is prochoice "baby killers" is lecturing about civility. The folks who scream at homosexuals "God hates fags" are lecturing about civility? The very people who stay silent or look the other way regarding White Nationalists, White Supremacists and Neo-Nazis are preaching about civility? The people who full-throated support the guy at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave despite every racist, homophobic, xenophobic, misogynistic and repulsive thing he says and tweets are all high minded about civility? The people who cheer aforementioned dude at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave when he encourages violence at his ego rallies and incites vitriol toward journalists are scolding Liberals and Independents about being civil? Why, yes, yes they are? And, Democrats and Independents just take it shamefully looking pathetic and disgraceful.
The reason the Democratic base is so uninspired and disenchanted with the party is because they don't feel the infrastructure of the party has a backbone. They don't believe the leadership fights for them the same way the President ( so-called) and the GOP fights for their base. Or at least has the sense and perspective to fear it's base. And, they're right.
The Democrats only give credence to a fraction of their base. They don't seem to take seriously or listen to or adequately defend the true backbone of their base which is Black women, Hispanic women, the LGBTQ community, young people, millennials and Progressives. All of these folks fueled Bernie Sanders' campaign in 2016.
Instead the Pelosis, Schumers, Bookers and Clintons of the party think they can just be civil. They repel at Conservatives' attacks of being called "progressive", "radical", "leftists" and "socialists" instead of setting the record straight and firing back. They allow #CheetoJesus to propagate lies and half-truths about them and everything else without nary a word with the exception of a minute few. They "go high" but when they do that and allow unfettered false narratives to be spewed they hurt their standing and alienate their base. There is a reason Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kamala Harris, Maxine Waters, Eric Swalwell, Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff are the most popular people in the party and none of them are in leadership. It's because they push back against #Cheets and his bullshit. They punch back against the sycophants and ball lickers in Congress. They embrace the aforementioned groups of the base that establishment Democrats either ignore, take for granted or simply don't take seriously.
Take Ocasio-Cortez. She is 28 years old and took out an incumbent in the Bronx, Joe Crowley, who had literally been in Congress for a damn generation! She won in a system designed to protect people like Joe Crowley. She embraces the term Democratic Socialist. She pushes back when the likes of Nancy Pelosi dismisses her. She takes the gloves off when tools like Sean Hannity go after her. She doesn't recoil when two bit Conservative tv hosts attempt to discredit her by telling lies and distorting facts. She didn't do the usual Dem tactic and whimper like a lil bish. She stood firm and set the record straight. She defended her background, her parentage and her story. She didn't allow Republicans to dictate the narrative about her or steal her story. She essentially said, "Fuck you! This is who I am! You muthafuckas won't define me!" I took some journalistic liberties but it's essentially what she meant. And, for that, her base will solidify and her support will swell.
It's what #Cheets did and does. He didn't recoil at criticism. He doubled down. Of course, his behavior and most of his positions are either asinine or doomed for eventual failure or simply amoral and morally repugnant. But, he stands by them, makes his base believe he's fighting for them and he's unapologetic. Why the Democrats refuse to do the same I don't know. They always want to appear to have the moral high ground. Muthafuckas, you already do! You don't have to appear to do shit! Have some fucking convictions for God's sake! Stand up for the people who stand up for you and want to believe. Like Obama said the other night, "Quit moping." This self-loathing and searching for the perfect message and candidate is pathetic! Fight for what you claim to believe in. Don't give in. Don't succumb to media pressure or pressure from the other side! Be resistant and persistent! You don't have to get as sleazy as that Orange Wannabe Dictator. You can't realistically do that. But, you can battle and force your will!
It is exactly what the Republicans do. I watch MSNBC, CNN and Fox News. Every #Cheets Conservative pundit has one thing in common. Well, two. They lie without conscience. But, they also stick to their talking points. They never relent. They get the desired message across. And, most news hosts and some Liberal pundits never fact check them in real time.
Less than 1/3 of Americans identity themselves as Republican. On most key issues (abortion, immigration, race relations, environment, economy, entitlements, Russia) the Democrats have more of the public's support. Yet, Democrats can't win shit. They're almost non-existent in the middle of the country. Why? How? It's simple really. The GOP are brilliant at getting their message out and dictating the narrative. They vilify the other side with little to no resistance. They stand firm on their beliefs with no apologies. They have zero shame in their tactics. They don't care about the moral high ground in their approach. They care about winning! Winning at all costs. They come to the fight with guns while Liberals come with rocks and butter knives because it's the "civil" way to fight.
Democrats will continue to lose as long as they alienate their base and insist in being purveyors of bitchassness! #UltraFact
Sunday, July 1, 2018
I LOVE BIG BROTHER!!! And, I'm Neither Sorry Nor Ashamed
Truthfully, I am not a huge fan of summer. I hate the heat and where I live (Oklahoma) the humidity can often make summer damn near unbearable. But, I get through summer because of baseball and my summer love, Big Brother.
Yes, I said Big Brother! The CBS reality show that airs every summer.
Anyone who knows me knows I'll watch some "trash tv". Reality shows are most certainly apart of that. Now, I will note some folks erroneously think it's all I watch. However, I love well written and thought provoking tv shows as well as comedies, sports and news. My tastes are eclectic.
However, I don't see Big Brother as "trash tv". It's undoubtedly my biggest guilty pleasure. I often bristle at it being called "junk" or "trashy". I discover people who label it that have either only watched a miniscule amount of episodes or have never watched it at all. They assume what it is without knowing what it is. Generally, people who watch "trash tv" will gleefully tell you it's trashy television. I venture to say most Big Brother fans (same with Survivor) would never label BB "trashy".
I am sure those previous statements sound a bit defensive. They are. Yes, there are trashy elements to the show. The producers make sure to sprinkle a few trashy houseguests (participants) into the show's cast. Drama always abound. It's a television show. But, if you really watch the show, it's a reflection of real life.
The premise of the show is to place people of various backgrounds and personalities into a house without any access to the outside world for an extended period of time. The houseguests are on camera and can be viewed by the audience literally 24 hours a day, which means unique compared to other reality shows. The houseguests along with no contact from the outside world have no movies to watch, music to listen and no books to read other than the Bible. They literally have no privacy because none of the bedrooms have locks. The bedrooms usually have three or four people to a room except the "Head of Household" room which houses the week's head of household. That person nominates two people for eviction from the house along with getting a room to themselves with all of their preferred amenities sans tv, radio, internet and newspapers, of course. The HOH has all the power for that week and is exempt from being HOH the following week.
Big Brother is actually way more a game than a typical reality show. To survive week to week a strategy must be employed. Houseguests must get into alliances, asses "threats" and compete in events that employ the use of physical or mental attributes. In some cases both are required.
And, ultimately, the biggest key to success or failure in the game is how one is able to socially interact with the other houseguests. If you look at almost every winner of Big Brother they either had a great social game or they knew how to read people. Knowing how to read people is essential when it comes down to final two or three contestants because securing jury votes or knowing who to sway determines victory and defeat. The jury is made up of evicted houseguests so that whole social interaction thing comes into play.
I said earlier Big Brother is real life. What I find fascinating about it is the way the game reveals who people are. It reveals that people have multiple layers to them. It reveals what people are truly about when under stress and adversity.
I think anyone who works (or has worked) in an office or a work environment with a moderate number of people should be able to relate to Big Brother because they basically live it everyday. They basically have one or two people they trust explicitly. They have one or two people they don't trust. Everyone else is in the middle and the relationships are fluid. People tend to get into cliques even if they rant against them. People who don't get into cliques are usually called floaters, which sometimes works in their favor and sometimes don't. Some people befriend or tolerate someone not because they actually think highly of them, but because they feel they need that person for whatever reason. And, this may all seem cynical and even cutthroat. But, it's how life works.
Big Brother is awesome to me because I'm into sociology and psychology. I am an admitted people watcher. While people can infuriate me I find them fascinating. I am also big into strategy and competition which is partly why I'm into sports and politics. For someone like me Big Brother is the ultimate drug. And, I am an unapologetic addict.
I have watched Big Brother since season one. I always find myself saying I hate most of the houseguests initially only to find a few I love and getting hooked. Like sports, I find myself rooting for certain people whether it's because I feel a connection to them or I feel sorry for them or simply because they're the enemy of an alliance I don't like. And, it's weird because when you watch these people daily for three months you do feel like you know them. For instance, last year's winner, Josh Martinez. I hated that dude the first two weeks but as time went on I started liking him. I always look at each houseguest in the perspective of how would I get along with them if I were in the house with them. I began seeing Josh differently, empathized with him and ultimately rooting for him. And, every fan knows you get your favorites. I loved Dr. Will, Danielle (season 3), Donny (season 16), Derrick (season 16) and of course the queens Da'Vonne (season 17 and 18) and the goddess Janelle.
I would love to be on the show; not because I'm looking for fame or to be seen. But, because I love the show, the gameplay, the social interaction and because I think I could win. You Big Brother fans already know my diary rooms would be the shit!
Big Brother is more than my guilty pleasure. It's my summer love! I love being in the discussion groups. I have some friends who watch it religiously like I do, which makes it even better.
I am still feeling out this year's cast. I already have a couple of folks I can't stand but that could always change. I am looking forward to next three months!
I love Big Brother! And, for that I do not apologize or feel shame. You may call it "trash tv"; I call it summer's best addiction.
Yes, I said Big Brother! The CBS reality show that airs every summer.
Anyone who knows me knows I'll watch some "trash tv". Reality shows are most certainly apart of that. Now, I will note some folks erroneously think it's all I watch. However, I love well written and thought provoking tv shows as well as comedies, sports and news. My tastes are eclectic.
However, I don't see Big Brother as "trash tv". It's undoubtedly my biggest guilty pleasure. I often bristle at it being called "junk" or "trashy". I discover people who label it that have either only watched a miniscule amount of episodes or have never watched it at all. They assume what it is without knowing what it is. Generally, people who watch "trash tv" will gleefully tell you it's trashy television. I venture to say most Big Brother fans (same with Survivor) would never label BB "trashy".
I am sure those previous statements sound a bit defensive. They are. Yes, there are trashy elements to the show. The producers make sure to sprinkle a few trashy houseguests (participants) into the show's cast. Drama always abound. It's a television show. But, if you really watch the show, it's a reflection of real life.
The premise of the show is to place people of various backgrounds and personalities into a house without any access to the outside world for an extended period of time. The houseguests are on camera and can be viewed by the audience literally 24 hours a day, which means unique compared to other reality shows. The houseguests along with no contact from the outside world have no movies to watch, music to listen and no books to read other than the Bible. They literally have no privacy because none of the bedrooms have locks. The bedrooms usually have three or four people to a room except the "Head of Household" room which houses the week's head of household. That person nominates two people for eviction from the house along with getting a room to themselves with all of their preferred amenities sans tv, radio, internet and newspapers, of course. The HOH has all the power for that week and is exempt from being HOH the following week.
Big Brother is actually way more a game than a typical reality show. To survive week to week a strategy must be employed. Houseguests must get into alliances, asses "threats" and compete in events that employ the use of physical or mental attributes. In some cases both are required.
And, ultimately, the biggest key to success or failure in the game is how one is able to socially interact with the other houseguests. If you look at almost every winner of Big Brother they either had a great social game or they knew how to read people. Knowing how to read people is essential when it comes down to final two or three contestants because securing jury votes or knowing who to sway determines victory and defeat. The jury is made up of evicted houseguests so that whole social interaction thing comes into play.
I said earlier Big Brother is real life. What I find fascinating about it is the way the game reveals who people are. It reveals that people have multiple layers to them. It reveals what people are truly about when under stress and adversity.
I think anyone who works (or has worked) in an office or a work environment with a moderate number of people should be able to relate to Big Brother because they basically live it everyday. They basically have one or two people they trust explicitly. They have one or two people they don't trust. Everyone else is in the middle and the relationships are fluid. People tend to get into cliques even if they rant against them. People who don't get into cliques are usually called floaters, which sometimes works in their favor and sometimes don't. Some people befriend or tolerate someone not because they actually think highly of them, but because they feel they need that person for whatever reason. And, this may all seem cynical and even cutthroat. But, it's how life works.
Big Brother is awesome to me because I'm into sociology and psychology. I am an admitted people watcher. While people can infuriate me I find them fascinating. I am also big into strategy and competition which is partly why I'm into sports and politics. For someone like me Big Brother is the ultimate drug. And, I am an unapologetic addict.
I have watched Big Brother since season one. I always find myself saying I hate most of the houseguests initially only to find a few I love and getting hooked. Like sports, I find myself rooting for certain people whether it's because I feel a connection to them or I feel sorry for them or simply because they're the enemy of an alliance I don't like. And, it's weird because when you watch these people daily for three months you do feel like you know them. For instance, last year's winner, Josh Martinez. I hated that dude the first two weeks but as time went on I started liking him. I always look at each houseguest in the perspective of how would I get along with them if I were in the house with them. I began seeing Josh differently, empathized with him and ultimately rooting for him. And, every fan knows you get your favorites. I loved Dr. Will, Danielle (season 3), Donny (season 16), Derrick (season 16) and of course the queens Da'Vonne (season 17 and 18) and the goddess Janelle.
I would love to be on the show; not because I'm looking for fame or to be seen. But, because I love the show, the gameplay, the social interaction and because I think I could win. You Big Brother fans already know my diary rooms would be the shit!
Big Brother is more than my guilty pleasure. It's my summer love! I love being in the discussion groups. I have some friends who watch it religiously like I do, which makes it even better.
I am still feeling out this year's cast. I already have a couple of folks I can't stand but that could always change. I am looking forward to next three months!
I love Big Brother! And, for that I do not apologize or feel shame. You may call it "trash tv"; I call it summer's best addiction.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Incivility Is No Longer The Exception; It's Becoming The Norm
I don't want this to be a grievance piece. But, I'm afraid it's probably going to be a grievance piece. I can't say I'm sorry if it's seen that way because sometimes enough is enough.
Lately, civility (or the lack thereof) has been a major topic in our public discourse. Honestly, it's been a topic the last three years. It has largely centered around the political arena. However, politics isn't the only area where civility has declined.
General common human behavior has seen a decline in civility. Perhaps, it is just me, but it seems there are ruder, more obnoxious and surlier people than there used to be. It seems every other person is either always attituded up or just a constant roll of the dice as to what treatment you'll receive from them. Shit, with some folks their disposition can literally change from minute to minute.
It just seems for whatever reason fewer and fewer people are generally civil making it harder and harder to be nice to folks. So many people seemed to be pissed off all the time. I get some of it. Life is more stressful for many people now than it used to be. Work is stressful. Finances are often strained. But, frankly, the anger seems to transcend race, gender, social status or financial situations. People just seem to be edgier and ruder.
More people have become tribal. In becoming tribal they've become less and less tolerant of anyone whom they view as "different". They are way more likely to "otherize" folks. It can be based on race, nationality, religion, political ideology or something as simple as sports teams or regions of the country. Basically, if someone isn't "one of them" they feel free to ostracize them or dismiss them.
People literally can't agree to disagree. They refuse to disagree without being disagreeable. Because civility is all but gone folks almost immediately demonize anyone who disagrees with them especially if it revolves around politics. Anyone on the left is automatically a "Communist, Jesus hating, evil, baby killing, unpatriotic leftist". Anyone on the right is a "racist, hateful, Facist religious nutjob". Of course, facts always be damned. It's possible likely that a particular person is none of those things. But, because people are ignorant and myopic they can't intelligently discuss anything without almost instantaneously resorting to name calling and extremism. And, no, I don't apologize for that characterization. Listen to people around you, read social media, hell maybe listen to yourself.
People don't seem to be able to have an open frank debate without seeing the other person as the enemy (if you're lucky). Most of the time they see them as evil and needed to be eradicated. Seriously, it's insane. Friendships and family bonds have literally been splintered, if not annihilated, over political differences which to me is just asinine. But, again, it is true.
I'll take myself. The majority of Facebook friends list is Trump supporters. I would say probably 60 to 70% if you count what I think are closet supporters. (My Twitter feed probably swings the other way.) As you know, I'm not a supporter of his orangeness. I don't hide that. Perhaps, I should given the demographics of my Facebook. However, I have my convictions and I'm proud of them. Some might say my candor in my criticism of our President is a profile in courage. I don't think it is. Regardless, I know my post are popular with a select few which explains the often miniscule likes and comments they receive. Or, maybe my writing is shitty Who's to say? But, either way, I'm ok with that. I am not going to unfriend anyone over political differences. I never will unless they get personal and ignant. And, I've had a few get personal but not to the point I felt the need to get petty and send their ass packin. Unfortunately, I can't say the same has unilaterally been shown in kind. I've had a handful of folks unfriend me. 😳 What can I do. It's unfortunate. I can't say the first couple of times it didn't hurt my feelings. But, now...screw 'em, right. I have never been rude to anyone on my page whom I disagreed. (If I have let me know.) I have debated but never debased. So, if someone wants to unfriend me because we disagree about the President or immigrants or climate change then that's their incivility on display and says more about them than me. You don't have to agree with me for me to be civil to you!
The same principle applies in all areas of life. Look, some people you aren't going to click with. Some folks aren't going to like you. Some folks you aren't going to like. Some people may be justified in their dislike. You may be justified in your dislike. Regardless, I'm going to be a human being and be civil. I'll be kind. I certainly won't go out of my way to be an ass or douchebag. However, way too many people in today's society will. They go out of their way to throw shade and be an insufferable jackass. And, what kills me is if you or I were to treat them that way they'd damn near have a breakdown! Seriously! "You don't have to be an asshole. Always got an attitude." Lol. It's astounding, really!
Civility is a two way street. For as much as you think you deserve civility, you should feel obligated to give it. Really! It doesn't cost anything to be a decent person. It shouldn't be that difficult to debate an issue with people without resorting to name calling, labeling and demonizing. If you find these things hard, you have a problem...or several! Look, I'm not saying it is always easy or even appropriate to be civil. Some fools love to perform! They cross lines and need to be put in check. I said after #Charlottesville I didn't want one mofo telling me, "just learn to agree to disagree". I'm not going to be agreeable with people who literally want me to be banished from my OUR country (or killed) simply because of my skin color. Every rule has exceptions. That ish isn't playing here! But, the vast majority of the time civility can be employed.
This country public discourse is in peril. Once, we lose the ability to have civil communication we are on a slippery slope to irreversible dysfunction. That's not hyperbole.
#BeBetter
Lately, civility (or the lack thereof) has been a major topic in our public discourse. Honestly, it's been a topic the last three years. It has largely centered around the political arena. However, politics isn't the only area where civility has declined.
General common human behavior has seen a decline in civility. Perhaps, it is just me, but it seems there are ruder, more obnoxious and surlier people than there used to be. It seems every other person is either always attituded up or just a constant roll of the dice as to what treatment you'll receive from them. Shit, with some folks their disposition can literally change from minute to minute.
It just seems for whatever reason fewer and fewer people are generally civil making it harder and harder to be nice to folks. So many people seemed to be pissed off all the time. I get some of it. Life is more stressful for many people now than it used to be. Work is stressful. Finances are often strained. But, frankly, the anger seems to transcend race, gender, social status or financial situations. People just seem to be edgier and ruder.
More people have become tribal. In becoming tribal they've become less and less tolerant of anyone whom they view as "different". They are way more likely to "otherize" folks. It can be based on race, nationality, religion, political ideology or something as simple as sports teams or regions of the country. Basically, if someone isn't "one of them" they feel free to ostracize them or dismiss them.
People literally can't agree to disagree. They refuse to disagree without being disagreeable. Because civility is all but gone folks almost immediately demonize anyone who disagrees with them especially if it revolves around politics. Anyone on the left is automatically a "Communist, Jesus hating, evil, baby killing, unpatriotic leftist". Anyone on the right is a "racist, hateful, Facist religious nutjob". Of course, facts always be damned. It's possible likely that a particular person is none of those things. But, because people are ignorant and myopic they can't intelligently discuss anything without almost instantaneously resorting to name calling and extremism. And, no, I don't apologize for that characterization. Listen to people around you, read social media, hell maybe listen to yourself.
People don't seem to be able to have an open frank debate without seeing the other person as the enemy (if you're lucky). Most of the time they see them as evil and needed to be eradicated. Seriously, it's insane. Friendships and family bonds have literally been splintered, if not annihilated, over political differences which to me is just asinine. But, again, it is true.
I'll take myself. The majority of Facebook friends list is Trump supporters. I would say probably 60 to 70% if you count what I think are closet supporters. (My Twitter feed probably swings the other way.) As you know, I'm not a supporter of his orangeness. I don't hide that. Perhaps, I should given the demographics of my Facebook. However, I have my convictions and I'm proud of them. Some might say my candor in my criticism of our President is a profile in courage. I don't think it is. Regardless, I know my post are popular with a select few which explains the often miniscule likes and comments they receive. Or, maybe my writing is shitty Who's to say? But, either way, I'm ok with that. I am not going to unfriend anyone over political differences. I never will unless they get personal and ignant. And, I've had a few get personal but not to the point I felt the need to get petty and send their ass packin. Unfortunately, I can't say the same has unilaterally been shown in kind. I've had a handful of folks unfriend me. 😳 What can I do. It's unfortunate. I can't say the first couple of times it didn't hurt my feelings. But, now...screw 'em, right. I have never been rude to anyone on my page whom I disagreed. (If I have let me know.) I have debated but never debased. So, if someone wants to unfriend me because we disagree about the President or immigrants or climate change then that's their incivility on display and says more about them than me. You don't have to agree with me for me to be civil to you!
The same principle applies in all areas of life. Look, some people you aren't going to click with. Some folks aren't going to like you. Some folks you aren't going to like. Some people may be justified in their dislike. You may be justified in your dislike. Regardless, I'm going to be a human being and be civil. I'll be kind. I certainly won't go out of my way to be an ass or douchebag. However, way too many people in today's society will. They go out of their way to throw shade and be an insufferable jackass. And, what kills me is if you or I were to treat them that way they'd damn near have a breakdown! Seriously! "You don't have to be an asshole. Always got an attitude." Lol. It's astounding, really!
Civility is a two way street. For as much as you think you deserve civility, you should feel obligated to give it. Really! It doesn't cost anything to be a decent person. It shouldn't be that difficult to debate an issue with people without resorting to name calling, labeling and demonizing. If you find these things hard, you have a problem...or several! Look, I'm not saying it is always easy or even appropriate to be civil. Some fools love to perform! They cross lines and need to be put in check. I said after #Charlottesville I didn't want one mofo telling me, "just learn to agree to disagree". I'm not going to be agreeable with people who literally want me to be banished from my OUR country (or killed) simply because of my skin color. Every rule has exceptions. That ish isn't playing here! But, the vast majority of the time civility can be employed.
This country public discourse is in peril. Once, we lose the ability to have civil communication we are on a slippery slope to irreversible dysfunction. That's not hyperbole.
#BeBetter
Monday, June 25, 2018
Our Society's Lack of Civility Is Setting A Bad Precedent
As most of you are likely aware, this past Friday night a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia refused service to White House Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The owner cited that Ms. Sanders support of the President and her daily defense of him as her reasons for asking Ms. Sanders to leave. While I feel the restaurant owner and empathize with her disgust with this administration, she was WRONG! Yes, I said she was wrong.
I am sure many of my left leaning friends are about to get upset with me. And, I hope my right leaning friends will continue reading despite my saying I'm disgusted with this administration. But, the fact I even have to say that is what is wrong with this country. We have thrown civility out the window. We are so flippin tribal. It's an attitude of either "you're totally with me or you're totally against me". We are really at the point where we can't disagree without being disagreeable. And, most people of both political bents aren't exempt despite what delusions they may have.
Now, look, I'm no Sarah Huckabee Sanders fan. I find her to be arrogant and condescending to most of the White House press corp despite the fact they're just doing their jobs. And, they are doing their jobs regardless of the criticisms from the right and the left. I believe, no, I know she lies daily to the American people. And, unlike Sean Spicer, she expounds upon the lies and seems to enjoy her job of often defending the indefensible. However, with that being said she has the right to sit down to a meal at the restaurant of her choosing. Denying service to someone based upon their political beliefs just isn't acceptable. Honestly, if I owned a restaurant and Richard Spencer along with David Duke came in I'd serve them. Now, if they started spewing their racist shit I'd make sure a pitcher of tea "accidentally" spilled on them and I'd tell them to get out. Then, I would donate to the United Negro College Fund in their names and made sure all of their small minded buddies found out. But, if they sat there peacefully I'd serve them. Why? Because I believe in what the Bible says about "do unto others". However, if they acted a fool...It's better to ask for forgiveness. 😉
Anyway, it is wrong to be uncivil to someone patronizing your business simply because you don't like their politics. It wasn't right when a few years ago that jackass in Oklahoma refused to serve Obama supporters or "welfare recipients" people on disability along with any homosexuals or Blacks. That dude was an assclown and people were rightfully livid about it. This is no different. It's ignorant.
The problem is we are a society of incivility. If we don't like someone's politics, ostracize them. It appears the same is becoming true of race. And, I'm not really sure it ever stopped being that way for the LGBQT community. And, quite frankly, our current president has spearheaded this trend toward a lack of civility. Sorry, Trump supporters, it's true. And, your refusal to acknowledge it only exasperates the problem.
I know most (probably all) of my left leaning friends and followers are saying, "Boo-hoo to Sarah Sanders. She deserves it." Honestly, on it's face, I can't put up much of an argument against that position. At times she's been downright hateful to people. She sure didn't display much empathy toward the gay couple in Colorado where the baker refused to bake them a wedding cake and the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court. I am not getting into the fallacies of that stance and ruling. Believe me the hypocrisy of it all isn't lost on me, but people have to be better. "When they go low, go high". Two wrongs don't make a right. They don't. Some people go so low the bar for going high isn't very high. Again, be better.
I'm not defending Sanders per se. I'm defending what's right. It's not a partisan issue. For example, the Oklahoma restaurateur I referenced earlier. For all the Conservatives I saw in Facebook and Twitter feeds decrying what happened to Sarah Sanders I don't remember one of them calling this douchebag in Oklahoma out. I've seen very few of them ever take the President to task for the heinous uncivil things he says. See, we can't fix the lack of civility in society until we call it all out; not just when "our side" is the aggrieved party. It shouldn't be difficult to disagree without being disagreeable, vindictive, dismissive and hateful.
I have a plethora of Trump supporters on my Facebook and Twitter. I feel I'm always respectful to them regardless if we agree. Frankly, I've been respectful when some have been anything but.
Again, this owner of the Virginia restaurant was wrong in my opinion. But, Trumpsters, allow me to ask if this had been the other way around and it had been Josh Earnest (Obama's press secretary) or Valerie Jarrett or Jennifer Palmieri (Hillary Clinton's communications director) that had been refused service, would you be this upset? Would you be upset at all? Would you even offer a cursory criticism? If the answer is "no", then you're part of the problem too.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't say what Maxine Waters said was indefensible. I like her but she was 100% wrong.
I am sure many of my left leaning friends are about to get upset with me. And, I hope my right leaning friends will continue reading despite my saying I'm disgusted with this administration. But, the fact I even have to say that is what is wrong with this country. We have thrown civility out the window. We are so flippin tribal. It's an attitude of either "you're totally with me or you're totally against me". We are really at the point where we can't disagree without being disagreeable. And, most people of both political bents aren't exempt despite what delusions they may have.
Now, look, I'm no Sarah Huckabee Sanders fan. I find her to be arrogant and condescending to most of the White House press corp despite the fact they're just doing their jobs. And, they are doing their jobs regardless of the criticisms from the right and the left. I believe, no, I know she lies daily to the American people. And, unlike Sean Spicer, she expounds upon the lies and seems to enjoy her job of often defending the indefensible. However, with that being said she has the right to sit down to a meal at the restaurant of her choosing. Denying service to someone based upon their political beliefs just isn't acceptable. Honestly, if I owned a restaurant and Richard Spencer along with David Duke came in I'd serve them. Now, if they started spewing their racist shit I'd make sure a pitcher of tea "accidentally" spilled on them and I'd tell them to get out. Then, I would donate to the United Negro College Fund in their names and made sure all of their small minded buddies found out. But, if they sat there peacefully I'd serve them. Why? Because I believe in what the Bible says about "do unto others". However, if they acted a fool...It's better to ask for forgiveness. 😉
Anyway, it is wrong to be uncivil to someone patronizing your business simply because you don't like their politics. It wasn't right when a few years ago that jackass in Oklahoma refused to serve Obama supporters or "welfare recipients" people on disability along with any homosexuals or Blacks. That dude was an assclown and people were rightfully livid about it. This is no different. It's ignorant.
The problem is we are a society of incivility. If we don't like someone's politics, ostracize them. It appears the same is becoming true of race. And, I'm not really sure it ever stopped being that way for the LGBQT community. And, quite frankly, our current president has spearheaded this trend toward a lack of civility. Sorry, Trump supporters, it's true. And, your refusal to acknowledge it only exasperates the problem.
I know most (probably all) of my left leaning friends and followers are saying, "Boo-hoo to Sarah Sanders. She deserves it." Honestly, on it's face, I can't put up much of an argument against that position. At times she's been downright hateful to people. She sure didn't display much empathy toward the gay couple in Colorado where the baker refused to bake them a wedding cake and the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court. I am not getting into the fallacies of that stance and ruling. Believe me the hypocrisy of it all isn't lost on me, but people have to be better. "When they go low, go high". Two wrongs don't make a right. They don't. Some people go so low the bar for going high isn't very high. Again, be better.
I'm not defending Sanders per se. I'm defending what's right. It's not a partisan issue. For example, the Oklahoma restaurateur I referenced earlier. For all the Conservatives I saw in Facebook and Twitter feeds decrying what happened to Sarah Sanders I don't remember one of them calling this douchebag in Oklahoma out. I've seen very few of them ever take the President to task for the heinous uncivil things he says. See, we can't fix the lack of civility in society until we call it all out; not just when "our side" is the aggrieved party. It shouldn't be difficult to disagree without being disagreeable, vindictive, dismissive and hateful.
I have a plethora of Trump supporters on my Facebook and Twitter. I feel I'm always respectful to them regardless if we agree. Frankly, I've been respectful when some have been anything but.
Again, this owner of the Virginia restaurant was wrong in my opinion. But, Trumpsters, allow me to ask if this had been the other way around and it had been Josh Earnest (Obama's press secretary) or Valerie Jarrett or Jennifer Palmieri (Hillary Clinton's communications director) that had been refused service, would you be this upset? Would you be upset at all? Would you even offer a cursory criticism? If the answer is "no", then you're part of the problem too.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't say what Maxine Waters said was indefensible. I like her but she was 100% wrong.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Dehumanization, Unfortunately, Isn't New In America: Separating Migrant Families Is Merely The Latest Episode
I am fully aware the President signed an executive order that will keep migrant families together when detained. But, the truth is there should've never been a need for the order in the first place. The President and his supporters are acting as if he should be applauded as some hero. No, he is no hero for fixing a problem he unnecessarily created. C'mon! Be serious.
Actually, he should be rebuked for not only implementing the policy but for the groundwork he laid as justification for the heinous policy. It's groundwork that has been laid before for justification of heinous despicable policies. That groundwork is dehumanization of groups of people the "majority doesn't like and/or want in America.
Roll your eyes. Get triggered. Cue your fake ass pearl clutching. I'm about to keep shit real...really real! It's been common practice in this country, as well as others, for the majority to oppress and suppress other groups of people-people they see as inferior or "others". It's true. It's true. It's damn true.
In order to justify the oppression or suppression or simple bigotry disenfranchising and dehumanizing is performed. It is seen as a means of easing one's conscience or assuaging guilt.
Let's start with America's original sin-the raping and pillaging of Native Americans and their land. The Natives were initially befriended before they were bamboozled, defrauded and robbed. The "justification" for this was the process of dehumanizing the people. They were labeled animals, savages, uncouth, un-godly and thus inferior. Now, I'm certain some jackass is saying right now, "Well, they scalped people." Yes, yes, they did. And, Europeans raped innocent women and burned people alive. So, on the civility scale let's call the competition of who was truly uncivilized a "push". The Natives were treated inhumanely because they were dehumanized.
Let's revisit the United States of America's other original sin, slavery. The treatment of Black people was brutal and reprehensible. Black people were literally seen as property. They were enslaved. Babies were ripped from their mothers' arms at birth literally. Families were routinely and callously separated. And, this was all justified by the distortion of the Bible and dehumanization. Blacks were called "animals", "mongrels", "vermin", and "savages". They were considered less than people, so enslaving them, raping them, unmercifully beating them and demoralizing them was perfectly ok. Many even said it was "Godly". Shit, in the original Constitution Blacks were described as "3/5 of a human being". Don't get mad. Just stating facts. #FactsMatter
Next, let's revisit treatment of Native Americans. In the 1830s the current president's favorite president (aside from himself, of course) Andrew Jackson spearheaded a campaign designed to eradicate...errrr...I mean relocate Native Americans. He basically placed them on reservations. Again, some families were separated. Also, again they were labeled "animals" and "dangerous". Like Blacks they were told this inhumane treatment was for "their own good". It was all justified by dehumanizing them; thus easing the conscience of those who might have been uncomfortable with any of the actions.
Oh, but this behavior didn't stop there. It continued later on into the 1800s with the Irish and the Chinese. Then, in the 1940s it was the Japanese's turn. As they were placed in internment camps, they were told it was for their own good. The public was told they were being treated humanly. Reality was they were being treated like animals. Children were being separated from their parents. Again, the campaign of dehumanization was utilized. The Japanese internment camp victims were labeled "dangerous", "potential spies", "animals", ect.
And, now, here we are in 2018 with Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans and other Hispanics having their families separated. They're being labeled "animals", "subhumans", "criminals" and "uncivilized". This is all done under the guise of national security and protecting the country from gangs. Make no mistake the gangs, drugs, sex trafficking and MS-13 are legit threats and concerns. But, the labeling of all these migrants these things is wrong and factually incorrect. Many of these migrants are fleeing their countries because of these things. Turning away two year olds on the basis of saying they're MS-13 is asinine. But, this is all justified by dehumanizing these people. A certain segment of this country has a distinct bias against people from south of the border and are inclined to believe anything negative and brush all of them with a broad stroke. While most of the country was mortified by the separating of migrant children from their parents a substantial swath cheered it on. They were perfectly fine with it. Why? Because they see these people as less than human so their conscience is eased. Their moral compass is "ok". "These are animals and it's ok to treat them as such."
Some people keep saying, "This isn't who we are." Others have responded, "Actually, yes, it is." I say it is certainly who we have been. But, isn't it past time we be better. And, I know the President signed an order stating families be kept together. And, while there are certainly some gray areas and question marks about the order, I'm glad he altered the course set by the DOJ and DHS' policy. However, none of them deserve kudos because the policy should've never been enacted in the first place and then subsequently lied about. The fact the President, Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Nielsen thought this was acceptable is distressing and concerning.
We are supposed to learn from history so we don't repeat it. However, America keeps repeating history. We really need to do some serious introspection why we continuously dehumanize certain groups of people and why we're always distorting God's Word to do it. This is a problem of our soul. It's a problem that's persisted for well over 400 years.
Isn't it time we be better?
Actually, he should be rebuked for not only implementing the policy but for the groundwork he laid as justification for the heinous policy. It's groundwork that has been laid before for justification of heinous despicable policies. That groundwork is dehumanization of groups of people the "majority doesn't like and/or want in America.
Roll your eyes. Get triggered. Cue your fake ass pearl clutching. I'm about to keep shit real...really real! It's been common practice in this country, as well as others, for the majority to oppress and suppress other groups of people-people they see as inferior or "others". It's true. It's true. It's damn true.
In order to justify the oppression or suppression or simple bigotry disenfranchising and dehumanizing is performed. It is seen as a means of easing one's conscience or assuaging guilt.
Let's start with America's original sin-the raping and pillaging of Native Americans and their land. The Natives were initially befriended before they were bamboozled, defrauded and robbed. The "justification" for this was the process of dehumanizing the people. They were labeled animals, savages, uncouth, un-godly and thus inferior. Now, I'm certain some jackass is saying right now, "Well, they scalped people." Yes, yes, they did. And, Europeans raped innocent women and burned people alive. So, on the civility scale let's call the competition of who was truly uncivilized a "push". The Natives were treated inhumanely because they were dehumanized.
Let's revisit the United States of America's other original sin, slavery. The treatment of Black people was brutal and reprehensible. Black people were literally seen as property. They were enslaved. Babies were ripped from their mothers' arms at birth literally. Families were routinely and callously separated. And, this was all justified by the distortion of the Bible and dehumanization. Blacks were called "animals", "mongrels", "vermin", and "savages". They were considered less than people, so enslaving them, raping them, unmercifully beating them and demoralizing them was perfectly ok. Many even said it was "Godly". Shit, in the original Constitution Blacks were described as "3/5 of a human being". Don't get mad. Just stating facts. #FactsMatter
Next, let's revisit treatment of Native Americans. In the 1830s the current president's favorite president (aside from himself, of course) Andrew Jackson spearheaded a campaign designed to eradicate...errrr...I mean relocate Native Americans. He basically placed them on reservations. Again, some families were separated. Also, again they were labeled "animals" and "dangerous". Like Blacks they were told this inhumane treatment was for "their own good". It was all justified by dehumanizing them; thus easing the conscience of those who might have been uncomfortable with any of the actions.
Oh, but this behavior didn't stop there. It continued later on into the 1800s with the Irish and the Chinese. Then, in the 1940s it was the Japanese's turn. As they were placed in internment camps, they were told it was for their own good. The public was told they were being treated humanly. Reality was they were being treated like animals. Children were being separated from their parents. Again, the campaign of dehumanization was utilized. The Japanese internment camp victims were labeled "dangerous", "potential spies", "animals", ect.
And, now, here we are in 2018 with Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans and other Hispanics having their families separated. They're being labeled "animals", "subhumans", "criminals" and "uncivilized". This is all done under the guise of national security and protecting the country from gangs. Make no mistake the gangs, drugs, sex trafficking and MS-13 are legit threats and concerns. But, the labeling of all these migrants these things is wrong and factually incorrect. Many of these migrants are fleeing their countries because of these things. Turning away two year olds on the basis of saying they're MS-13 is asinine. But, this is all justified by dehumanizing these people. A certain segment of this country has a distinct bias against people from south of the border and are inclined to believe anything negative and brush all of them with a broad stroke. While most of the country was mortified by the separating of migrant children from their parents a substantial swath cheered it on. They were perfectly fine with it. Why? Because they see these people as less than human so their conscience is eased. Their moral compass is "ok". "These are animals and it's ok to treat them as such."
Some people keep saying, "This isn't who we are." Others have responded, "Actually, yes, it is." I say it is certainly who we have been. But, isn't it past time we be better. And, I know the President signed an order stating families be kept together. And, while there are certainly some gray areas and question marks about the order, I'm glad he altered the course set by the DOJ and DHS' policy. However, none of them deserve kudos because the policy should've never been enacted in the first place and then subsequently lied about. The fact the President, Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Nielsen thought this was acceptable is distressing and concerning.
We are supposed to learn from history so we don't repeat it. However, America keeps repeating history. We really need to do some serious introspection why we continuously dehumanize certain groups of people and why we're always distorting God's Word to do it. This is a problem of our soul. It's a problem that's persisted for well over 400 years.
Isn't it time we be better?
Monday, June 18, 2018
So, America, Affinity For Authoritarians Is A Thing Now?
What the hell is going on in this country? Is this really the country people want?
I am old enough to remember when authoritarians, dictators and despots were derided and looked upon negatively. I am old enough to remember when authoritarianism was viewed as vehemently and distinctly un-American. But, the #OrangeMuskratHairedKing comes into power and everything is changed.
I have been saddened by what I have seen over the last week from some of my fellow Americans. It's been disheartening and frightening. I'm not talking about President Trump. He is what he is and his actions, while disturbing, are unsurprising. It's his supporters, quite frankly, seeming to have fully gulped the orange kool-aid and going along with his affinity for strongmen.
But, as Trump his effusive praise of his new man crush, Kim Jong Un, was distressful and jaw dropping. Trump gushed about Lil Kim every chance he could. I mean he complimented and slobbered so much over Kim Vladimir Putin became jealous and told Trump, "But, he can't sit on horse shirtless like I can. I thought I was your one and only." To which Trump replied, "One and only? You know I'm a playa. You've seen Stormy Daniels and we both know you've seen the "Mountain Dew" tape.
Seriously, though, Trump's endless praise of Kim Jong Un was unsettling. He kept saying how "strong" he was and he's "so funny and smart". He said a few times how "he loves his country" and "he loves his people". And, not a word from the "real Americans".
Trump saying Kim "loves his people" is one of the most idiotic and dumbassed things he's ever said. Kim starves his people. He denies them basic human rights. Most of North Korea has either spotty or no electricity. Kim routinely jails any dissidents or people who don't at all times subjugate themselves to him. And, those he doesn't jail he murders in the most heinous and gruesome ways. He has killed numerous members of his family! This is the man our petulant clown of a president calls "strong".
Here's the real problem. Trump thinks that kind of shit is strength. Several times Trump alluded to how Kim guides his country in "a tough manner". He meant it as a compliment. He sounded envious of Kim for he can run North Korea. He even mentioned how he wants us (Americans) to stand to attention to him like North Koreans do Lil Kim. And, Trumpsters, save the ish about he was joking. He was NOT! I saw the effin interview and he wasn't joking or being sarcastic, which he clearly doesn't know what sarcasm is. That Penn education did alot for him I see. (#Cheets, the previous sentence is an example of sarcasm.) However, not a word of criticism or rebuke from the "real Americans". Not. One. Damn. Peep.
And, the thing is Trump's "wet dream" fest over Kim Jong Un wasn't an one off thing. This fool routinely criticizes the leaders of our allies such as Angela Merkel and Justin Trudeau. Yet, he heaps praise upon dictators, despots and authoritarians like Putin, Duterte in the Phillipines, Erdogan in Turkey and the Emirates in Saudia Arabia. So, the leader of the free world talks shit about the other leaders of the free world while slobbin the cobs of the world's most notorious thugs and murderers. Anyone see a problem here? Apparently, the "real Americans" don't.
What the hell is happening? Where's the beacon on a hill Ronald Reagan mentioned? Because we certainly aren't that if we're endorsing and praising dictators. And, look, let's be real here. America has always been in bed with dictators. The ends justify the means philosophy. However, we always recognized the ho as a ho. Now, we are acting the ho is a queen and the queens are hood rats. Presidents never admired the strongmen and seemed envious they couldn't be just like them but now...
Real Americans where are you? You won't even check your dear leader when he is clearly going against American principles, standards and morals. This country was founded because the colonists were escaping from under tyrannical rule. They set up a government and constitution whose purpose was to prevent the citizens from being under such rule. And, now we have a president who openly and enthusiastically displays admiration and envy of the very men and systems our founding fathers were vehemently opposed.
Yet, the people who claim to love the country and defend the Constitution the most stay silent. Even worse many of them seem to want authoritarian rule. And, they're the patriots? I don't understand this.
Will these "lovers" of the Constitution not check this president? His affinity for authoritarians and authoritarianism is undeniable. Just look at this travesty with immigrant children being separated from their parents. Look at how this president disparages and lies about the media. He calls the fourth estate the biggest enemy America has. Not only is it disgusting but how can any sane decent person say that when a madman could send a nuke toward us at any second.
I'm just one person, but I'll be damned if I let the country I love be turned into an authoritarian state. It's not the promise or purpose of America. Our president is supposed to be a promoter of democracy and a democratic republic; not the enemy of it.
When are we going to wake up and provide the check on power we're supposed to do?
I am old enough to remember when authoritarians, dictators and despots were derided and looked upon negatively. I am old enough to remember when authoritarianism was viewed as vehemently and distinctly un-American. But, the #OrangeMuskratHairedKing comes into power and everything is changed.
I have been saddened by what I have seen over the last week from some of my fellow Americans. It's been disheartening and frightening. I'm not talking about President Trump. He is what he is and his actions, while disturbing, are unsurprising. It's his supporters, quite frankly, seeming to have fully gulped the orange kool-aid and going along with his affinity for strongmen.
But, as Trump his effusive praise of his new man crush, Kim Jong Un, was distressful and jaw dropping. Trump gushed about Lil Kim every chance he could. I mean he complimented and slobbered so much over Kim Vladimir Putin became jealous and told Trump, "But, he can't sit on horse shirtless like I can. I thought I was your one and only." To which Trump replied, "One and only? You know I'm a playa. You've seen Stormy Daniels and we both know you've seen the "Mountain Dew" tape.
Seriously, though, Trump's endless praise of Kim Jong Un was unsettling. He kept saying how "strong" he was and he's "so funny and smart". He said a few times how "he loves his country" and "he loves his people". And, not a word from the "real Americans".
Trump saying Kim "loves his people" is one of the most idiotic and dumbassed things he's ever said. Kim starves his people. He denies them basic human rights. Most of North Korea has either spotty or no electricity. Kim routinely jails any dissidents or people who don't at all times subjugate themselves to him. And, those he doesn't jail he murders in the most heinous and gruesome ways. He has killed numerous members of his family! This is the man our petulant clown of a president calls "strong".
Here's the real problem. Trump thinks that kind of shit is strength. Several times Trump alluded to how Kim guides his country in "a tough manner". He meant it as a compliment. He sounded envious of Kim for he can run North Korea. He even mentioned how he wants us (Americans) to stand to attention to him like North Koreans do Lil Kim. And, Trumpsters, save the ish about he was joking. He was NOT! I saw the effin interview and he wasn't joking or being sarcastic, which he clearly doesn't know what sarcasm is. That Penn education did alot for him I see. (#Cheets, the previous sentence is an example of sarcasm.) However, not a word of criticism or rebuke from the "real Americans". Not. One. Damn. Peep.
And, the thing is Trump's "wet dream" fest over Kim Jong Un wasn't an one off thing. This fool routinely criticizes the leaders of our allies such as Angela Merkel and Justin Trudeau. Yet, he heaps praise upon dictators, despots and authoritarians like Putin, Duterte in the Phillipines, Erdogan in Turkey and the Emirates in Saudia Arabia. So, the leader of the free world talks shit about the other leaders of the free world while slobbin the cobs of the world's most notorious thugs and murderers. Anyone see a problem here? Apparently, the "real Americans" don't.
What the hell is happening? Where's the beacon on a hill Ronald Reagan mentioned? Because we certainly aren't that if we're endorsing and praising dictators. And, look, let's be real here. America has always been in bed with dictators. The ends justify the means philosophy. However, we always recognized the ho as a ho. Now, we are acting the ho is a queen and the queens are hood rats. Presidents never admired the strongmen and seemed envious they couldn't be just like them but now...
Real Americans where are you? You won't even check your dear leader when he is clearly going against American principles, standards and morals. This country was founded because the colonists were escaping from under tyrannical rule. They set up a government and constitution whose purpose was to prevent the citizens from being under such rule. And, now we have a president who openly and enthusiastically displays admiration and envy of the very men and systems our founding fathers were vehemently opposed.
Yet, the people who claim to love the country and defend the Constitution the most stay silent. Even worse many of them seem to want authoritarian rule. And, they're the patriots? I don't understand this.
Will these "lovers" of the Constitution not check this president? His affinity for authoritarians and authoritarianism is undeniable. Just look at this travesty with immigrant children being separated from their parents. Look at how this president disparages and lies about the media. He calls the fourth estate the biggest enemy America has. Not only is it disgusting but how can any sane decent person say that when a madman could send a nuke toward us at any second.
I'm just one person, but I'll be damned if I let the country I love be turned into an authoritarian state. It's not the promise or purpose of America. Our president is supposed to be a promoter of democracy and a democratic republic; not the enemy of it.
When are we going to wake up and provide the check on power we're supposed to do?
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Roseanne, You Need To Take A Seat...Many Seats!
Oooooh, Lawd! Lawd! Lawd! Lawd! Roseanne, you have frayed all my nerves! You really need to *take a damb seat*. I'm serious! Sit yo trifilin ass down and delete your damn Twitter! I mean eviscerate it!
You ouchea in these Twitter streets just spitball clusters of fuckery and wads of dumbassery throwing them against the wall hoping they stick. Heffa, don't you know shit isn't going to stick especially your slimy rancid putrid hate mongering ish! It does what you should do, slide away.
I almost spit my coffee out this morning when I read you actually tweeted your racist tweet about Valerie Jarrett wasn't racist; it was, in fact, a condemnation of anti-semitism. 😐😐😐 Say, what?! And, then your ignorant ass attempted (miserably, may I add) to justify your most recent justification by saying your "Planet of the Apes" reference was indeed a condemnation because the original screenplay writer, Rod Serling, wrote Planet of The Apes as a movie decrying anti-Semitism. 😐
I'm going to attempt to be tactful with you because obviously you're mentally ill. *Sigh* That is the most bullshit in one tweet I've ever read! And, that is saying a helluva lot considering your buddy, Donald Trump, is an avid Twitter user and tweets vapid bullshit literally every single day.
Rosie, you are mentally ill, right? Otherwise, the only other logical explanation would be that you're certifiably hopelessly effin stupid! Why are you tweeting? I thought you were giving up the Twitter? Uh, you should!
I'm going to break it down for you why I and nobody with an IQ higher than 10 believes you. I know you said all of us "low IQ" people (nice thieving of a reference from #CheetoJesus, who is the personification of low IQ) don't have to believe you. We don't because we're not low IQ nor do we sip the orange kool-aid you do. First, after apologizing in an effort to save your show, you said on Twitter you thought Ms. Jarrett was "Saudi". I don't need to pull that receipt do I? Didn't think so. Well, after the #clapbacks exposing that as horseshit you then said you thought she was "White". Child, puhhhleeeeze! Even the spirit of Robert E. Lee was side-eying yo ass. 😒 Then, you threw out some pure uncut fuckery about you thought Ms. Jarrett was "half-Jew". Hell, even your alt-right defenders on social media was like, "What did this bish say?!" 😳 But, my personal fav was the "I was on Ambien" defense. No, don't blame it on the rain nor the a-a-a-alcohol but blame it on a med for sleeping. I didn't know a side effect of Ambien was random racism. Oh, Honey, you were reaching for the stars with that one. "My Twitter was hacked" thought that shit was weak, wack and grasping for straws with C-Lo Green's arms. Gurrrl, you couldn't come up with something...anything better than that? Really? That's sad...Pathetic actually.
Look, I am just going to keep it real with you. We've all (like all decent, non-racist, non-bigoted, and not trifilin as hell people) been talking and we think it's time you get the hell on! Like gon now! Get'cha ass movin! Delete your Twitter! Maybe Milo Yianopolous or James Woods will take you in. Perhaps, Stacey Dash will give you room and board as her way of helping wayward racists. Hell, maybe Alex Jones will decide he needs a sidekick who's even batshit crazier than he is. If nothing else I'm sure Scott Baio is always down for a wet nurse.
But, whatever you do, go away. I don't care if you go away mad, as long as you just go away! Stop giving lame ass excuses for your racist tweet which was just another tweet in a pattern of racist, conspiratorial, tacky and really just insane thing you've said and done over the years. We put up with it because your sitcom was funny. It was one of the best ever truthfully. But, you, sista girl are really not a good human being. You weren't when you grabbed your crotch during the national anthem back in the early 90s and you're not now. I don't care what sweet nothings Sean Hannity and #Cheets whisper in your ears.
Roseanne, I mean this. I'd rather be trapped in a room forced to stare at Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon and listen to Sarah Huckabee Sanders on a loop for 72 hours straight than read one more tweet or hear one more lie from you.
And, let's be honest, if people in this country don't wake up that'll probably be the punishment Comrade Tiny Hands gives me for constantly calling him #CheetoJesus.
Roseanne......#GurlBye
You ouchea in these Twitter streets just spitball clusters of fuckery and wads of dumbassery throwing them against the wall hoping they stick. Heffa, don't you know shit isn't going to stick especially your slimy rancid putrid hate mongering ish! It does what you should do, slide away.
I almost spit my coffee out this morning when I read you actually tweeted your racist tweet about Valerie Jarrett wasn't racist; it was, in fact, a condemnation of anti-semitism. 😐😐😐 Say, what?! And, then your ignorant ass attempted (miserably, may I add) to justify your most recent justification by saying your "Planet of the Apes" reference was indeed a condemnation because the original screenplay writer, Rod Serling, wrote Planet of The Apes as a movie decrying anti-Semitism. 😐
I'm going to attempt to be tactful with you because obviously you're mentally ill. *Sigh* That is the most bullshit in one tweet I've ever read! And, that is saying a helluva lot considering your buddy, Donald Trump, is an avid Twitter user and tweets vapid bullshit literally every single day.
Rosie, you are mentally ill, right? Otherwise, the only other logical explanation would be that you're certifiably hopelessly effin stupid! Why are you tweeting? I thought you were giving up the Twitter? Uh, you should!
I'm going to break it down for you why I and nobody with an IQ higher than 10 believes you. I know you said all of us "low IQ" people (nice thieving of a reference from #CheetoJesus, who is the personification of low IQ) don't have to believe you. We don't because we're not low IQ nor do we sip the orange kool-aid you do. First, after apologizing in an effort to save your show, you said on Twitter you thought Ms. Jarrett was "Saudi". I don't need to pull that receipt do I? Didn't think so. Well, after the #clapbacks exposing that as horseshit you then said you thought she was "White". Child, puhhhleeeeze! Even the spirit of Robert E. Lee was side-eying yo ass. 😒 Then, you threw out some pure uncut fuckery about you thought Ms. Jarrett was "half-Jew". Hell, even your alt-right defenders on social media was like, "What did this bish say?!" 😳 But, my personal fav was the "I was on Ambien" defense. No, don't blame it on the rain nor the a-a-a-alcohol but blame it on a med for sleeping. I didn't know a side effect of Ambien was random racism. Oh, Honey, you were reaching for the stars with that one. "My Twitter was hacked" thought that shit was weak, wack and grasping for straws with C-Lo Green's arms. Gurrrl, you couldn't come up with something...anything better than that? Really? That's sad...Pathetic actually.
Look, I am just going to keep it real with you. We've all (like all decent, non-racist, non-bigoted, and not trifilin as hell people) been talking and we think it's time you get the hell on! Like gon now! Get'cha ass movin! Delete your Twitter! Maybe Milo Yianopolous or James Woods will take you in. Perhaps, Stacey Dash will give you room and board as her way of helping wayward racists. Hell, maybe Alex Jones will decide he needs a sidekick who's even batshit crazier than he is. If nothing else I'm sure Scott Baio is always down for a wet nurse.
But, whatever you do, go away. I don't care if you go away mad, as long as you just go away! Stop giving lame ass excuses for your racist tweet which was just another tweet in a pattern of racist, conspiratorial, tacky and really just insane thing you've said and done over the years. We put up with it because your sitcom was funny. It was one of the best ever truthfully. But, you, sista girl are really not a good human being. You weren't when you grabbed your crotch during the national anthem back in the early 90s and you're not now. I don't care what sweet nothings Sean Hannity and #Cheets whisper in your ears.
Roseanne, I mean this. I'd rather be trapped in a room forced to stare at Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon and listen to Sarah Huckabee Sanders on a loop for 72 hours straight than read one more tweet or hear one more lie from you.
And, let's be honest, if people in this country don't wake up that'll probably be the punishment Comrade Tiny Hands gives me for constantly calling him #CheetoJesus.
Roseanne......#GurlBye
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
The GOP Could Sway Blacks To Their Side, But Race Sells
As is the case with being Black "anything" in America being a Black voter is often extremely frustrating and elicits the question, "Why am I never seen as good enough?" Now, I imagine some will see the previous sentence as "woe is me" or as self-loathing. If you do, then you're part of the problem and once again the actual issue(s) is not being seen.
The Democratic Party see the African-American voter like the reliable girlfriend, if you will. They take her for granted. They often ignore her. They're always looking at "prettier" chicks. And, when in a pinch they know despite repeatedly disappointing her and showing a lack of appreciation she will be by their side and come through for them.
Now, the Republican Party views the African-American as that pretty girl whom they give a glance or two but they just won't give a chance. They don't give her a chance because they can't give up the thots. They know the thots are trifilin and sketchy. But, they also know they will have to put in some work to get the pretty girl. They will have to clean themselves up a little, toss a Tic-tac in their mouth, breakout the good cologne and change some of their errant ways. Whereas with the thots they can skip a shower, spray some Axe on, splurge for the supersized chicken nugget meal followed by a waffle cone with the two scoops and "surprise" them with a cheap ass teddy bear from the Dollar Tree. And, that will be enough for them to get them drawers. The pretty girl will not only make them work for the drawers but make them be patient. It might take weeks. With the thot one hour of Netflix and chill and she's giving up more peach cobbler than Mrs. Fields. The thot, in case you haven't figured it out, is the folks who hold racial resentment, the bigots and flat out undeniable racists and White Nationalists.
Now, don't get all in your feelings, Conservatives. Hear me out. I'm by no means saying all or even most Republicans are bigots or racists. But, what I am saying is most of the Republican Party is complicit in racism. Don't shake your head "no". Yes, you are.
The Republican Party has straddled the line for decades. I laugh when I hear idiots like Steve Bannon chastise Democrats for "identity politics". The Republican Party has played identity politics for every election since 1964. Time and time again dog whistles have been blown and coded language enacted. From Richard Nixon's "law and order" bullshit to Ronald Reagan kicking off his 1980 campaign with a "White grievance" speech in Philadelphia, Mississippi to George H.W. Bush's Willie Horton ads in 1988 to the GOP's "Obama might be a Muslim" tour in 2008 to Trump's entire damn campaign in 2016 has race been used in campaigns. The straddling the line of approach of "We're not saying Black people are bad (wink wink) but..." has been employed repeatedly every election season from local races to state congressional races to gubernatorial races to federal house and senatorial races. Don't deny it. The evidence is overwhelming.
But, what is crazy is it makes no sense. For years...decades I've never understood why. Why hasn't the GOP as a whole made a concerted effort to go after the African-American vote, in particularly African-American men? Do White Conservatives not see the number of issues they actually have in common with a plurality, if not, majority of African-Americans?
For instance, there are certain religious social issues Conservatives and the Black community share common ground. The church is a staple in the Black community. Even if church attendance is moderate the respect for church issues is high. When it comes to homosexuality the majority of Blacks' views are more in line with the Conservative viewpoint. On the issue of abortion around 40% of African-Americans are aligned with the Republican platform. Believe it or not many Blacks consider themselves fiscally conservative. A substantial number of African-Americans are more closely aligned with Republicans on Second Amendment issues than with Liberals. When it comes to criminal justice issues I believe at least a plurality of African-Americans believe in a tough justice system. They just want it to be fair and evenly administered. Most Blacks are for religious freedoms. I suspect a majority of African-Americans wouldn't oppose prayer in school as long as it's not mandatory. And, I think a substantial number of Blacks believe somewhat in the Conservative view on foreign policy. Although I suspect it's more in the range between Hillary Clinton and John McCain than whatever clusterfuck foreign policy Trump has.
So, why do Blacks overwhelmingly tend to vote Democratic White Republicans may ask? Well, I'll tell ya. One, it's because as a party it seems Republicans can't get out of the way of their own bigotry and/or being an apologist for bigotry. Two, the Republican Party never makes a concerted effort for the Black vote. "Why not us?" is not a real pitch. It's a weak bitch ass attempt if I may be frank. When former Republican Party chair, Michael Steele, attempted to put measures in place to reach out to Black folks he was replaced as chair. His successor, Reince Priebus, said he would continue Steele's efforts but instead shit all over them and didn't do a fucking thing. When J.C. Watts, a former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, attempted to take over the party chair and encourage the party to reach out to people of color he was essentially told to sit his black ass down and shut the fuck up.
And, three....the Republicans can't stay away from the thots. That easy skank coochie is too hard to resist. They just won't tell thots like Steve Bannon, David Duke, Richard Spencer, Milo Yianopolous, Lou Dobbs (yes, I said Lou FUCKIN Dobbs), Breitbart, Rep. Steve King (R-IA), Alex Jones and the entire caravan of hate spewing race mongering twat biscuits (Yes, you read correctly; no, I won't apologize. It was the nicest thing I think I could say.) to pack their shit and GET OUT! Instead they tell them, "Y'all go over there and stay down for awhile. You don't have to leave. You just can't be heard. You know, like any good thot or side piece. I can't be with you in public, but you can come over when the porch light is off. And, that's simply not good enough.
And, Republicans, if you wanna get mad get mad. It's whatevs to me. You can't legitimately deny what I'm saying. The best way I have heard it put is the following: "Here's the problem. For 50 plus years you've harbored these racists and White Nationalists. You've allowed them to live in your house. You gave them a room on the condition they'd stay out of sight. You let them hang their Nazi regalia, swastikas, White Nationalists flags and their other putrid racist shit. The problem for you know is Donald Trump came along and said, 'Hey, you don't have to be confined to this room where you're not seen. Come down stairs into the living room. Mingle around.' Now, they feel free to roam around the house. They've tore down the Van Goghs, pissed in your potted plants and having lewd racists' sex in the front yard for the neighbors to see and you're embarrassed. They've taken over your house and you only have you to blame because you should've kicked them out in 1964 but instead allowed them to squat."
That is why the majority of African-Americans don't vote Republican. The way they see it is yes, the Democrats have let them down. Yes, the Democrats' policies have failed in certain places like Detroit and Chicago. Yes, the Democrats often take them for granted and are patronizing. Yes, some Democrats are racists as hell. But.........At the end of the day the Democratic Party as a whole has done some good things for the Black community and although everything previously stated is true at least an effort has been made and on some level they care. They actually give a shit even if it's misguided.
And, Conservatives, I already hear the clapback. You're saying, "But, a Republican freed the slaves." You know damn well the Republican Party now is nothing like the party was then or even 60 years ago. Quit bushittin!
"But, it was Democrats who opposed Civil Rights." Stop that shit! It was Southern Democrats who opposed Civil Rights. It was a Democratic president who spear headed the bill in Congress.
Here is what you must see, Republican Party. You have an opportunity to get more Black folks on your side. But, first, you gotta throw out the trash and burn it. Even if Blacks agree with you on some issues it's hard in good conscience to support a party who allows David Duke to have any oxygen, who is an apologist for making moral equivalences between Nazis and counter protesters and who is filled with people who seem to genuinely have difficulty repudiating and disavowing racism unequivocally without any "whataboutism".
What you need to understand is most Black folks don't vote for Democrats over Republicans because they believe Dems are the saviors and all wear white hats. It's because they see Dems as the lesser of two evils-one who no longer makes excuses or asinine moral equivalencies for the dudes in pointy white hats and their ilk.
The Democratic Party see the African-American voter like the reliable girlfriend, if you will. They take her for granted. They often ignore her. They're always looking at "prettier" chicks. And, when in a pinch they know despite repeatedly disappointing her and showing a lack of appreciation she will be by their side and come through for them.
Now, the Republican Party views the African-American as that pretty girl whom they give a glance or two but they just won't give a chance. They don't give her a chance because they can't give up the thots. They know the thots are trifilin and sketchy. But, they also know they will have to put in some work to get the pretty girl. They will have to clean themselves up a little, toss a Tic-tac in their mouth, breakout the good cologne and change some of their errant ways. Whereas with the thots they can skip a shower, spray some Axe on, splurge for the supersized chicken nugget meal followed by a waffle cone with the two scoops and "surprise" them with a cheap ass teddy bear from the Dollar Tree. And, that will be enough for them to get them drawers. The pretty girl will not only make them work for the drawers but make them be patient. It might take weeks. With the thot one hour of Netflix and chill and she's giving up more peach cobbler than Mrs. Fields. The thot, in case you haven't figured it out, is the folks who hold racial resentment, the bigots and flat out undeniable racists and White Nationalists.
Now, don't get all in your feelings, Conservatives. Hear me out. I'm by no means saying all or even most Republicans are bigots or racists. But, what I am saying is most of the Republican Party is complicit in racism. Don't shake your head "no". Yes, you are.
The Republican Party has straddled the line for decades. I laugh when I hear idiots like Steve Bannon chastise Democrats for "identity politics". The Republican Party has played identity politics for every election since 1964. Time and time again dog whistles have been blown and coded language enacted. From Richard Nixon's "law and order" bullshit to Ronald Reagan kicking off his 1980 campaign with a "White grievance" speech in Philadelphia, Mississippi to George H.W. Bush's Willie Horton ads in 1988 to the GOP's "Obama might be a Muslim" tour in 2008 to Trump's entire damn campaign in 2016 has race been used in campaigns. The straddling the line of approach of "We're not saying Black people are bad (wink wink) but..." has been employed repeatedly every election season from local races to state congressional races to gubernatorial races to federal house and senatorial races. Don't deny it. The evidence is overwhelming.
But, what is crazy is it makes no sense. For years...decades I've never understood why. Why hasn't the GOP as a whole made a concerted effort to go after the African-American vote, in particularly African-American men? Do White Conservatives not see the number of issues they actually have in common with a plurality, if not, majority of African-Americans?
For instance, there are certain religious social issues Conservatives and the Black community share common ground. The church is a staple in the Black community. Even if church attendance is moderate the respect for church issues is high. When it comes to homosexuality the majority of Blacks' views are more in line with the Conservative viewpoint. On the issue of abortion around 40% of African-Americans are aligned with the Republican platform. Believe it or not many Blacks consider themselves fiscally conservative. A substantial number of African-Americans are more closely aligned with Republicans on Second Amendment issues than with Liberals. When it comes to criminal justice issues I believe at least a plurality of African-Americans believe in a tough justice system. They just want it to be fair and evenly administered. Most Blacks are for religious freedoms. I suspect a majority of African-Americans wouldn't oppose prayer in school as long as it's not mandatory. And, I think a substantial number of Blacks believe somewhat in the Conservative view on foreign policy. Although I suspect it's more in the range between Hillary Clinton and John McCain than whatever clusterfuck foreign policy Trump has.
So, why do Blacks overwhelmingly tend to vote Democratic White Republicans may ask? Well, I'll tell ya. One, it's because as a party it seems Republicans can't get out of the way of their own bigotry and/or being an apologist for bigotry. Two, the Republican Party never makes a concerted effort for the Black vote. "Why not us?" is not a real pitch. It's a weak bitch ass attempt if I may be frank. When former Republican Party chair, Michael Steele, attempted to put measures in place to reach out to Black folks he was replaced as chair. His successor, Reince Priebus, said he would continue Steele's efforts but instead shit all over them and didn't do a fucking thing. When J.C. Watts, a former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, attempted to take over the party chair and encourage the party to reach out to people of color he was essentially told to sit his black ass down and shut the fuck up.
And, three....the Republicans can't stay away from the thots. That easy skank coochie is too hard to resist. They just won't tell thots like Steve Bannon, David Duke, Richard Spencer, Milo Yianopolous, Lou Dobbs (yes, I said Lou FUCKIN Dobbs), Breitbart, Rep. Steve King (R-IA), Alex Jones and the entire caravan of hate spewing race mongering twat biscuits (Yes, you read correctly; no, I won't apologize. It was the nicest thing I think I could say.) to pack their shit and GET OUT! Instead they tell them, "Y'all go over there and stay down for awhile. You don't have to leave. You just can't be heard. You know, like any good thot or side piece. I can't be with you in public, but you can come over when the porch light is off. And, that's simply not good enough.
And, Republicans, if you wanna get mad get mad. It's whatevs to me. You can't legitimately deny what I'm saying. The best way I have heard it put is the following: "Here's the problem. For 50 plus years you've harbored these racists and White Nationalists. You've allowed them to live in your house. You gave them a room on the condition they'd stay out of sight. You let them hang their Nazi regalia, swastikas, White Nationalists flags and their other putrid racist shit. The problem for you know is Donald Trump came along and said, 'Hey, you don't have to be confined to this room where you're not seen. Come down stairs into the living room. Mingle around.' Now, they feel free to roam around the house. They've tore down the Van Goghs, pissed in your potted plants and having lewd racists' sex in the front yard for the neighbors to see and you're embarrassed. They've taken over your house and you only have you to blame because you should've kicked them out in 1964 but instead allowed them to squat."
That is why the majority of African-Americans don't vote Republican. The way they see it is yes, the Democrats have let them down. Yes, the Democrats' policies have failed in certain places like Detroit and Chicago. Yes, the Democrats often take them for granted and are patronizing. Yes, some Democrats are racists as hell. But.........At the end of the day the Democratic Party as a whole has done some good things for the Black community and although everything previously stated is true at least an effort has been made and on some level they care. They actually give a shit even if it's misguided.
And, Conservatives, I already hear the clapback. You're saying, "But, a Republican freed the slaves." You know damn well the Republican Party now is nothing like the party was then or even 60 years ago. Quit bushittin!
"But, it was Democrats who opposed Civil Rights." Stop that shit! It was Southern Democrats who opposed Civil Rights. It was a Democratic president who spear headed the bill in Congress.
Here is what you must see, Republican Party. You have an opportunity to get more Black folks on your side. But, first, you gotta throw out the trash and burn it. Even if Blacks agree with you on some issues it's hard in good conscience to support a party who allows David Duke to have any oxygen, who is an apologist for making moral equivalences between Nazis and counter protesters and who is filled with people who seem to genuinely have difficulty repudiating and disavowing racism unequivocally without any "whataboutism".
What you need to understand is most Black folks don't vote for Democrats over Republicans because they believe Dems are the saviors and all wear white hats. It's because they see Dems as the lesser of two evils-one who no longer makes excuses or asinine moral equivalencies for the dudes in pointy white hats and their ilk.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
One's Wealth Doesn't Define One's Quality
One of the statements that people make that drives me up the wall is when they equate wealth with intelligence and/or the quality of human being someone is. It literally makes me wanna snap on folks. It is such a superficial way of looking at people. It is also very revealing of the people who believe it.
I want to make clear this isn't going to be some hit piece on rich people. I have no issues with wealth. I'm not resentful of those who have more than myself. This will be about people who seem to worship money and judge a person's character and substance based upon their wealth and status.
I know a person who frequently says anytime a rich or famous person is criticized, "Hey, they're rich and we're not so who are we to talk about them." "They must be smart because they're rich." "They must've done something right because they have money and nobody knows who we are." "They're better than us because they have lots of money and big houses and we're working 9 to 5's. So, we can't say anything about them because they're obviously smarter and better people than us."
All of those previous quotes are ones that word for word I've had said to me. They always are said defending someone who has done wrong or has questionable character. And, these sentiments are shared by many people.
What I always find perplexing about this attitude is that often the people who say it like to portray themselves as "deep" or mature or thoughtful. I am always astounded at how they don't realize how shallow and cursory they sound. It really is a superficial childish way of looking at the world.
Many wealthy folks are wealthy because of their own hard work, intuition and intelligence. However, there are many wealthy people who are wealthy because they were born into it, they got lucky and some because they stole it whether legally or illegally. You can't look at someone who is wealthy and assume that wealth makes them superior.
Just because someone has money it doesn't mean they are smart. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Money doesn't equate to brains. Plenty of rich people are stupid. They may have a talent such as singing that put cheddar in their bank account, but they can't put two coherent sentences together. A businessman may be wealthy but isn't particularly bright. He may have good people around him that steer him in the right directions.
I have never understood the idiocy of such beliefs. If someone was ignorant as hell, then they win the lottery, are they all of a sudden smart? Of course, not. It's patently ridiculous to think that. Instead of being poor and ignorant now they're wealthy and ignorant.
An equally illogical and nonsensical take is that rich people are above reproach and "good people" simply because they are rich. Having money doesn't mean you can't be an asshole. It doesn't mean you can do deplorable things and be exempt from critique and rebuke. Wealth doesn't give you a special moral status. If you're amoral, you are amoral.
It is beyond frightening to me people have this attitude. I realize we celebrate wealth, celebrity and fame in this country. You'll receive no argument from me it's too much. Everyone knows I'm a huge sports fan and have been known to be an athlete apologist. However, because I do follow athletes I know their wealth and their talent doesn't define them as human beings. Just like the rest of us it's their words and actions that define them. For example, Michael Jordan is very rich and was very talented but that doesn't change the fact he can be a small petty person. And, just because he has more money than me doesn't mean I don't have the right to state that and find it disdainful. Same goes for Isaiah Thomas. (And, for the record, they're two of my personal all-time favorite players. One and two as a matter of fact.)
What is disturbing is this is how some people judge folks. It's how they judge who to vote for; who to romantically be involved with; who to have around their kids and who in general are "worthy" human beings. Man, I don't know about you but that kind of shallowness is scary. That kind of thinking reveals some people's total lack of depth. It's a horrifying view of the world.
Hey, I'd love to be rich. Hell, I'd love to be above the point where homeless people feel like they should give me money. But, as I said to the person I mentioned earlier in the blog, "I'd rather be dirt poor and have good character than to be rich and have no character." I received a very perplexed look when I made that statement. I meant it. But, what concerns me is if I made that same statement to 100 people I'm not convinced a majority wouldn't give me that same perplexing look.
I want to make clear this isn't going to be some hit piece on rich people. I have no issues with wealth. I'm not resentful of those who have more than myself. This will be about people who seem to worship money and judge a person's character and substance based upon their wealth and status.
I know a person who frequently says anytime a rich or famous person is criticized, "Hey, they're rich and we're not so who are we to talk about them." "They must be smart because they're rich." "They must've done something right because they have money and nobody knows who we are." "They're better than us because they have lots of money and big houses and we're working 9 to 5's. So, we can't say anything about them because they're obviously smarter and better people than us."
All of those previous quotes are ones that word for word I've had said to me. They always are said defending someone who has done wrong or has questionable character. And, these sentiments are shared by many people.
What I always find perplexing about this attitude is that often the people who say it like to portray themselves as "deep" or mature or thoughtful. I am always astounded at how they don't realize how shallow and cursory they sound. It really is a superficial childish way of looking at the world.
Many wealthy folks are wealthy because of their own hard work, intuition and intelligence. However, there are many wealthy people who are wealthy because they were born into it, they got lucky and some because they stole it whether legally or illegally. You can't look at someone who is wealthy and assume that wealth makes them superior.
Just because someone has money it doesn't mean they are smart. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Money doesn't equate to brains. Plenty of rich people are stupid. They may have a talent such as singing that put cheddar in their bank account, but they can't put two coherent sentences together. A businessman may be wealthy but isn't particularly bright. He may have good people around him that steer him in the right directions.
I have never understood the idiocy of such beliefs. If someone was ignorant as hell, then they win the lottery, are they all of a sudden smart? Of course, not. It's patently ridiculous to think that. Instead of being poor and ignorant now they're wealthy and ignorant.
An equally illogical and nonsensical take is that rich people are above reproach and "good people" simply because they are rich. Having money doesn't mean you can't be an asshole. It doesn't mean you can do deplorable things and be exempt from critique and rebuke. Wealth doesn't give you a special moral status. If you're amoral, you are amoral.
It is beyond frightening to me people have this attitude. I realize we celebrate wealth, celebrity and fame in this country. You'll receive no argument from me it's too much. Everyone knows I'm a huge sports fan and have been known to be an athlete apologist. However, because I do follow athletes I know their wealth and their talent doesn't define them as human beings. Just like the rest of us it's their words and actions that define them. For example, Michael Jordan is very rich and was very talented but that doesn't change the fact he can be a small petty person. And, just because he has more money than me doesn't mean I don't have the right to state that and find it disdainful. Same goes for Isaiah Thomas. (And, for the record, they're two of my personal all-time favorite players. One and two as a matter of fact.)
What is disturbing is this is how some people judge folks. It's how they judge who to vote for; who to romantically be involved with; who to have around their kids and who in general are "worthy" human beings. Man, I don't know about you but that kind of shallowness is scary. That kind of thinking reveals some people's total lack of depth. It's a horrifying view of the world.
Hey, I'd love to be rich. Hell, I'd love to be above the point where homeless people feel like they should give me money. But, as I said to the person I mentioned earlier in the blog, "I'd rather be dirt poor and have good character than to be rich and have no character." I received a very perplexed look when I made that statement. I meant it. But, what concerns me is if I made that same statement to 100 people I'm not convinced a majority wouldn't give me that same perplexing look.
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