Anyone who knows me is more often than not sickened by my perpetual optimism, my faith in humanity, my firm held belief in people and their ability to rise to the challenge and unite in the face of adversity!
Well, Daaaaaaamn! Health-care opposition, you have managed to put a small chink in my armor of optimism!
"I hope you bleed...get cancer, and die." That was one of many threatening messages left on the phone of Representative Bart Stupak, D-Michigan.
"There are millions of people across the country who wish you ill and all of those thoughts projected on you will materialize into something that's not very good for you." That's another one. Not to mention the faxed in pictures of Stupak hanging from a gallows.
Let's dial back for just a moment. Take a journey with me.
Health Care reform is not a new issue. The government has been working toward health care reform since Carter was in office...maybe even prior to that, but I'm only 28, so my personal experience is slightly limited.
That being said, there's a great deal of talk about President Obama's agenda. It's not his agenda. It's a problem that has been plaguing America for ages. Obama is the first president who has managed to get anything truly done with it. And more power to him.
"Oh, stop strong arming everyone, President Obama! Stop forcing your agenda on people who don't want it."
HARDLY! One of the reasons America voted Obama into office was the fact that he intended to hold America accountable for itself. And when he stands in front of the children that make up our senate and house of representatives and tells them to grow up and get something done, everyone gets up in arms.
Its the truth, folks. Think about it. Lately I have become disenfranchised with political parties in general. I'm definitely not a Republican, and lately it seems the Democrats aren't getting much done either. Oh, for the good Ole' days when the loser of the presidential election became the vice president.
I can't think of a better path to true bipartisanship. But then again, if we tried to do that again, someone would probably cry foul and curse us for our heavy handed political agendas. Damn me and my desire to have people work together!
So now that I have completely lost focus, and turned this into a pointless rant, let's try and bring it back again.
The point I'm trying to make is, legislation is more than just laws and paper and votes. It's people. There are millions of Americans who can't afford to keep their families healthy. Simply by being born into this world, you have a responsibility to every other human being on the planet. We are drafted into service of our fellow man whether we like it or not. Any measure taken to make life better for humanity, is for our greater good. If the process isn't perfect then we need to sit and talk. Threatening others, decrying them as scum, name calling, vitriol...all of these things only serve to hurt us.
what I'm trying to say is, that even though I think Rush Limbaugh is a blowhard, I don't wish him ill. I'd love to sit and have a conversation with him, and find out why he's always so angry at the liberals. I wouldn't like to see him burned at the stake, despite any inklings to the contrary that may pop up.
We're human beings. We get angry. It's healthy to let it out. But let's not waste our time and energy on tearing each other down. My hand is always outstretched to anyone who needs it, or wishes to stand by my side, regardless of political leaning.
You are a person.
I wish you well.
I wish you to share those well wishes with others.
I wish you to embrace the people who make you the most angry, and figure out how to appreciate them for what they are, flawed, emotional...human.
That's hard. For everyone. But man, what life would be like if we could do it.
And last but not least: Contrary to the folks(mostly republicans) who have spoken out against these threats, intoning that America is not a country of violence or hatred, Take one minute to think about every act that you've been in favor of lately, and how many lives, both American and foreign have been lost in the last 8 years. And then re-examine your chosen language.
"Don't retreat, Instead...RELOAD!" -Sarah Palin.
Maybe you're not inciting violence, but your metaphores are a bit unfortunate. Especially in this day and age.
There never was a good war, or a bad peace. Health care doesn't have to be a battle, and the people who are our public servants aren't the bad guys.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Don't Be Such A Downer!
I was fired a week and a half ago.
"Man, why would write about something so depressing? Isn't there something happier you could blog about?"
Well, I could extemporize on the three episodes of 30 Rock I watched on demand last week, or what I have been eating for breakfast everyday. But something tells me that wouldn't completely be worth reading. And since I've already adequately ripped The Lightning Thief a new one on various other social media, it's time to move on.
The point is, if you're going to take the time to share your innermost thoughts with the world wide web, it better be about something you are familiar with, and that you care about. Otherwise, what's the point?
So yes, I was fired a week and a half ago.
What's the worst thing about being fired? I have found that it's not the sudden lack of income, or the relative aimlessness that comes with not having a fixed daily schedule, but the feeling you get when someone looks you in the eye, and in essence, tells you "That thing you always felt at least moderately competent doing...we disagree. Sorry, guess you were wrong."
Man, that's the blow. You'd feel a little better if you knew it was for financial reasons. That at least doesn't reflect on you. Hell, the economy sucks...we can't hide from that. But no, "you aren't what we thought you would be." It's hard to not just walk away and think to yourself, "Who did I let down? What's wrong with me?"
But self confidence is a crazy thing, and just when you thought it had taken a vacation, it pops its head back in. Waht's even crazier is that confidence speaks with a voice that sounds a lot like your wife, or your close friends, or your former employers, or your family. And in that voice, it holds you closely and it says, "There's a reason for this, and it's their loss. Not yours." And let me tell you, when self-confidence has so many different voices, and they all seem to be saying the same thing, you can't help but believe those voices. You can't help but think that they are speaking truth, and they obviously know what they're talking about. Those voices have known you a hell of a lot longer than any former employer. What's more, they know you more intimately. They know what you're capable of, and they know what you can be when you are at your best, and if they have anything to say about it, they'll be damned if you don't SHINE!
So yes, for the present time, I am going to blog about what it means to be unemployed, because I firmly believe it's a topic that can be addressed with humor, positivity, and promise. I'm also going to keep track of other goals of my own; weight loss, exercise, and creativity. I will include information regarding all those things with every post, and we'll see where I end up once I'm gainfully employed again.
So for today: As of 03/11/2010
Weight: 240.5 lbs.
Exercise Goal: Do a half hour on the elliptical
Creativity: begin to assemble cover letter that adequately paints a picture of the professional I am, and want to be!
So, what have we learned today. Unemployment sucks. Especially not getting a paycheck. But you can view it as a prison sentence, or a gift. I choose a gift. why?
Because when you are working full time you're decisions have been made. Right now, the possibilities are endless.
"Man, why would write about something so depressing? Isn't there something happier you could blog about?"
Well, I could extemporize on the three episodes of 30 Rock I watched on demand last week, or what I have been eating for breakfast everyday. But something tells me that wouldn't completely be worth reading. And since I've already adequately ripped The Lightning Thief a new one on various other social media, it's time to move on.
The point is, if you're going to take the time to share your innermost thoughts with the world wide web, it better be about something you are familiar with, and that you care about. Otherwise, what's the point?
So yes, I was fired a week and a half ago.
What's the worst thing about being fired? I have found that it's not the sudden lack of income, or the relative aimlessness that comes with not having a fixed daily schedule, but the feeling you get when someone looks you in the eye, and in essence, tells you "That thing you always felt at least moderately competent doing...we disagree. Sorry, guess you were wrong."
Man, that's the blow. You'd feel a little better if you knew it was for financial reasons. That at least doesn't reflect on you. Hell, the economy sucks...we can't hide from that. But no, "you aren't what we thought you would be." It's hard to not just walk away and think to yourself, "Who did I let down? What's wrong with me?"
But self confidence is a crazy thing, and just when you thought it had taken a vacation, it pops its head back in. Waht's even crazier is that confidence speaks with a voice that sounds a lot like your wife, or your close friends, or your former employers, or your family. And in that voice, it holds you closely and it says, "There's a reason for this, and it's their loss. Not yours." And let me tell you, when self-confidence has so many different voices, and they all seem to be saying the same thing, you can't help but believe those voices. You can't help but think that they are speaking truth, and they obviously know what they're talking about. Those voices have known you a hell of a lot longer than any former employer. What's more, they know you more intimately. They know what you're capable of, and they know what you can be when you are at your best, and if they have anything to say about it, they'll be damned if you don't SHINE!
So yes, for the present time, I am going to blog about what it means to be unemployed, because I firmly believe it's a topic that can be addressed with humor, positivity, and promise. I'm also going to keep track of other goals of my own; weight loss, exercise, and creativity. I will include information regarding all those things with every post, and we'll see where I end up once I'm gainfully employed again.
So for today: As of 03/11/2010
Weight: 240.5 lbs.
Exercise Goal: Do a half hour on the elliptical
Creativity: begin to assemble cover letter that adequately paints a picture of the professional I am, and want to be!
So, what have we learned today. Unemployment sucks. Especially not getting a paycheck. But you can view it as a prison sentence, or a gift. I choose a gift. why?
Because when you are working full time you're decisions have been made. Right now, the possibilities are endless.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
And so it begins...
Allow me to weave a tale of intrigue, magic, and awe for you...
The year: 2005! I know it was 2005 as I was still using my small blue cell phone, and had yet to switch to the small black cell phone.
The Place: Camp Washington, Lakeside, CT!
The Time: Dinner!
The day was beginning to wind down, and i was seated at a round table in the dining hall with a group of campers. The topic of conversation turned to my magical airship, and the journey I had undertaken to the wilds of Northern Alaska. I had assembled a crew of young women who all happened to be named Becca, and as we soared above the slopes of Mt. Denali, I sighted, through the lens of my powerful air to surface telescope, a group of young wolverines leaping about the rocks and snow topped crags in a sprightly and agile fashion.
We brought her down to the surface to frolic with the youths of the wild. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that not only were they sprightly and agile, but among their number was one member of the mustelidae family who posessed more than just a gluttonous knowledge of the Alaskan food chain, but a gleam in his eye, and an uncanny ear for the English language.
Thus, an era began, and the Magic Wolverine was born. He entered the world bright-eyed and bushy tailed as a spring squirrell, and ready to face down any challenge that may hurl intself into his path. He was like a child to me, a brainchild ready to occupy the minds of children of all ages in a pinch. A hero with power, wit, and a catchy theme song that sounded like it could be accompanied by an eighties hair band. He became immortalized in the minds of young people at Camp Washington, and in the minds of patrons of the local Mexican Restaurant on Karaoke night. His deeds would be taken from the woods of northwestern Connecticut to the plains of Illinois(without permission, but who's bitter), and he wood stand as an icon for truth, justice, creativity, and anthropomorpheses.
Thus I welcome you to the world of the Magic Wolverine's blog. What adventures will we take toegther? Who knows? What journeys through the uncharted realms of the human psyche will we endevour? They wouldn't be uncharted if I had any clue. Enter with an open mind, and an understanding that adventure is in the eye of the beholder, and you will not be dissapointed!
Welcome, and hang on, it's gonna be an interesting ride.
The year: 2005! I know it was 2005 as I was still using my small blue cell phone, and had yet to switch to the small black cell phone.
The Place: Camp Washington, Lakeside, CT!
The Time: Dinner!
The day was beginning to wind down, and i was seated at a round table in the dining hall with a group of campers. The topic of conversation turned to my magical airship, and the journey I had undertaken to the wilds of Northern Alaska. I had assembled a crew of young women who all happened to be named Becca, and as we soared above the slopes of Mt. Denali, I sighted, through the lens of my powerful air to surface telescope, a group of young wolverines leaping about the rocks and snow topped crags in a sprightly and agile fashion.
We brought her down to the surface to frolic with the youths of the wild. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that not only were they sprightly and agile, but among their number was one member of the mustelidae family who posessed more than just a gluttonous knowledge of the Alaskan food chain, but a gleam in his eye, and an uncanny ear for the English language.
Thus, an era began, and the Magic Wolverine was born. He entered the world bright-eyed and bushy tailed as a spring squirrell, and ready to face down any challenge that may hurl intself into his path. He was like a child to me, a brainchild ready to occupy the minds of children of all ages in a pinch. A hero with power, wit, and a catchy theme song that sounded like it could be accompanied by an eighties hair band. He became immortalized in the minds of young people at Camp Washington, and in the minds of patrons of the local Mexican Restaurant on Karaoke night. His deeds would be taken from the woods of northwestern Connecticut to the plains of Illinois(without permission, but who's bitter), and he wood stand as an icon for truth, justice, creativity, and anthropomorpheses.
Thus I welcome you to the world of the Magic Wolverine's blog. What adventures will we take toegther? Who knows? What journeys through the uncharted realms of the human psyche will we endevour? They wouldn't be uncharted if I had any clue. Enter with an open mind, and an understanding that adventure is in the eye of the beholder, and you will not be dissapointed!
Welcome, and hang on, it's gonna be an interesting ride.
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