I Could Be Wrong

-
My wife and I were having a quick conversation yesterday about how much I aggravate her. It's one of our favorite subjects, but yesterday it centered around opinions. "You have a lot of opinions," she said.

"And that's bad?"

"Well, you can be a bit closed-minded. Why are you always right?"

Perhaps my wife has a point. Then again, maybe not. "Because I am," I said. "Who ever had a passionate opinion about something and ended it with - I'm probably wrong about that."

Do we ever feel like we are truly wrong about an issue? Certainly there is plenty out there to get you confused, but opinions are based, somewhat on fact, somewhat on traditional beliefs, and every once in a while on a whim. As my good friend Mellencamp once said - "You have to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."

I just hate when people read something and accept it as fact. "But I read it on the Internet."

Hell, anyone can put anything on the Internet and just pass it around as fact. New data shows me the world is flat and the moon is really made of cheese - there - it's on the Internet - prove me wrong.

Yet I have been wrong from time-to-time. "I'm not closed-minded," I argued.

"Tell me once when you've discussed something with someone and said - 'You know, I might be mistaken,'" my wife tried.

"I can't think of a specific example," I said.

"Because there isn't one," she answered.

All right then - let me think. I'll find something!
I believed there weren't weapons of mass destruction - oops, right there.
I thought that gas would hit $4 a gallon - right again.
I tell my kids and everyone that will listen that Bruce is the god of music - still right.
There's no better meal than pasta - 4 for 4.
The Yankees would win the World Series in '08! - I was wrong! I was wrong! I was wrong!

I never liked wishy-washy people - I have some good buddies who are convinced that I'm dead wrong on a lot of issues - right, Rosey? Yet it has never once hurt our friendship. I want my children to be strong-willed, convinced of their stand, and eager to fight for what they believe in - no matter who thinks they're an idiot - even if it's their loving wife or life-long pal.

"We should all be thankful that the intelligence just drips off of you," my wife said.

Finally we found some common ground.
Or was she being sarcastic?
I think she was serious.
I could be wrong.

Comments

deafjeff said…
You still think Obama is going to win right?
12 September, 2008
John said…
You're an idiot. Also, there isn't a place for teaching religious figures as historical figures in public schools. Wrong again dude. Love ya!
13 September, 2008
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more