Mad As Hell!

-
Yesterday my boys Jake and Matt decided that it was time to give me a bit of my own medicine. Every time they saw me throughout the course of the day they reminded me that the 27-time defending World Champion Yankees had lost the night before, and that Tampa had won, and that the 27-time defending World Champion Yankees have a high payroll.

"Best record in baseball," I kept chanting.

Yet there is a deeper seed of controversy at work here. In a ritual that drives my wife crazy I work hard at getting the boys into loud debates that are designed to make them think a situation through, but largely turn into loud, friendly, screaming match.

"They're doing it to you," Kathy said.

And that's okay. I can deal with it. Even when the 27-time defending World Champion Yankees lose and are eliminated from contention I can always just say "27" and end the discussion.

Yet reading the morning paper affords me the chance to see that arguing through an issue is not an exercise confined to sports.

I'm Mad As Hell Too, Carl signs are all over the neighborhood. Businessman Carl Paladino is running for Governor under that platform, and he has made significant strides.

"I'm voting for him," my brother-in-law told me last week.

"Why's that?"

"Great slogan."

We were at a party and I didn't want to get into one of the debates for the fun of it, but his answer drove me crazy. How does Carl feel about this or that? What is his background? Are we better served by being mad?

Yesterday protesters and demonstrators gathered near the potential mosque site at Ground Zero. It nearly got violent.

Screaming at the top of their lungs for peace. Burning pages out of Holy books. Threats. Hand gestures. Go back to where you came from. We have free speech. You're an a*%#hole! No, your mother is!

Good down-home debating, right?

Going through life 'Mad As Hell!' is a tough way to live. There really should be intelligent discourse that doesn't end in hurt feelings, ignorant statements, or even violence.

But what can you do? Human nature being what it is, I'm ready to get the ball rolling.

The kids like to sleep in on Sunday. The the 27-time defending World Champion Yankees lost again last night.

Perhaps I pull them out of their beds and make them do some things around the house. The more they chirp about the game last night, the more work they do.

Keep it quiet and I let them go back to bed.

Mad as hell! is a great slogan but it only truly works when you have the power.

Comments

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