Evidently I’m A Communist

-

A few weeks back I posted something about being excited to watch a Yankees game.

A guy I know through work, who I considered to be a friend, made the following remark:

“You can have them! They all knelt for the anthem. I’m not watching baseball ever again.”

I know better than to engage but I had to clear it up for him.

“They didn’t kneel during the anthem. They set aside 5 minutes before the anthem was played and guys were free to kneel,” I wrote.

He didn’t answer and I never gave it another thought.

Until yesterday.

The guy pulled up in his truck. Trump sticker in the window.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Don’t even talk to me.”

“What’s up?” I asked, thinking it had something to do with the job.

“You’re a communist,” he said. “You defend the black lives matter crowd. They’re disgusting.”

I still wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but then I thought about the baseball post.

“Kneeling?” I asked.

“Yeah. Kneeling. I’m an American. I thought you were too. Those people are burning our country down with their black lives bullshit.”

I was stunned to silence. Like I said, I’ve known the man for 20 years.

“I’m not watching sports anymore. Done with baseball, football, basketball and even hockey. Eff those a**holes.”

He stepped on the gas, spewing dirt all over the lot.

“Communist!” He yelled.

I laughed.

Felt sorry for him and couldn’t believe that he was done with all sports, raging at his friends, and screaming mad about a peaceful protest.

“That’s crazy,” I said to the guy who was seated beside me.

“Don’t let it get to you,” the guy said. “You have no idea how rampant racism is. This job has a half dozen black guys on it and they’re harassed every day.”

“Seriously?” I asked.

“Yeah, but what do you know? You’re  a communist.”

I left the site. 

Felt badly about all of it, but you know, it doesn’t have anything to do with me.

I’m watching baseball.

All the sports, actually.

He’s not punishing me.

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