On my way to Rodman's yesterday, I happened across a group of "THEM" at Union Station - the people from another reality, those who still miss George W. Bush's administration, folks who come to DC to protest all things Democratic. The crowd I saw yesterday was intent on protesting health care reform. These are people who somehow believe that enriching insurance companies while allowing millions of people to be left out in the cold when they're sick, is a good idea. I honestly try to be very tolerant of diverse opinion, really I do! But with these people I have nothing in common. Absolutely nothing. When I see them, I get so angry.
The pic above features one of the group of THEM. I was hoping to publish an image of another person who was carrying a sign that said, "I'm already sick of Obamacare." But I was so angry that the image came out all blurry. In a fit of intolerance, I snapped at her after taking the photo. I said, "You know, you really ARE sick!" Immediately afterwards I asked myself if that was necessary. I guess it was!
I've never understood why people like Trader Joe's so much. For my money, Rodman's is a lot more fun. When I go into Rodman's, like some burned out stoner I wander the aisles completely transfixed by all the cool, weird, unusual jars and boxes of food thingies from all over the world. They call it "gourmet" but I think it's more of a collection of oddities. It's such a fun place. A visit to Rodman's serves as an excellent tonic for the bitter taste THEY leave in my mouth.
Later in the afternoon, a rainbow appeared, along with some of the strangest, most ethereal light I've ever seen. It was so beautiful that it completely cleared the energy of THEM from my energy field.
It's a shame to be so hostile, isn't it? I try to be tolerant of all opinions, I really do. Sometimes, though, I can't find the high road, no matter how much I want to. Thank God for Rodman's and for the unexpected beauty of a late afternoon rainbow. I really mean it: Thanks God!
34 comments:
Thank G-d
and
Thank G-d for you
for rainbows
for beautiful light
for delicious prose
for unexpected jars
of wonderful confections
I don't get those people either. Do they really think they won't fall victim to the current health care scheme? That when they really need it, they won't be shut out? Why they begrudge health care for those not fortunate enough to be able to have insurance. Don't they realize that having insurance is no guarantee?
I'm glad the powers that be cleansed you of their ill.
I bought some orange/tangerine marmelade at Rodman's. Hmmm ... what to do with it? It'll be fun to figure out.
I just can't understand the anger & hatred toward Obama, Democrats, health care, and anything that smacks of giving aid. I just don't get it and never will. Thank goodness for places like Rodman's, Whole Foods, and Farmer's Markets that help get us through the turmoil.
I have low tolerance for THEM as well - I guess it just feels like they're being herded by people with nefarious motivations & it bugs the heck out of me that they don't notice it.
My boss says he's an independent, but he's done nothing but bash Obama since he won the nomination & quote Glenn Beck at me. Scary that he thinks he's being centrist. I just tell him to shut up. Politely - I want to keep my job!
I didn't know about Rodmans...might have to make a trip (haha)into the city just to get a contact high.
Lovely rainbow shot...check out the one on another friends blog...
http://studiololo.blogspot.com/2009/11/skywatch-friday-rainbow-comet.html
Protesting all things Democratic, while eating a pretzel...better living through chemistry? I am sure he's got his healthcare well managed all on his own, HaHaMeow
Terri I thought the same thing: he's eating a junk food transfat completely processed humongous "supersize" pretzel. GROSS.
Glenn Beck is certifiably insane.
Well, Reya, at least THEM aren't related to you. Like they are to me. Finding the higher ground is hard when they keep digging it out from under you.
I know!
I try to be tolerant too but when I see people who are horribly selfish
like parking in handicapped
or yakking too loud
or generally being ANTI-social
I can get quite NASTY
I will tell them off Oh yeah.......
breathe deeply.....
I tell people off on the LI Railroad
I am a menace 2 society
and an old bat too
happy weekend
The marmelade? That is the question. My hands on my hips, my foot stomping, my eyebrows mushed. I have no TJ's OR Rodman's. BOO WOO!
The rainbow was an affirmation of your thoughts, Reya.
I love looking at different food from other places, too, Reya. Lawrence Market in Toronto is my favourite place.
Marmelade goes well with homemade biscuits, toast, in chicken/duck/turkey stuffing...
I'm wondering about the significance of the soft pretzel.
Try that marmalade on top a piece of toasted whole wheat bread spread generously with your favorite peanut butter. And UGH about the THEMs. I'm with you there! I'm new to your blog and am enjoying reading it very much...
Yay Reya-outrage at ignorance and outright horror of THEY must not be subdued. Fox has agenda upon agenda and for the less educated populous it is like bog water quenching their thirst...having never known clear spring water, it is the best they can do...BUT their addiction to stupididy and laziness of mind should not be condoned, tolerated, or sidestepped...I do believe that THEY are dangerous in their lack.
Rodman's? I must verily go to DC and check this out. I was a T Joe's fan back in LA when they first came out there. And now there is better? Well! Must be seen, must be shopped!
I seriously do not get people against health care reform. What America has now is crap. You can get fabulous care if you can afford it; but for those who must choose between health insurance and eating, or rent, or gas for the car, well, those people are just not hanging around malls with large signs. No, they're too busy trying to make ends meet and praying they don't get sick.
Have a great weekend, Reya. Try not to let Them get to you. Counterdemonstrate if it won't bring on apoplexy.
Oh, I see teri sent you ;)
I think your rainbow is wonderful and timely, it sounds!
Look at the way the tree seems to be lit. Wonderful!
THEM? Ugh. You're preachin' to the choir! My husband claims to be 'center right.' I just stay out of it, esp when he has O'Reilly on!
i used to be more "tolerant" of THEM but ive given having rational discussions anymore ...its a waste of both our time..like trying to talk to the KKK... rrrgh very frustrating...
xoxo
The light in the rainbow photo is surreal. I only see that shade here during a snow storm.
We don't have and Rodman's around here so this is the first I've heard about the store. We do, unfortunately, have Wally Herger. If you watch Keith Oberman you've heard of him. There is a huge campaign in California to let him know how we feel on the issue. His representatives say he doesn't feel it is a good thing at this time.
I hear ya!
I don't think the majority of people against health care reform really understand it. They don't bother to educate themselves on the issues of what is really at stake, e.g. continued out of control escalation of cost and reduction of services from the insurance cos. They hear one liners like "Don't cut Medicare to fund health care reform" and they think it's gospel. Most of these people don't even realize Medicare is socialized medicine. I don't know what it's going to take to turn people around but as long as they have blinders and ear muffs on, it's a long battle.
We receive just what we need when we need it, as long as our eyes are open. Looks like yours were.
I don't really understand the purpose of standing around with a sign. Does he really expect to effect change by standing there with his sign? Wouldn't his time be better spent elsewhere? It doesn't matter whether I agree or disagree with what he has written; I simply don't see a logical reason for him to be there.
Not sure what a Rodman's is. But the place sounds yummy. And food from all over the world is interesting. We have a World's Bazzar, but it carries lots of things along with the food.
Rainbows are a beautiful sight to be enjoyed by everyone. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and if everyone was the same, then life would be very boring. I think there was an old Outer Limits story about that. And once you become intolerant of others views, then what does that make you. I think that just loving everyone and accepting them as they are is what we are here on earth to do.
The people in Iran, who are still protesting, fighting, and dying for their right to have the freedoms, that we all take for granted, would be so thankful to see that their countrymen could protest their beliefs for both sides of any issue their government wanted to change, or make into a law.
I guess I could point out many other countries, where their governments just "kill" the "them" due to their intolerance of others views, or I could point out that we have "Honor Killings" going on in our own country, where young women are killed due to "them" not following the beliefs of the cowardly men in their families.
So I for one am very thankful that we can have an "us" and a "them" in our country. Embrace the them, they, those, us, and everyone. Be thankful that you and they are allowed to do this, for when we are no longer allowed to have a them, you might be one of them or someone you love might be.
Freedom should never be taken for granted, because once it is lost, many will have to die to regain it back.
Sorry, but once you have spent some time living under a dictatorship in another country, this does tend to make one change their views about tolerance. It was not easy living there. There are still a lot of countries out there in which you can do this. I am sure that almost every citizen in those countries would be willing to trade places with you.
Okay, I better stop, but as you can see, I love the freedoms we have in this country, and willingly tolerate all views with a thankfulness and joy that we have them.
Also I am sorry if I offended anyone with what I wrote, I love all views and I know that I cannot walk a mile in your shoes or their shoes, but can only walk in mine. Sorry for possibly stepping on some shoes today.
God bless.
PS...please pray for the freedom fighters in Iran, they need our prayers.
reya - this posting brought to mind a song i haven't heard for years and years "us and them" by pink floyd. when i am in the company of people from another version of this world i go quiet. i don't take them on because those are often the terms of their world . . . not mine. be beautiful you. be beautiful - you! steven
To THEM, I suppose, we are THEM. Does that make us all them? I agree with the comment that we should be grateful there can be more than one viewpoint in this country and that we are "free" to express ours, but with freedom comes the responsibility to educate ourselves, to practice tolerance, to act rather than merely react. Many folks don't bother to question the things they hear from the media. We all ought to consider that one of our "rights."
One of the things I love about America is the fact that we're allowed to express ourselves no matter what our opinion is.
I did not want to engage with this person. It just came out of me - kind of shocked the hell outta me!!
More metta practice for me is clearly indicated!
Reya, I think we are all a bit intolerant. I also think you are less so than most of us.
Even the selfish have the right to bitch at their governance. 'They' continuously allow me a laugh. 50 years ago Reya....merely 50 years most folks our age were just 'monkeys' like 'them' Its kinda like monkeys and dogs.
I'll never be able to look at G. Bush again without seeing the caricature of a monkey superimposed.....or better yet...Alfred E. Neuman....and 'barking' at 'them' occasionally... ain't half as messy as throwing a handfull of crap at em'....eh Darlin'?
Thaks for the rainbow, and that beautiful light. Glad to hear that you're walking the Jake walks, and the healing is progressing... So interesting to see the trees losing their leaves, and the Fall changing into winter. Very hot and humid here, just waiting for the rain to come now!
Yeah ... I did just bark, didn't I? I didn't bite.
Change is scary, (although I'm so scared by health care costs that any change is bound to be an improvement). I think the death-panel-riled-up people are afraid that whatever happens, change will be bad for them.
I feel that way about change sometimes, too. I usually try to become better-informed, because rationality is my own personal amulet to protect against scary stuff. I'd like to prescribe it as a fear-cure for these folks too, but I'm not sure they're interested. They look like they're reveling in their fear and anger.
I'm glad you found rainbows and exotic tastes--ideal antidotes for that weird government hate-fest.
Rebecca, there's an article in the New Yorker (last week's issue, I think) by Elizabeth Kolbert about how internet and cable access to so many different kinds of "news" shows has helped us connect with media content we already agree with. It reinforces our values and is leading us all into being fanatics. Very interesting article. Is she Stephen Kolbert's wife?
I get scared by anyone who uses the word "repent"! LOL!
Seriously, I have the same reaction sometimes to people of different politics. But it helps to stop thinking of them as THEM and instead remember that they're US, too. You know? They have different beliefs, and I think those beliefs are wrong, but they want the same things for themselves and their families -- peace, security, happiness. We're more the same than we are different.
I actually do not understand what the ANTI debate is based on. It makes me crazy, too. Sometimes it is so very hard to tolerate (much less love) one's neighbor.
Thank g for those sublime moments.
I noticed the policeman in the background ... hope he wasn't comeing for you! :-)
The rainbow brings so much peace, beauty, and promise - another awesome photo Reya. We need to remember the rainbows when confronted with people who seem so ill-informed, scared silly, and possibly mentally ill....but it's not easy since they trod all over our space.
Usually I'm pretty good - but that day I snapped. It was kind of strange.
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