Stupid fucking democrats...

Ok, so I'm a little older now, and a little less stupid. Which means I'm a little less left, and a little more center. More interested in what's being done with the money raped from my paycheck by the federal government, and more aware of the world and people around me.

For the past three weeks, no one has picked up our trash. Finally, this morning, in a perplexed rage, I called the public works department. I explained the situation, and was put on hold, while, apparently, he called the guys on the truck.

"Yup," he said, "You got yourself tagged for recycling. So you just have to separate that stuff out, and call us, we'll come pick it up."

I was confused. We put out recycling, and we had seperated it. I mentioned this. He reiterated his explanation. I said,

"So, let me get this straight, maybe I'm not understanding. I have to go through almost a month's worth of decomposing garbage, take out anything that might be recyclable, then you'll take the trash?"

"That's right."

"........Uh..." I can't decide whether to laugh, or get nasty, or tell this guy that it's waaaaayy past April fools, and he'd better have a real explanation.

Lucas, who had come into the kitchen and heard my last sentence, says,

"Just say OK."

"....uh... ok, thanks?" I hang up the phone, bewildered, and not a little bit pissed off.

"When did they start going through people's trash?"

"That what happens when you live in a town full of liberal fucking Democrats!" Says Lucas.

"Shit, I guess so. Man."

My god. When did I become someone who became exasperated by democrats? I guess I'm growing into my Live Free Or Die boots more than I thought, turning a little purple. It's been happening for a while, I guess.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for recycling. But garbage men policing my trash for a beer bottle or juice container?? I understand that it's my responsibility to recycle what I can, and help save the environment by putting less shit in the landfills, but really.

I guess that's it. I can't stand the concept of legislating things that should be left up to personal responsibility and common sense. Like wearing a seatbelt, smoking, making sure your car isn't going to fall apart and kill you or someone else, drugs, or whatever. It just seems like such a waste of time, resources and money.

Really? I just don't want to.

So when someone calls up to invite you somewhere you don't want to go, there are two ways to decline:

"My couch is way more interesting right now, call me later." (aka Truth)

or

"Oh, I'd love to, but I have to [insert fictional excuse here]" (aka Lies)

I like the Truth better. I like getting it, and giving it. It's not always applicable though. Sometimes you have to lie, and there's a further branching. What it comes down to is you saying:

I really don't like you. Stop calling. No, really.

or

I know (or can't tell if) the Truth would hurt your feelings.

Sometimes if you're on the receiving end of the Lie, it's hard to tell which branch you're getting.

Then there's always the possibility that you're just paranoid, and really, they'd love to come, but, sheesh, SOMEone's gotta wash the hamster!

Gender ...... Politics!

We're at the New Aisa on Saturday night, and having a grand ol' time. I can't remember who said it first, but the end result was everyone at the table looking at me as Derek exclaimed "Wow, you are SO outnumbered at this table!". Much hilarity ensued, and I answered: "So?" Then made some comment like "Doesn't bother me!" and mocked that limp wristed wave we all know and love.

It didn't even occur to me before he mentioned it.

I can't imagine being the kind of person that thinks someone else's' sexual preference is my business. Instead, I worry, as all friends will: Is he good to you? Do you trust her? Is it love? I've never really understood this obsession with what parts of who's body goes where. How can it matter when hearts are involved?

I heard on the radio the other day, someone talking about the younger generations these days, and how much easier it was for us to choose a presidential candidate, because of our tolerance and acceptance of all kinds of people.

He seemed surprised at this, and the piece had a slightly mocking tone. Implying not that we have moved beyond the prejudices and bigotry of our elders, but that we're just too lazy, or too naive, to pursue them.

It made me furious.

How dare you mock us for acceptance? How can a yearning for peace and camaraderie possibly be something to ridicule?

We will unite, and flourish, while you seek only to divide, and conquer.