The Perks of Being an Asshole

  

   Being an asshole is kind of a thing. It trickles down from the most powerful person in our country (name your favorite asshole who leads us), to the least. It is not influenced by class, race, religion---there is asshole potential everywhere. We vote for assholes because they are strong in their views, and citizens can live out their inner-asshole in supporting that. Assholes get ahead! They appear confident, driven, and get what they want. They will break you before you can break them. People who act in ways that aren't kind or empathetic may win certain battles, but they often end up alienating others or struggling in ways that aren't immediately visible. 

  A few years ago, I decided, because much of my pre-sobriety was pretty selfish and self-centered that I would be as kind as possible. I believe I've succeeded in that. I was available. I did things for people.  Unfortunately, the Universe still confuses kindness for weakness and I got pretty much trampled, especially of late---misunderstood intentions, broken plans, decisions to not be friends. Fuck, if I know what happened. Sure, I had a role in it, that maybe I was too kind to the wrong people, but the way I felt about myself has suffered. 

  

   At least when I was an asshole, I knew exactly where I stood with people. If they were still around, they really wanted to spend time with me, because, after all, I was an asshole. Also, people I ended up standing up to...didn't matter at all, if I were an asshole or not, as mutual dislike was already there. There was nothing to lose in bad behavior in these instances. 

     I like being kind, and I don't want to be a jerk but I'm missing all the perks of being an asshole. 

Thoughts on the Election: Mr. McMahon and Mr. Trump

 

After watching Mr. McMahon on Netflix, (and besides feeling the need to shower after) I came to the conclusion how our elections are very influenced by what's real: More so, people want a good story line, and that's what they will vote for. It doesn't matter if it's fake or untrue but as long as certain folks running do the "good guy vs. bad guy" rhetoric the way McMahon did for the WWF the votes will come in. Mr. Trump is very, very similar to Mr. McMahon in his leadership and rhetoric. He also was a big fan of pro-wrestling. Mr. McMahon and Mr. Trump are both very good actors, who actually play themselves. Crazy and unhinged, which some may find endearing, the way rooting for the bad guy is kind of cool, but in reality it is very, very dangerous.

Trouble is that this isn't pro-wrestling, and these created stories have nothing to do with real politics, or do they move any of the real political issues. We are at extreme risk that the distraction of the story, drowns out democracy and our rights disappearing, and no one will think that this is a bad.

Vote to keep democracy first---as that could disappear, while some keep cheering as it happens. Vote to keep our Rights, and not have them taken away. Vote to squash hatred, racism, misogyny----any "we are superior to them, because they are garbage, or dangerous, or a threat to the status quo.

Please, voters, especially in the swing states...WE NEED YOU NOW.