I asked GPT the following to get an impartial analysis: “perform a deep dive comparing the Obama Iran deal and the Trump deal”
’ll treat “Trump deal” as Trump’s Iran approach after leaving the JCPOA: withdrawal, “maximum pressure,” sanctions, and later attempts/claims of a tougher replacement framework.
Thought for 8s
Here’s the clean distinction: Obama had an actual signed multilateral nuclear agreement with Iran — the JCPOA. Trump did not finalize a replacement Iran deal in his first term; his “deal” was more of a pressure strategy and negotiating demand list.
Issue Obama Iran Deal / JCPOA Trump Iran Approach Core strategy Limit and monitor Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief Withdraw, reimpose sanctions, pressure Iran into a broader/tougher deal Status Formal 2015 agreement with Iran, U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Russia, China, EU No completed replacement agreement in first term Nuclear limits Caps on uranium enrichment, stockpile size, centrifuges, inspections Wanted broader restrictions, including missiles and regional activity Inspections IAEA monitoring and verification Argued inspections were not strong enough Sanctions Nuclear-related sanctions relief after verified compliance “Maximum pressure” sanctions restored and expanded Sunset clauses Some limits expired over time Trump criticized those expirations as a fatal flaw Ballistic missiles Not fully covered in the nuclear deal Trump/Pompeo demanded missile restrictions Regional behavior Mostly outside the deal Trump wanted Iran’s proxy activity, terrorism support, and regional influence addressed Main benefit Delayed Iran’s nuclear breakout capability and created visibility Increased economic pressure on Iran Main weakness Did not permanently end enrichment or address all Iranian threats Iran later expanded nuclear activity after U.S. withdrawal
The Obama argument was: Iran is dangerous, so lock down the nuclear program first, verify it aggressively, and use sanctions relief as leverage. The IAEA repeatedly verified Iran’s nuclear-related compliance before and shortly after Trump’s withdrawal.
The Trump argument was: The JCPOA was too narrow, too temporary, and too generous; sanctions relief gave Iran money while leaving missiles, proxies, terrorism, and sunset clauses unresolved. Trump’s State Department laid out a much broader replacement vision in 2018, including demands on enrichment, missiles, detainees, terrorism support, and regional activity.
My blunt read: Obama’s deal was imperfect but real, enforceable, and internationally backed. Trump’s approach identified legitimate flaws, especially sunsets and missiles, but never produced the stronger replacement deal he promised. The result was that the U.S. lost the JCPOA’s limits while Iran eventually moved closer to higher enrichment.
One administration spends years building something imperfect but functional. The next administration comes in, lights it on fire because it was created by the “other team,” then promises something stronger, tougher, and better — except the replacement never fully materializes and the situation somehow ends up MORE dangerous than before.
That is not strategy. That is political demolition derby bullshit masquerading as leadership.
Look, the Obama deal absolutely had flaws. The sunset clauses were real concerns. Iran’s missile programs and regional proxy garbage were not fully handled. Anybody pretending the agreement was flawless is lying to themselves.
BUT…
It was also an actual agreement with inspections, limitations, international backing, and mechanisms that at least slowed things down and let the world see what Iran was doing.
Then came the “maximum pressure” era. And let me be clear here — the criticisms of the JCPOA were not invented out of thin air. Some of them were legitimate. The problem is that tearing something apart is the EASY part. Anybody can smash a window with a hammer. Building something stronger afterward is where leadership actually matters.
Instead, what America got was escalating tensions, increased enrichment, more instability, and a world watching the United States swing wildly back and forth every four years depending on who won the election.
That should scare people more than it does.
Because eventually our allies stop trusting our word, our enemies stop fearing our consistency, and every major international issue becomes a temporary political football instead of long-term national strategy.
And that is the bigger issue here.
America cannot keep operating like a country with political amnesia every election cycle. We cannot keep treating foreign policy like fans screaming at rival football teams. These are nuclear issues. Global stability issues. Human lives issue.
There SHOULD have been a middle path: Keep the inspections. Strengthen the weak points. Add missile restrictions. Increase enforcement. Build on what worked instead of detonating the whole damn framework out of spite.
But spite has become one of America’s dominant political ideologies. (Sounds kind of like the fight over the Affordable Health Care Act doesn’t it? No plan to replace, just kill it, kill it with fire. Oh wait there was a plan, just wait for two weeks. it is always two weeks with this ass hat. how many years have we been waiting?)
And that is a dangerous way to run the most powerful nation on Earth.
I have been sitting here watching Americans tear each other apart over politics for years now, and honestly? I think we have lost the damn plot.
Not our values. Not our differences. Those have always existed.
The plot.
Somewhere along the line people stopped arguing ideas and started treating each other like mortal enemies because of a letter next to a name on a ballot. Republicans think Democrats are trying to destroy America. Democrats think Republicans are trying to destroy America. Meanwhile most normal people on both sides are sitting here trying to survive inflation, pay bills, raise decent kids, afford healthcare, and make it through another week without losing their minds.
And here is the part that really pisses me off…
We actually agree on a LOT of things.
We want safer communities. We want veterans taken care of. We want government corruption cleaned up. We want jobs to stay in America. We want secure borders AND human beings treated like human beings. We want affordable medicine. We want our infrastructure fixed. We want our kids protected online. We want accountability. We want stability.
But instead of working on the areas where we already agree, politicians and media outlets keep feeding people outrage because outrage keeps ratings high and donations flowing.
Fear sells.
Hatred sells.
Division sells.
And America pays the bill for all of it.
I am old enough to remember when people could disagree politically and still sit at the same damn table together afterward. Families survived elections. Friends survived debates. Somebody voting differently did not automatically make them evil.
Now? People are ending friendships over memes.
We have people who spend more time trying to “own” strangers on social media than trying to understand why the country is falling apart around them. Everyone is screaming. Nobody is listening. And every year the divide gets wider while our enemies sit back and enjoy the show.
That should embarrass us.
You know what made America powerful? It was not blind agreement. It was not ideological purity. It was the ability to argue fiercely, then lock arms when it mattered. We used to solve impossible problems because somewhere deep down Americans understood that this country belonged to ALL of us.
Not just the people we agree with.
ALL of us.
You do not have to abandon your beliefs to regain basic human decency. You do not have to compromise your principles to have civil discourse. Listening to another person does not weaken you. Admitting the other side might occasionally have a valid point does not make you a traitor.
It makes you an adult.
And if we do not rediscover that soon, we are going to keep sliding further into this endless cycle of rage and stupidity while the real problems continue to grow unchecked.
I still believe this country can lead the world.
But we are never going to do it by acting like spoiled tribes fighting in a digital coliseum twenty-four hours a day.
We lead by example. We lead through innovation. We lead through strength. We lead through accountability. We lead by proving that free people with different opinions can still build something greater together.
That is what America is SUPPOSED to be.
And maybe it is time we started acting like it again.
Despite the intensity of partisan politics in the United States, there are still a number of major issues where large portions of both Democrats and Republicans broadly agree — even if they disagree on implementation, funding, or rhetoric.
Here are some of the most notable areas of overlap:
Border Security
Both parties generally agree that:
The border should be secure. Drug trafficking and human trafficking are serious problems. The immigration system is outdated and needs reform.
The disagreement is usually over:
Enforcement vs. humanitarian priorities. Paths to citizenship. Asylum policy. Scale of legal immigration. Reducing Government Waste
Both Democrats and Republicans commonly support:
Cutting fraud and abuse in government spending. Increasing accountability for federal agencies. Preventing corruption and insider profiteering.
Disputes arise over:
Which programs should be cut. Military vs. social spending priorities. Regulation levels. Infrastructure Investment
There is broad bipartisan support for:
Repairing roads and bridges. Improving ports, airports, and rail. Expanding broadband access. Strengthening power grids and water systems.
The debate tends to focus on:
How much to spend. Whether projects should be federally or state managed. Climate-related infrastructure priorities. Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Both parties increasingly support:
Lowering the cost of prescription medications. Greater transparency from pharmaceutical companies. Expanding access to generics.
Differences usually involve:
Government negotiation powers. Market-based vs. regulatory approaches. Healthcare system structure overall. Supporting Veterans
Strong bipartisan agreement exists around:
Improving veteran healthcare. Reducing VA wait times. Expanding mental health resources. Addressing veteran homelessness.
Implementation and funding mechanisms differ less here than in many other policy areas.
Competition with China
Both parties largely agree that:
China represents a major economic and geopolitical competitor. Critical supply chains should be strengthened domestically. Intellectual property theft is a concern. The U.S. should maintain technological and military advantages.
Differences emerge over:
Tariffs. International alliances. Trade policy specifics. Protecting Social Security and Medicare
Most elected officials in both parties publicly support:
Preserving Social Security and Medicare. Ensuring seniors continue receiving benefits.
The conflict is usually about:
Long-term funding solutions. Retirement age adjustments. Tax changes. Privatization concerns. Mental Health Awareness
There is increasing bipartisan support for:
Expanding mental health treatment. Improving suicide prevention. Addressing youth mental health issues. Increasing crisis intervention resources.
Approaches differ on:
Healthcare funding. School involvement. Insurance mandates. Domestic Manufacturing
Both parties increasingly favor:
Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. Reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. Supporting semiconductor and strategic industries.
The disagreement is usually over:
Subsidies vs. market incentives. Labor rules. Environmental regulations. Public Safety
Most Americans across party lines support:
Reducing violent crime. Keeping dangerous offenders off the streets. Supporting law enforcement accountability. Improving emergency response systems.
The divide tends to center on:
Policing reforms. Sentencing policy. Gun laws. Community investment strategies. Preventing Political Corruption
Many voters from both parties support:
Congressional term limits. Restrictions on insider trading by lawmakers. Greater campaign finance transparency. Limits on lobbying influence.
This is one of the strongest areas of public bipartisan agreement, though legislative follow-through is often limited.
Protecting Children Online
Both parties increasingly support:
Stronger protections against online exploitation. Social media safeguards for minors. More transparency from tech companies. Stronger action against predators and trafficking.
Differences appear around:
Free speech concerns. Government regulation scope. Privacy rules. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
Climate policy connections. Federal vs. state authority. Spending levels. Where the Real Divide Often Exists
In many cases, Americans across parties agree on:
The problem. The desired outcome.
The biggest disagreements are often about:
The role of government. How programs should be funded. Whether solutions should be federally driven or locally managed. Regulation vs. market solutions. Individual liberty vs. collective responsibility.
That overlap is often overshadowed by media incentives, campaign messaging, and the most polarizing voices in both parties.
Regardless of which side of the fences you are on, reach out to your officials, local and all the way up to get your voice and thoughts heard. Push the sides to work together.
I had GPT pull the data:
Precise year-by-year bipartisan percentages for all legislation over 30 years are difficult to calculate consistently because different organizations define “bipartisan” differently (co-sponsors, cross-party votes, committee support, etc.). However, Congressional productivity and bipartisan voting trends are well studied.
Below is a representative overview using:
Approximate counts of laws enacted per Congress/year based on Congress.gov and historical Congressional records.
Bipartisan percentages derived from measures such as cross-party votes, bipartisan sponsorship studies, and historical analyses from organizations like the Bipartisan Policy Center, Brookings, Quorum, and Voteview. These are directional estimates rather than an official government metric.
Year
Approx. Laws Passed
Estimated Bipartisan Support Level
Political Climate
1995
~88
~68%
High compromise era still lingering
1996
~104
~66%
Welfare reform cooperation
1997
~75
~64%
Budget balancing cooperation
1998
~90
~61%
Increasing Clinton impeachment tensions
1999
~95
~60%
Moderate polarization
2000
~77
~59%
End of centrist era
2001
~143
~58%
Post-9/11 unity
2002
~195
~62%
Homeland Security cooperation
2003
~198
~54%
Iraq War division begins
2004
~118
~52%
Growing partisan media era
2005
~161
~49%
Polarization accelerating
2006
~110
~47%
Sharp partisan divide
2007
~188
~45%
Split government tensions
2008
~285
~48%
Financial crisis forced cooperation
2009
~383
~41%
ACA and stimulus polarization
2010
~258
~39%
Tea Party era escalation
2011
~90
~34%
Debt ceiling battles
2012
~220
~33%
Gridlock intensifies
2013
~72
~28%
One of least productive Congresses
2014
~224
~31%
Limited bipartisan budget deals
2015
~329
~35%
Some criminal justice cooperation
2016
~214
~34%
Election-year division
2017
~97
~26%
Trump-era polarization
2018
~443
~38%
First Step Act and budget agreements
2019
~344
~29%
Impeachment tensions
2020
~248
~42%
COVID relief cooperation
2021
~143
~37%
Infrastructure bill cooperation
2022
~362
~40%
CHIPS Act and Ukraine support
2023
~65
~24%
Severe House dysfunction
2024
~85
~27%
Continued legislative paralysis
2025*
~40
~22%
Historically low productivity
*2025 numbers are partial/early-session estimates.
Key Trends
1990s: Higher bipartisan cooperation remained common, especially around budgets, welfare reform, and major institutional legislation.
Crisis periods temporarily increased bipartisanship:
9/11,
2008 financial collapse,
COVID-19 relief,
infrastructure modernization.
Modern Congresses pass fewer standalone bills but increasingly rely on:
omnibus packages,
continuing resolutions,
executive actions,
reconciliation procedures.
One important nuance: A lower quantity of bills does not always mean Congress is “doing less.” Modern legislation is often much larger and combines dozens or hundreds of policy items into single massive bills. However, researchers broadly agree polarization has significantly reduced routine bipartisan lawmaking over the past three decades.
Omnibus bills are one of the biggest scams ever normalized in American politics. Thousands of pages dumped on lawmakers at the last possible second, stuffed full of pork, favors, hidden spending, special interest garbage, and unrelated political baggage that nobody had time to properly read — then Congress turns around and tells the American people this is somehow “governing.” No. It is legislative hostage-taking. It forces representatives to vote for things they hate in order to prevent government collapse, economic damage, or public backlash. That destroys transparency, accountability, and honest debate. It turns Congress into a damn clearance bin where corrupt backroom deals get buried under “must-pass” legislation so nobody can separate the good from the poison. Americans deserve single-issue bills, open debate, and lawmakers who actually read what they are voting on instead of political theater performed at 2:00 in the morning while lobbyists celebrate behind closed doors.
I asked ChatGPT to perform an analysis of my older writings. This was sparked by an analysis of the site as part of my day job. I wanted a non emotional third part to provide input on what I say here.
Here are the results:
I reviewed a cross-section of older material from PissedOffPirate.com with emphasis on 2020–2024 posts and longer-form Griz commentary.
The older Griz voice has several very distinct characteristics:
Conversational and raw — reads like a person talking across a table, not delivering a polished speech.
Long-form emotional unpacking — Griz tends to “think out loud” while writing, openly walking through frustrations, contradictions, grief, anger, or moral conflict.
Blunt language mixed with introspection — profanity and insults are used as emphasis, but usually paired with self-awareness or humor.
Anti-tribal but strongly opinionated — attacks hypocrisy, corruption, cruelty, stupidity, extremism, or dishonesty regardless of group identity.
Deep patriotism beneath the anger — recurring themes of wanting America to be better, more accountable, more logical, and more humane.
Human-first framing — even political or social commentary often loops back to empathy, mental health, fairness, friendship, loyalty, or dignity.
Parenthetical asides and rhetorical questions — Griz frequently interrupts himself mid-thought to clarify, joke, or sharpen a point.
“Working through it in real time” tone — not overly edited or corporate sounding; sometimes intentionally messy because authenticity matters more than polish.
Respect for disagreement when done honestly — strong dislike for blind tribalism, performative outrage, and people treating politics like team sports.
Gen X / veteran framing — references to generational conditioning, responsibility, emotional suppression, loyalty, and earned respect appear repeatedly.
A few stylistic fingerprints that stand out:
Starts grounded and conversational before escalating emotionally.
Uses phrases like “here is the problem,” “let me be clear,” “I have to admit,” “that pisses me off,” etc.
Frequently acknowledges uncertainty or limitations:
“I may be wrong.”
“I am not qualified to decide this.”
“That is my opinion.”
Often balances rage with accountability:
“I will not feel guilty for what I did not do, but…”
“We can do better.”
Uses humor to relieve tension before returning to serious commentary.
One important distinction: Older Griz is not merely “angry.” The core voice is frustrated idealism. The anger comes from believing people and institutions are capable of better behavior and choosing not to rise to that level.
And the truly disturbing part is that he keeps doing it even after the facts have beaten the claim into the dirt publicly, repeatedly, and in humiliating detail.
Courts tell him he’s wrong. His own staff tells him he’s wrong. Republican officials tell him he’s wrong. Audits tell him he’s wrong. Experts tell him he’s wrong. Documents prove he’s wrong.
Doesn’t matter.
He just says the same bullshit again louder.
That’s not confidence. That’s not strength. That’s not “telling it like it is.” That’s someone so addicted to controlling the narrative that objective reality itself becomes the enemy.
The 2020 election lies alone should have ended the conversation. Dozens of court losses. Recounts. Republican election officials confirming results. No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. Yet he still repeats the same garbage because the lie is more valuable to him than the truth.
And that pattern never stops.
He lies about tariffs. Lies about crowd sizes. Lies about COVID. Lies about crime. Lies about immigration. Lies about the economy. Lies about wars. Lies about people he worked with five minutes earlier.
Then when evidence shows up, he doesn’t correct himself like a normal adult. He escalates. He attacks the people presenting facts. He demands loyalty over truth.
That’s the real poison.
Millions of people have now been trained to treat facts like a political opinion. If reality hurts Dear Leader, then reality must be fake.
That’s cult behavior. Full stop.
You don’t have to be liberal to see it. You don’t have to be conservative to admit it. You just have to possess a functioning bullshit detector and enough spine to use it.
Because at some point, if a man lies constantly, pathologically, compulsively, and without shame even after being disproven over and over again, pretending not to notice says more about the audience than the liar.
Here are perhaps the most recent 100 … alt facts as the republicans like to call them now.
Why It Was False / Misleading Source Links
1 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
2 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
3 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
4 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
5 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
6 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
7 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
8 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
9 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
10 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
11 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
12 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
13 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
14 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
15 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
16 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
17 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
18 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
19 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
20 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
21 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
22 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
23 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
24 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
25 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
26 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
27 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
28 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
29 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
30 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
31 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
32 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
33 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
34 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
35 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
36 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
37 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
38 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
39 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
40 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
41 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
42 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
43 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
44 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
45 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
46 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
47 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
48 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
49 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
50 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
51 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
52 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
53 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
54 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
55 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
56 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
57 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
58 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
59 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
60 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
61 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
62 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
63 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
64 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
65 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
66 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
67 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
68 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
69 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
70 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
71 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
72 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
73 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
74 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
75 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
76 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
77 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
78 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
79 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
80 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
81 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
82 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
83 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
84 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
85 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
86 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
87 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
88 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
89 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
90 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
91 “The 2020 election was rigged and stolen.” No evidence of outcome-changing fraud. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-rigged-election-eight-wars-inflation-220f515728383d5205c3748259b2cc0f
92 “Millions of illegal votes were cast in 2016.” No evidence supported the claim. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/nov/06/donald-trump/donald-trumps-pants-fire-claim-about-illegal-votes/
93 “China pays the tariffs.” Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers/consumers. https://www.factcheck.org/2019/02/does-china-pay-tariffs/
94 “Mexico will pay for the wall.” No mechanism forced Mexico to pay. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jan/04/donald-trump/no-usmca-trade-deal-wont-pay-border-wall-despite-d/
95 “Windmills cause cancer.” No scientific evidence supports this. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/apr/08/donald-trump/republicans-dismiss-trumps-windmill-and-cancer-cla/
96 “Anybody that wants a COVID test can get one.” Testing availability was severely limited. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/11/donald-trump/donald-trumps-wrong-claim-anybody-can-get-tested-c/
97 “COVID will disappear.” Pandemic worsened after statement. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trump-bending-facts-on-virus-biden-economy
98 “I created Veterans Choice.” Program began under Obama in 2014. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-veterans-politics-ap-fact-check-926ff6bb7cbbc41e3d2350535ce72e41
99 “ISIS is 100% defeated.” ISIS remained active despite territorial losses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/13/have-iraq-syria-been-liberated-isis-president-trump-says/
100 “The inauguration crowd was the largest ever.” Crowd metrics showed otherwise. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/jan/22/sean-spicer/trump-had-biggest-inaugural-crowd-ever-metrics-don/
Something that I would like to see happen before I take my last breath.
To my loved ones with Original American bloodlines, please feel free to help me in any missteps in this post. If we have hugged, then should be able to work together in furthering my education. I am but a lowly work in progress taking steps towards the path of enlightenment.
I would like each Original American tribe to poll its population to form a position on two (hopefully more) items of consideration that will be mentioned below. Think of it as a tribal congress. Each member gets a say in these items. The tribal delegate is named to carry the vote of the tribe to a national gathering, either in person (preferred), or virtual meeting. This national gathering would allow for collected groups to review the votes and take an official stand on the items being considered.
What kinds of issues should they consider? Well, let’s start with two points of contention, one of importance and one perhaps petty.
“Happy Columbus Day”. I put those two words in quotes, and it is a phrase that I only use in an academic sense. I do not believe that the words belong in a group together. I used to be good with it, and said it, but I am an adult now and have many more experiences under my belt. I have learned from various media forms, but more importantly to me, the friends and loved ones around me to the more accurate history that we have “whitewashed”.
While it would be easy for each person to draw their own concussions to the magnitude of Christopher Columbus’ magnitude of ass hattery and cancel him from their lives.
For simplicity I have had ChatGPT list off the atrocities that history knows of regarding Columbus:
1. Enslavement of Indigenous Peoples
Columbus and his men enslaved thousands of the Taíno people. Initially, Columbus sent 500 Taínos to Spain as slaves. When that proved unprofitable, he and his men enslaved the indigenous population locally, forcing them to work in gold mines and on plantations. The Taínos were treated brutally, with many dying from exhaustion, disease, and abuse.
2. Forced Labor and Tribute System
Columbus imposed a tribute system on the Taíno people, where they were required to bring a specific amount of gold every few months. Those who failed to meet their quota had their hands cut off, and many were left to bleed to death. Because gold was scarce, this system led to widespread suffering, death, and the collapse of the indigenous society.
3. Massacres and Violence
Columbus and his men used extreme violence to suppress resistance. They massacred large numbers of indigenous people, including women and children. Columbus’ men would decapitate, dismember, and burn people alive. Documented instances describe them using mutilation and public executions to terrorize the population.
4. Exploitation and Abuse of Women
Columbus allowed and encouraged the sexual exploitation of native women. Many were given to his men as slaves, and there are records of young girls being raped. Columbus himself wrote about how girls as young as nine or ten were in demand among his men.
5. Introduction of European Diseases
Although unintentional, the arrival of Columbus and subsequent European settlers introduced diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza to the indigenous populations, which had no immunity. These diseases decimated the native populations, leading to the deaths of millions across the Americas over time.
6. Suppression of Revolts
When the Taíno people and other indigenous groups tried to resist the brutal treatment, Columbus responded with violent reprisals. Entire communities were wiped out in efforts to crush resistance. His troops hunted down the leaders of rebellions, executing them publicly.
7. Genocide of the Taíno People
By the time Columbus left Hispaniola, the Taíno population had been reduced from hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, to a mere fraction of their original numbers. The combination of forced labor, starvation, disease, and violence led to what many scholars consider a genocide.
8. Extreme Punishments for Minor Infractions
Columbus governed with an iron fist. He used public torture and extreme punishments for even minor infractions, not only against the native peoples but also against Spanish settlers who defied his rule. His brutal governance led to his arrest and removal from power in 1500, after complaints reached the Spanish Crown.
These atrocities have led to widespread reevaluation of Columbus’ legacy, particularly in light of the suffering endured by the indigenous populations under his rule. Many modern historians and activists argue that he should not be celebrated as a hero but remembered for the darker aspects of his legacy.
What is it that I hope to gain from a national tribal decision? It is easy. We have a national holiday honoring this inhumane prick. Since I do not have tribal blood that I know of (I am contemplating a test) I do not feel that I am qualified to take a stand other than my own personal opinion. I need to hear from those tribes. Yes, there are individuals who are happy to post this side or that, but let’s get the collective opinion. If the indigenous peoples really do not care, then perhaps “Columbus Day” stays. If, however, there is a significant majority that want it stricken then remove the day. Let the tribal congress return to its people asking for a date to replace it with along with a respectful day of commemoration. A tribal memorial day, a day of respectful remembrance if you will. Let the impacted people determine how and when this would be observed. We cannot undo the damages, but we can at least do better today and moving forward.
Personally, I find saying “Happy Indigenous People’s Day” on “Columbus Day” to be equivalent to suggesting that the Jewish peoples to celebrate the first firing of the ovens. To me that is just a white person feeling their ancestral guilt. I will not feel guilty over the things that I did not do, but I will learn from them and do everything that I can to prevent them from happening further. Let the tribes have their say on this matter.
For the pettier issue to consider, the NFL team in Washington DC. I have heard many debates on the previous name. There has been the assertion that the team’s name was in honor of a player or even the collective tribes. I get that the word “Redskin” has been used in a terrible and hurtful manner. Can the word be used in a respectful context? I have held positions on the topic and those have changed back and forth. Again, since I am unqualified for this discussion, I would like to hear a national consensus from those that ARE qualified to speak on the matter.
As I wait to get some counselling to help put my mental pieces back together in a logical manner, I have serious swings.
Yes, I am safe. My friends and family are safe.
I am selective over the environments that I place myself in. Not because of the anxiety or blood pressure so much as the pent up rage.
I remain fairly sequestered, only travelling to areas where I have an easy out. Places that I may escape the moment, perhaps simply stepping away to vape as a good excuse to gather my thoughts or repress saying/doing something that would be not well taken.
Here is my concern for non-work situations. When at the office, I have been trying to stay on the property. Our local government has taken a VERY soft approach to the homeless situation (I was gen x homeless and it was a different way of homelessness) as well as crime in general. This shift has fostered a cultural change, where there is a greater sense of entitlement. The individuals roaming in the city blocks around my office are expecting sheep that they can push. I am not that sheep, even when my marbles are more in their correct order.
In my current state of mind, being accosted by someone on the street, would be quite newsworthy. My bitch switch is on the surface and about a foot in diameter. Anyone pushing that switch would very likely be met with a rapid and cruel response with no remorse until some point after, if ever.
In the office, I have almost nothing but loved friends, with a couple of those that I am friendly with as professionals. There are some that I am meh with and as of recently some that I would just as soon use as a tire chock at the local truck stop. It is the latter that concerns me. Do I have the mental strength to fend off any mental attacks (real or perceived) in a manner that will allow me to remain employed.
My wife does a great job checking in to see how I am doing. Well, at home, under her watchful eyes (she does not miss anything and it can be startling at times. 🙂 ) I am doing well. I feel fine, seem fine. I express what is going on. There are things that I do not really know how to express.
There are areas in life that we just do not speak of enough. Mental Health is one of those topics.
Sure we speak of it in general, we give advice, but only the younger generations are starting to really talk about it let alone in a manner that is really helpful.
I am a Gen X Veteran. So this discussion is almost like talking about sex was for my grandparents. My mother was a hippie, so I could have talked to her about that if I desired to. Even with that in mind, this discussion is important enough that I must overcome the generational taboos and speak. Without the discussions of those in my generation or older, others may lack the confidence to speak for themselves, get help for themselves, or in the worst cases, choose to remove themselves.
Without revealing too much about my role at work, I can say that my team has had a drastic shake up and a massive shift in how we perform our tasks.
The shake up resulted in the best “boss” that I have ever had going into retirement two years before they intended to. I use boss in quotes as he was not a boss. he was a true leader and would step into the yoke to share the load as needed. Always working with us, teaching us, helping us develop professionally, and I am very fortunate to say, being a friend to us.
His abrupt retirement was very difficult for us, and me. It took a week or two for me to identify that the mental challenges and confusion were due to my mourning him. He had not passed, he was merely not in the sphere of influence on a daily basis. Yes, I can call, text, send silly shit via messenger/facebook. but it really is not the same as getting the sarcasm, jokes, etc. tossed over the cube wall. There is genuine love for the person, the friend, and mentor. Once I was able to identify that I was grieving, the process became easier.
There are said to be five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance
Denial – Check! I did not want to believe that he needed to retire, even though I had suggested that he may need to to protect himself from some individuals that were… problematic.
Anger – Check! Oh, I am still on this one. I am quite angry. I would be quite interested to hear from professionals that deal with cardiac patients on this one. After each heart attack, I went through weeks of deep seated anger. It was not easy to break free of it. I have to wonder if the healing process there is similar to these five stages.
Bargaining – Nope, not yet. Perhaps because it was not due to his passing. I know that I can reach out in a second and he would be my sage counsel.
Depression – I will say check, but I have an amazing support system led by a wonderful, loving wife, and loving friends. You may question the friends being loving. I do not for an instant hesitate with that. My real friends know that I love them. They help me in ways that they likely do not know. They may not even be aware of that one well timed joke, or silly meme may have meant the world to me at the instant that I need it.
I have other friends who do know that their empathic nature is able to pierce even the best crafted mask that I may be trying to hide behind. I can hide nothing from them. Three of them know it, and they are kind/wise enough to use those abilities only when it is really needed. They leave me my dignity and modesty intact. They instead simply peek in on me, letting me respectfully lower my mask and allow them in to help as needed. I suspect that each of these three will read this post and know that they are one. They will just as likely know who the other two are. The three are deeply appreciated, respected, and cared for. (forever more)
I do openly admit that change is not always the easiest for me. I need clear processes and procedures to follow. You need to change one of those? Cool, I am good with that. It may take me a bit to remember the change, but I try to follow the written docs to help me build that new habit. Heck I tend to have the doc opened EVERY time I do some tasks just to make sure that something did not change since the last time I performed it (last week perhaps?).
Acceptance, well check. I have to accept that my friend is now retired. I am very happy that he is able to enjoy his retirement. Something I hope to do as well in about ten years.
That is the run down of the stages. There is nothing that says we have to hit them all. The important part is that we are aware of their likely appearance. If we know, then perhaps we can work through them with more ease. Of course things are rarely easy are they. It is easier to get into trouble than out of it often times…
So back to the topic of mental health as it relates to work.
When you wipe away the entire structure expecting that I and my compatriots will just knuckle down and fix it, you will meet resistance if it is not logical to us. If we think that what we are doing may not be fully legal, in the best interest for our employer, or not being safe from a cybersecurity aspect, you will likely encounter great resistance.
The tiers above a work group must provide a structure leaving the minions to rebuild it in a manner that you desire, that is all well and good. But… you fucking well better provide an authorized basis for them to perform those tasks. You cannot simply allow it to be the biggest get me a rock exercise in cyber history.
From my perspective (others will likely have their views and I respect them) my work world, one that my wife and I have pushed, fought for, and finally achieved was being wiped away in short order.
Some were aware that I had applied for a role (same role as before but a step up in pay/responsibility) that I wanted to stay in until retirement. I have co-workers that make up the best team that I have ever had the privilege of working with and learning from. Diverse, intelligent, funny, AND puts up with me?!? I mean damn! Jackpot!!
When the path being put forward by the bosses (notice, no quotes? these are BOSSES in the derogatory sense) lacks the semblance of making sense to my mind, I have a hard time getting behind it. almost thirty years ago, I sold used cars. How I HATED that job. I could not stand by it, or the practices of the dealerships. The same concept applies. If I cannot respect it, I want nothing to do with it.
After some contentious meetings, I came away from one especially pissed off. My wife was still working so I kept the dogs busy so she could finish up a meeting. Once that was over, I mowed the lawn and mentally stewed as I did. I had gotten a bunch of dead grass under my collar so I stepped into the shower. For some reason my mental world came crashing down in an instant without warning what so ever. BOOM! Say hello to an assload of tears. I mean uncontrollable sobbing. Over all it was cleansing and it stopped just as abruptly as it had started. That is an emotional mind fuck let me tell you.
Latter I shared my experiences with my wife. I sure do love her… She reminded me that I have a ton of sick leave stored. But I am a Gen X Veteran… and?
I had to admit, that it made sense. I also have to admit (yes as usual she is correct (and smarter than I)) it would be a wise move. Retreat from the contention, mentally regroup, and rebuild strength.
I alerted my (more than just) co-workers as to my intentions. The next morning I awoke thirty minutes before my alarm went off. My brain was already starting to work. I went down stairs and informed my acting manager that I had experience a work related injury, a mental fracture of some kind and that I was taking two days over before the weekend to try to get my head back in order.
Yep, it was a very non-Gen X Veteran action to take, so this old learned a new trick form a more current generation.
I was making facebook posts that made perfect sense to those that we helping me down this path, but not so much for others. Some that have known me since before I was born, others nearly as long noticed and called me out over their concern. I did have to do a few private chats as I was not ready to spill this many beans yet. I was still grappling with Gen X baggage.
This is me spilling all of that baggage, I am washing some of the laundry here right in front of you. Other laundry I will wash with my wife. So this brings us back to the importance of this discussion and why I am doing it in a public way.
Your mental health is critical to your well being. We cannot make you share. That is not our job.
Our job is to aid you in having a supportive environment around you so that you feel safe enough to share. Test the waters. If your support circle is anything like mine, you will be able to take a step, put weight on it, and find that those friends in that circle are prepared to take an arm and guide you to safety. Let them help you help yourself. More than likely they cannot fix your troubles but they can help you find the strength to find your way out. In the end, you and they will probably be better for it.
My circle has my back. I am not done fighting this, but I have my battle buddies and I would not give them up for anything.
Dandalion wins Celebrity Dead Pool for 2024 as I cannot find the list that I had for 2024.
She correctly anticipated the passing of Shannon Doherty for a 57 point hit (47 for the age as well as first cadaver and last gasp). She could get more points before the end of the year, but I will pay up.
The long time readers have well known that I am a fan of the erotic, the sensual, and sometimes the down right dirty.
There is a facebook page (facebook.com/PissedOffPirate) that covers the comedy side and I keep it devoid of politics. It is a place that I can share laughs as long as Facebook allows it. Those rat bastards do not understand humor. They ding me for failed fact checks. Who they hell care if their joke of the day is factual?!? I want it to be funny and that is it. What is next, objecting to a joke about two unicorns walking into a bar? (there is bound to be a joke for that, I just do not know it.)
As a step up, I have a private group on facebook (facebook.com/groups/PissedOffPirateAfterDark). By private group, I mean we do our best to weed out the kids. There is nothing that would be illegal for the underage to see, but we do not want to prematurely educate someone’s kids. That group is more adult oriented humor with some discussions mixed in.
There is a Tumblr page, but I have not done anything with it in over a year.
I do have a Twitter/X account (@Pissed0ffpirate) Be sure to use a zero not an O… someone beat me to that one.
Now, I have set up a Discord server (POP: Even Darker) to really expand the discussions or many adult related topics. It is a space space above all. The differing rooms help offer discussions to meet each persons needs without shoving the topic upon someone else who may not be into whatever the genre is of the room.
For the next seven days you can use this link (https:discord.gg/rAqgjZDk) after the week it will expire, but you can hit me up and I will get you a fresh link.
Come give it a look and see if you find a spot that you would enjoy.
This is a post crafted by Google Gemini as I was having a hard time getting the concepts into written form and I wanted to break the blank page syndrome that I often have. I loved the output so much that I am opting to use it for simplicity. (Thank you Google)
Animism: A Belief System Where Everything Has a Soul
Animism is a belief system that holds that spirits or souls exist not only in humans but also in all living things and objects in the natural world. This includes plants, animals, rocks, rivers, mountains, and even weather patterns.
Animism is one of the oldest and most widespread belief systems in the world. It can be found in traditional cultures around the globe, from the indigenous peoples of North America to the tribes of Africa and Asia.
Core Tenets of Animism:
Souls in All Things: Animism believes that all living things and objects in the natural world have souls or spirits. These spirits are often seen as conscious and aware, with their own thoughts and feelings.
Respect for Nature: Because everything is believed to have a spirit, animistic cultures tend to have a deep respect for nature. They see themselves as part of a web of interconnected life, and they strive to live in harmony with the natural world.
Communication with Spirits: Animistic cultures often have rituals and practices for communicating with the spirits of the natural world. This communication can take many forms, such as prayer, offerings, or divination.
Animism vs. Other Belief Systems:
Animism is sometimes compared to other belief systems, such as pantheism and polytheism. Pantheism is the belief that God is identical with the universe, while polytheism is the belief in multiple gods.
Animism differs from pantheism in that it does not necessarily see the spirits of nature as a single, all-encompassing God.
Animism differs from polytheism in that the spirits of nature are not typically seen as all-powerful deities. They are more like forces or energies that can influence the world.
The Importance of Animism:
Animism offers a unique perspective on the natural world. It teaches us to respect nature and to see ourselves as part of a larger whole. Animistic beliefs can also be a source of comfort and guidance, as they provide a way to connect with the spirits of the natural world.