Finding Normal

Quite frankly…..I’m worried.

First of all, you should know that at least to some extent I can be classified as a middle-aged angry white guy…..and a Conservative (which probably go hand-in-hand at this particular point in time). So, half of you can put this book down right now. God forbid you should learn that the other half actually thinks like you do. But at least allow me to qualify that statement a bit first. Because I should actually preface my conservative status with the fact that up until just recently, I remained a staunch Independent choosing to vote for individuals and platforms rather than ‘cart-blanche’ for either party…..politicians being what they are.

Similarly (and upon deep introspect), I also have to admit that I may have historically possessed a racially motivated tendency or two along the way. However, I’ve never considered myself even close to being a ‘racist’, even after having been raised by the previous generation and all. Otherwise, maintaining close friendships over the years with folks of varying lineage as I have wouldn’t make much sense. However, I don’t know that I can outright deny that I now harbor a growing resentment toward certain populations en masse any longer. Individuals are another thing. I can get along with, and even befriend…..anybody. It’s just that the intentions particular groups of people increasingly possess have me shuddering. Honestly. Call me controversial.

And there are other notable shifts in my way of thinking that we’ll soon be getting into. But the real question is, how did this happen? Why have I changed so drastically and adamantly? Is it all just part of a so-called middle-age crisis? Having exhausted most every alternative, I’m left to believe that I’ve simply fallen victim to becoming a by-product of my environment. Perhaps not too unlike those I now feel a growing prejudice toward. After all, I do try to understand.

Speaking of environment, while we’ve all been out there busy chasing our own personal “American Dream”, what’s all this talk about pandemics, borders, LGBTQ+, BLM, woke, defunding the police, CRT, gender transitioning, etc? Why are there so many outrageous acts of violence? Why are so many innocent people being victimized by guns, families imploding, corporations becoming corrupt. And as if all that’s not alarming enough, how about the state of our political landscape, the ongoing weaponization of our justice system, and the ever-shifting status of world power…..which at present, ultimately includes the very real threat of WWIII?

I already have a heart condition. And arthritic knees. I don’t need an ulcer. Can we pump the brakes here a bit please? What is all this stuff….and why all at once? I was really hoping to focus on enjoying some quality of life in my retirement, not rationalizing why I’d much rather live in a land that can’t possibly be far enough away. It’s no wonder human beings are only designed to last 80 or 90 years.

Enough already.