Margaret Atwood so blatantly and eloquently taught us (like she always does with her writings), “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” (Lady Oracle). Even Thumper shared that lesson in Bambi yet it is only lately that I’ve been trying to adhere to it in order to not go through the roof with anger and frustration towards those I clearly disagree with on most moral fronts. I need to just bite my tongue and move on…maybe.

I believe in having an opinion, and I believe in standing up for what is right. Lately, since a large-ass number of individuals think they are right all the time, even when they are blatantly making choices and moving through life based purely on conservative religious grounds that are misogynistic and xenophobic, or those who are making decisions purely for greedy and hateful platforms geared toward attaining power, this has been a difficult time for me to keep quiet. I’m not saying I’m going to smile while keeping my mouth shut, but sometimes I should just let the person go, knowing full well that the IQ and heart of that individual have no capability of understanding and changing. I also do not value their opinions (because I have no respect for them), so I block out their words, and focus my breath, sanity, and joy on what is actually important—my family. When I do need to respond I am going to try to state facts, share my opinion kindly, and try to not voice the karma-inflicting cartoon-like situations that flash through my head whenever a Nutball opens his/her mouth on how there’s no global warming, or how Trump and his goons are the best for our country/wallets. Even though my thoughts are quite entertaining, I will share them only with my wife…or maybe even through this blog, but not with the idiot standing in front of me. They are not worth it.

We are scared for good reasons, and a lot of people’s anxiety is through the roof due to the fears of possible future events that should only occur in dystopian fiction. Thumper said, “If you’re scared, just be scarier than whatever is scaring you!” Now I don’t know how scary a cute Disney rabbit can be, but it’s also some good advice. We need to play a smarter game of political chess and focus on gaining back more government offices that are run by people who actually respect others and are there to do a job for the people, not just to push through their illogical, greedy, and hateful agenda. Our dreams of a peaceful, accepting, and loving society scare the shit out of those who enjoy border walls, a country without Planned Parenthood, and women quietly being submissive towards the men in their lives. It’s time for them to be scared.

It is up to us to stand tall against the wrong-doings and ill-will that is taking place towards others, and towards our planet. Make decisions that will positively affect your life, the lives of others around you, and the environment. VOTE. Not just for you, but for those who are too young to vote, and who our decisions greatly affect. And if you happen to come face-to-face with a belligerent asshole who refuses to show you some humanity, you can politely tell that person to “fuck off” with a smile on your face, and move on towards the voting booth. I’m sure Margaret Atwood would approve.