For the second time in a week...I had to walk away from a guy. A guy filled with so much anger and hate, that he turned a simple "joke" of mine into a flaming diatribe. Jesus, what is wrong with some people? I know, what did I say that caused such an outburst. I will tell you, and then you tell me what part of my "joke" was inflammatory. Here goes.
I see a guy buying two cases of beer. Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. He is in front of me in Line. He turns towards me and I smile and say:
"That's barely enough beer for the first softball game tomorrow."
He says: "It is enough to get drunk and forget our country is going to hell in a hand basket."
Remember we are in line at a Public Grocery Store- it is busy because everyone is going to picnic here tomorrow. We are a beach town and the weather is gorgeous. All of our Parks have sold out picnic areas. It should be a good night for the fireworks down at the river. So that was what was on my mind when I made my "joke." Sadly, he wasn't done yet.
"Biden and the fascist Left is taking us down. See how much your beer costs? Enjoy your Fourth of July, it will be the last one as a Free Country!"
Two guys in another line told him to shut up. Another couple of guys and surprisingly (to me) a couple of women yelled out: "Preach the truth brother!"
I set my basket down on the counter and walked out. Didn't say a word.
I just kept thinking of the post I made last night with my old girl and my Kathy's pictures. That cheered me up to think of two people who rarely utter an unkind word and never join in ugly conversations. I walked in the sun for twenty minutes and went back into FoodLion to apologize to the Clerks (they all know me) for having to put my stuff back in the coolers and on shelves. They said it was okay. The Manager of the store calmed everyone down by just opening up every checkout and getting the throng that was involved out the door.
I have a very sour taste in my mouth now. Words have power. And any fool who thinks an Armed Rebellion is the way to solve any issues...is a fool. Hate on a Holiday... if that's what you want. For me and mine, we will frolic in the water and have hot dogs and burgers cooked by my son in law...and nary a word of politics, current events, or any Adult concerns will happen. Because we all agree to enjoy the day and keep the kids childhoods in tact.
Anger must be contagious, because as I write this, I find myself getting angry. Believe me, I didn't say a word next try in FoodLion. What must it be like to live with someone spewing anger all the time, and ignoring the actual Day itself for some event four months away?
The last Fourth of July? Nope. We will bend, we have before, but we won't break. Hate cannon win in the long term. It takes way to much energy. My flag will go up, We will play all day, and eat until we can't anymore...and then shuffle down to watch the fireworks down at the river. Picnic, picnic, picnic ...not nitpick.