July 24, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. In today’s world, when an event or incident of significant consequence occurs, everyone seems eager to quickly render their opinion or cast judgement. Like most topics of critical importance, it’s often best not to respond immediately. I find it’s beneficial to give myself time to breathe and allow my mind to process the information. I’d rather wait and examine the facts, before expressing my views (if I share them at all). I considered not writing about this particular topic, but there are a few points of interest I’m compelled to discuss. I hope you can understand my thought process, even if our views or ideals differ. I’m not writing this to sway anyone’s opinion or convert you to a new faith, religion or way of life. My intention is only to share my views and hopefully generate more intelligent thoughts and discussion on the topic. There are valuable points on both sides of this matter; although many refuse to recognize anything than their own one-sided perspective. I realize there are many people, on this planet, whose beliefs may never be changed or altered. These individuals won’t sway one bit, no matter how much logic, intelligence, truth or facts are provided. It doesn’t matter if their thoughts are rooted in political, religious or cultural ideology; they will fight to the death, instead of listening to reason. The behavior of these folks doesn’t necessarily bother me; as long as they don’t violate the law, infringe on the rights of others or compromise our freedom. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
When I began publishing my blog, nearly three years ago, I told myself not to discuss politics or religion. If you’ve been reading any of my articles, you know I collapsed on the political issue in 2020, during the covid lockdown. The ludicrous behavior, insane political rhetoric and lawlessness that over took society and the world, compelled me to share my thoughts. Now, it seems, that time has risen again. Here is a little background information and my views on the subject. On Friday, June 24th, the Supreme Court, rendered a decision to strike down Roe vs Wade. I question why this legal body ever rendered a decision in 1973, but that’s another story. I believe this ruling impacts all women, whether you’re Pro Choice or Pro Life. My intuition and logic tell me this is a woman’s choice; and has nothing to do with judges, politicians, men (or me). I know there are millions of opinions on the topic; some are fanatical, to say the least. I’ve witnessed some of these radical behaviors first-hand, during my nearly 34-year career in law enforcement. I worked an array of demonstrations, protests and violent encounters with various groups. Politics and religion have a way of dividing people (intelligent and logical humans), into angry, chaotic, uneducated and unruly mobs. Some of these determined individuals take their beliefs to new extremes. Vandalism and destruction of property, assaults and murders (of medical providers) and an array of other offenses; reveal the dark side of human nature and individuals in the support of their cause. My profession brought me into close contact with many individuals associated with criminal deeds. Like all stories, there are always two sides. There are extremists and law breakers on both sides of this issue; as there are with every controversial puzzle. The truth is typically somewhere in the middle. What do you believe?
When did having a different opinion become a deal breaker in our society? I was born in the early 1950’s and joined the LAPD in 1980. Growing up, throughout school and into adult life (including my career); open communication resolved most issues or differences. People with varying political, religious or cultural views, actually talked to one another (for the most part), and lived in harmony. Individuals who create conflict (like the fights at Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland, this past week, to name a few), unfortunately, will always be among us. The majority of people respect one another and their opinions. So, when and how did all this change? Did innovation, technology or social media destroy the art of communication and understanding? Have these interpersonal skills been cast aside, for whatever reason? Can a portion of the blame be placed on socialist or communist ideologies, that emerged onto our school and college campuses; saturating students with radical ideas. Is it a result of the pandemic lock down, one sided news reporting; or did I miss something? Political, religious, cultural and a wide variety of other differences, have been part of our everyday life for decades. Humans have come along way, since the birth of our existence. Respect, kindness and understanding, once valuable traits, now seem to be lost as we continue down a destructive path. The madness of our world only intensifies. Why do differences of opinion stir radical or fanatical behavior and responses. I believe the solution can be found in the breakdown of society; including respect, morality and the family unit. Some of our own government leaders (at all levels) fan the flames of division, discontent and disrespect. Their copycat followers rally behind these idiots. I realize times change, but this is sad and ridiculous.
I can understand why individuals base their opinions on religious or political beliefs. I’m an American, born into an Italian-American Catholic family. I devotedly followed the church, until my divorce and exile. My career with the LAPD brought new enlightenment and education, regarding humans and life. Working the streets of Los Angeles, opened my heart and soul to a vast world of heartache, suffering and evil. My years, interacting with a vast array of individuals, altered my beliefs, ideals, thoughts and changed opinion on a number of topics and issues. During my career and lifetime, I’ve witnessed a variety of atrocities and horrific experiences victims suffer. I’m not a scholar, theologian or political activist. I’m an ordinary human (with my opinion). I believe in God and pray daily. My career in law enforcement exposed me to the “real” world. It showed me how people are manipulated by greed, ego, power, religion and politics. I witnessed the evil acts committed by humans and the lack of empathy or compassion they have for others. Evil exists my friends, because I’ve seen it. My life, as a police officer, was often disgusting; making me sick or heart broken. Crimes perpetrated against individuals, especially women and children, are horrible, to say the least. Rape and incest are criminal acts, yet you want to tell the victim she has no choice if it results in pregnancy. Women drugged in bars and nightclubs, forced into prostitution, sold as sex slaves or kidnapped into human trafficking rings are real and sad. My exposure to these daily events made me wonder, where are the laws to protect women and the victims.
I’m tired of the “elitist” and “woke” mentality, attempting to push their agenda around the world. These egotistical individuals, and groups, attempt to dictate what the rest of the population should think, say or do. Is it because these people believe they have some special power; based on wealth, ego or agenda? The rants of billionaires, radical agenda of extremist groups and ideas of some politicians, don’t have social value in our world. Politicians are elected to make decisions for the good of all people; not to enhance their own wealth or power. It never ceases to amaze me how fanatical some individuals are when it comes to politics, religion, or some other belief. I made the mistake of responding to a social media post regarding the court decision. My comment was to support women who have to make a difficult choice, and allowing them the freedom to do so. I quickly discovered my opinion doesn’t matter, from a bashing response. Apparently, if an opinion is contrary, it isn’t allowed. I was told I was heartless and wasn’t a real Catholic. I laughed at the comments and I leave the judgement of others to God. My opinion matters, equally, as does every other human on this planet. I refuse to remain silent or apologize, because my thoughts don’t match your beliefs. I believe we all have the right to live a life in peace and freedom.
America declared its freedom and independence, with the Constitution and Bill of Rights, in 1776. Personal choices to protect yourself, especially for women, is a right that shouldn’t be governed by men, politicians or religions. I believe in God and the right for women to choose. If you don’t share my views, that’s fine and your constitutional right. Don’t chastise or attack others for not sharing your opinion. Leave judgment to God, that’s his job, not yours. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, let’s be healthy and strong; mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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