Let's talk about ignorant people shall we?

I know it has been a while since I have graced the blogger realm. However I have no explanation to offer or none that I am certain you would want to hear. With that said I would like to fast forward to the topic of the day ... ignorant people (ignorance).

1 : a lack of knowledge, understanding, or education : the state of being ignorant
2 :  the state or fact of being ignorant :  lack of knowledge, education, or awareness

*Definitions courtesy of  Merriam-Webster online.

1. Not being or acting like you have no common sense; no education or acting like a total douchbag.

*Definition courtesy of Myself, Absinthe.

The first know usage of ignorance was in the 13th century. Amazing is it not, to think about how long we as a people have survived with ignorance dating back that far. One of the unspoken mysteries and wonders of the world.

Now I am quite certain that each and every one of you either know an ignorant person, or you yourself are one of those people. And I am not talking about mentally ill, or autistic people, those folks I find rather enjoyable to be around, they are more put together than most so called normal people I know.

If you are one of the unfortunate people living with those whose intelligence ranks in the lower spectrum of the IQ then you are not alone. I feel your pain. I live with ignorance all around me, I am surrounded by it, nearly submerged in it. Starting from our overpaid/over priced Government officials right down to those whom I call family.

I would like to give a prime example of ignorance courtesy of the Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindel. He for whatever reason, certainly an uneducated guess at best seems to believe that gun control will help save Americans, and our children from future violence? Really? Taking guns from the hands of the American people who have them legally and honestly with the belief that criminals will somehow also follow those same laws and turn over their Saturday night specials, stolen weapons and their secret stashes? REALLY BOBBY? GET REAL! The criminals could give a damn less about your ideals for gun control, no wait...actually I am certain they are rejoicing with the thought, because it means not getting their own asses blasted into the next life by a homeowner or parent trying to protect their family and property. Yea, great idea...NOT!

That is certainly the beginning of my thoughts on ignorance. I have realized as I wrote what little I have to continue would be fruitless really. We all know what those ignorant people are about, and while we will most likely never know what's floating around in their empty heads we at least know not to trust them.

With that I shall leave you to ponder with your own thoughts...

NBA, Clippers and a Fool... Oh My...

Normally I would take a funny, witty, almost sarcastic tone in my evaluation of the likes of someone such as Donald Sterling, but in this case there is absolutely NOTHING humorous, witty or evenly remotely funny about this guy's remarks. And notice I did NOT say, this 'mans' remarks, mainly because in my opinion a MAN would NOT have been so ignorant in his choice of words and his complete and utter disrespect for his team and the men who work their asses off to make his pocket's even bigger than before.

I have heard many say it was his constitutional right as an American to state his opinion and make his wishes known, after all it was done supposedly privately. However I am with the majority who believe it was his duty as an owner of an American Basketball team which represents men of ALL color and races be held accountable for his actions, and for his words. Bottom line. No if, ands or but's! None of this BS about him being old. Yes he is old, damn old enough to have known better in my opinion. Racism is racism, it is exactly what it is. And it is not acceptable in this day and age here in America.

With that I shall leave you to ponder on it all...Think about what it would mean to allow this guy to get off with just a slap on the hand. What message will it send to not only the players on the team who work their asses off for this man, but what about the message it sends to our children?

That is all...

Let's talk about Honor...What is it?

It seems to me that in today's world the word 'HONOR' is thrown around like a wet towel in a sports arena locker room. No rhyme or reason but just because it sounds, looks for feels good to say. Perhaps it's use comes from the numerous books and movies that speak of this elusive trait and those who have ceased to find the line between fantasy and reality. And sadly enough 8 out of 10 of those who claim to have honor don't actually even know the true meaning of, and wouldn't even if it slapped them square in the face. Very sad indeed.

I recoil in disgust when I hear someone brag about their 'honor' and at the same time they have no respect for those around them, their friends and loved ones or the people who have stood behind them. They have no real sense of responsibility and act as if the world owes them a spot at the top, free of charge without paying a single cent in dues.

Japanese men would rather kill themselves than to suffer the dishonor of being 'handed' anything (Quoted from a very close Japanese friend.). Men or women with true honor will always put their best foot forward, show respect for others, especially those who have had their backs through thick and thin, and they always WORK towards their life goals, never waiting for that worldly handout they know doesn't exist.

In a perfect world, or at least a less selfish one the true definition of 'Honor' is;

1. : respect that is given to someone who is admired
2. : good reputation : good quality or character as judged by other people
3. : high moral standards of behavior

*Definitions courtesy of  Merriam-Webster online.

Number 3 of the definitions above stands out for me a great deal, I would guess in part because there are not a lot of people with a high moral standard of behavior anymore. Way to many people think its all about self expression, freedom to express their selves or just their 'God' given right but in reality if they'd only realize more then half of them are only making asses of themselves and not making any valid points, nor are they leaving any kind of honorable legacy behind them. Seriously how much 'Honor' does a man have who's a woman beater and a liar, or a woman who says she dresses they way she feels but yet wears less, and has way less class than some of the street walkers on Hollywood and Vine? Are you starting to see my point? I can wait while you think about it...

So does the problem start in womb? Is it and ethnic issue? Are Americans more prone to talk highly of their honor but in truth they have none? Is it a gender issue? Is it the cause of bad parenting or surrounding influences through out childhood?.Is it the media? Who really knows, it could be one or all of the above but no matter it's still a very serious problem for the future of generations to come.

I could go on and on, I see it in strangers nearly everyday but sadly enough I see it most in the some of those who are closest to me. A person raised with respect and shown the meaning of loyalty from a young age yet they have no respect or loyalty to anyone but themselves and what they can hope to achieve for themselves. I have no real understanding of their little world in which they live in, where apparently 'honor' is more of a fairy tale from a novel rather than something they actually live out in their daily lives. It is truly sad.

I guess this is something I will never really know because I myself have honor, self-respect and respect for those who have stood by me and who have earned it. I also have a very high moral standard of what I find acceptable for myself and my family, we live it each and everyday. As a parent of several youngsters I insist they all be taught the meaning of honor as well as shown how to live it.

I will leave you to ponder and think on it all as I will. And with a few of my favorite quotes...

"Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it." Albert Einstein

"If principle is good for anything, it is worth living up to."  Benjamin Franklin  

"Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong." Thomas Jefferson 

 "One has honor if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so." Walter Lippmann 

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."  Dwight David Eisenhower

 

"Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you." Confucius  
 

"Once you get rid of integrity the rest is a piece of cake." Larry Hagman

And finally a rule to live by...

"If you talk the talk, make sure you walk the walk."

Let's talk about...

Common courtesy in today's world of technology. Now I realize the definition of 'common courtesy' is foreign to some people in today's world of all ages, sex and race. So I will oblige those peeps by posting the definition here before I continue on.

1 :  behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others :  courteous behavior
2 :  a courteous and respectful act or expression 
3 :  consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing something (as a gift or privilege);

*Definitions courtesy of  Merriam-Webster online.

1. Not being a total douchbag and returning calls and/or texts in a timely manner.

*Definition courtesy of Myself, Absinthe.

Which brings me to my question why do people NOT respond when you text them? I'm not talking an acquaintance or someone you barely know or have any report with I'm talking family, friends and even dare I say it clients or co-workers. I can understand not everyone has their device on them 24/7 but what about those times they sit endlessly flipping through their phones as if searching for a lost puppy, snickering whilst answering numerous IMs and texts, but yet the one you send goes completely unnoticed or even opened, for hours or dare I say days or weeks, if ever.

Come on now, we ALL know those people don't we? The ones who have not a shred of common decency or even know the meaning of courtesy. I certainly know my fair share. But the million dollar question is how many chances should we give? How many times must we be ignored before we shout from the roof tops, enough is ENOUGH?! When should you draw the line and say NO more?! Do we ask why and wait for their flippant excuses? Or maybe they had a legit excuse but honestly how many times of being blown off is acceptable? One, two, maybe three times?

Honestly ask yourself is this person worth the time I spent hammering out that text? Are they worth the wait of their reply? Do I even really give a damn if they reply or not? Do they only text me back when they want or need something from me? Seriously take a moment and think about the last person you texted who has yet to respond, and of whom you know has NO real good excuse for not doing so. This can be your best friend, spouse, offspring, cousin, parents, siblings, etc. No one gets off the hook here. So go on, think about and ask yourself those questions. I'll wait...

Are you back yet? Did you think it over? And what was your conclusion? For myself I will allow a top of 3 times if it is family or a close friend before I call them out, and politely ask if they want to receive my texts, or not. Usually I am greeted with a bullshit line of surprise followed by the old line of, 'Oh my, I didn't get that text.' of which this is the point that I make certain they know I resent it several times. Usually this ends with an empty apology and a promise to do better, which never happens or they get pissed off and say their deleting my number, which is usually the case UNTIL they WANT something.

If that person who never answers your texts is your spouse or significant other, talk with them and let them know how you feel. If they don't listen then your problems go way deeper than ignored texts and you should reconsider what your even doing with that person.

Siblings. Ah yes the joys of sibling rivalry, jealousy and downright meanness. I have experienced this first hand with both my younger siblings and older alike. My advise would be to come to terms with the fact that the Brady Bunch was a sitcom, a written show of siblings who fought like cats & dogs but hugged in the end, which is SO far from the truth in reality it's not even funny. While sometimes it might happen, it is certainly not the norm. This is touchy and I have no advise as I've had to deal with it on a 'per sibling' basis.

Parents if it is your child who's ignoring your texts, are they underage? Do you pay their bill? If you said yes to either question than step up and take the damn phone away till they can learn some good ole' fashioned common courtesy and dare I say, respect. Then ask yourself wth were they doing with a phone in the first place if they weren't mature enough for it?

And before you say, well she probably doesn't have kids...I can tell you NO child under the age of 16 in this house has a phone except for 'Fireflys' which ONLY call Mom, Dad, Gramma and 911 and when they did get a phone it was NOT an iphone or fancy gadget phone, it was an ordinary cell with NO camera. Here all calls or texts must be returned within 30 minutes, and if you are on the road that's what they make parking lots or gas stations for, to pull over THEN return texts/calls. NO texting or calls while driving, EVER. There is NO exception to these rules, ever.

Anyone else, take my advise folks and rid yourself of the douche bags, toxic humans, energy vampires in the flesh that are stealing your precious time and energy. Their NOT worth it. Spend your time with those who empower you, who make you feel wanted but at the same time you know they have your back, and a shoulder to offer if needed. And sadly this may include those closest to you as I mentioned above and it may be someone who you've never texted but impacts your day to day living.

In the end you must do what is best for you. We only has a short time upon this earth and although I don't promise to have all the answers or any clue of what happens here after I can promise you we were not born to live for or serve others.

With that being said just think about it a while and make the changes you need to make for you. Free your time, energy and your soul. Let go and move on.