Someone Poked the BEAR!!!!!

It has happend. Someone poked the bear. (read my previous post if this seems somewhat strange to you)

I've deleted and restarted this post about 10 times so far. I think I need to simplify so I'm limiting myself to 3 of my biggest "pokes". This is a hard one for me to write because it hits some points that, in this small community, could really be detrimental to me. "Don't rock the boat" and all that jazz. On the other hand, the bear has been poked and I'm tired of trying to only say the 'right' things. I'm tired of worrying about everyone else's feelings when mine are ignored. Basically..... I'm tired of living in a lie along with the rest of this world. So here's my truth...... (and hopefully tonight I actually get some sleep)

What poked the bear?

#1 A society that doesn't believe anyone should really be responsible for themselves. A socialistic system that makes one person's laziness, or lack of drive, into everyone's problem. If you want a better life, why should it be MY job to provide it? Why shouldn't it be your job to find a way to make it happen for YOU? And on that note, on a personal level, why does our society believe I should lose everything to give someone else, who's not required to make any sacrifices, more?

#2 Posers. I say this at great risk as I live in a very small community, but from what I've seen and experienced (from both sides of the fence) is that people don't hold civic positions unless it benefits THEM. They put on a smile and they "fund-raise" and show up at school to give safety talks to the kids, but underneath, when you really need them...... they will fail you for the most part unless it makes them a 'hero' to actually help you. In all fairness, I know there are a few out there that are 'real'. I've met some. There are a few in this small town and every town across this country. They are incredible people and I'm greatful to them. I'm just saying, don't trust a "badge" or a "title" simply because someone else has paved the way for that badge or title. There are more than a few that ride that wave undeservingly. Sorry, but it's true and even the most "civic" of you can look around and if not at yourself, see others that this fits. If you can't - you aren't being honest about what you really see. I've been there.

3# Religion. People hide behind religion all the time. My husband was raised a Jehovah's Witness. He chose to leave that religion at the age of 18 because he didn't believe in it. He is not a stupid man. He is not a rebelious man. He is not an atheist or a non-spiritual man. He's actually pretty rational and able to sort through endless amounts of information and come up with his own interpretations and ideas. If he's guilty of anything, it's that he's an independent thinker.... he's not one of the cows that just follow along to wherever the other's are headed. (you've seen 'em - if not - just watch the entrance door at a Wal-Mart sometime) It cost him a great deal to actually believe in himself. It still does. He does not know his own nieces and nephews and never will....... thanks to religion??? Impressive. Way to go!..... I'm sure God is proud.

Poke the bear some more...... it's waking up. It's always interesting when this bear hits the wall and comes out fighting.