Letting the World Beat Us Down

[Mythsaje]

As some of you may know, I've been having some medical issues lately, specifically with my back. I went in for an MRI last week and received a call yesterday while I was at work (that didn't work out well itself--I was sent home after a couple of hours by the HR supervisor after she took one look at my face).

So I called my doctor's office this morning and found out that they'd referred me to a specialist at the "Spine Institute." Now, maybe it's just me, but that doesn't sound good. I've been surviving on painkillers for about the last month, which isn't exactly something I particularly enjoy. This is only the second time in my life I've had to do so for an extended period of time and, this go-round, it looks to last a while longer.

So my patience is stretched thin all the way around. I find it much harder to achieve emotional equilibrium when I'm in serious pain. One of the drugs my doc put me on is a neurological painkiller that wears many hats, one of them apparently being anxiety. Of course, as with many drugs, it has some serious possible psychological side-effects, including, apparently, suicidal thoughts.

After reporting to my wife that I was starting to feel even more depressed than the pain was making me, she asked me to stop taking them. I did so. I'm not a depressive person so it was a bit of a red flag for me.

I share all of this so everyone can truly understand my state of mind as I write this.


Negativity is winning across the board. I think a lot of people plan on losing the election this time, and they're a fairly vocal bunch. I hear that many alleged "Democrats" won't vote for a woman or a Black man. Though words are my life, I find it incredibly difficult to put into words how this makes me feel. Disgusted is one possible explanation, but I don't think it goes far enough.

As most people probably know, neither of the two possible candidates were my first choice. Their gender or race had nothing to do with it. The simple fact is that I preferred Edwards's stance on the issues.

I daresay that anyone who refuses to vote for either Hillary or Barack for the reason of race or gender isn't a Democrat at all. Anyone who'd rather see McCain, who we know will continued the failed policies of the Bush Presidency without hesitation, over even what they might perceive as "questionable" Democrats based on race or gender can go directly to hell without dinner.

I can honestly understand hoping for the best and planning for the worst. It's certainly possible that both of these candidates will end up disappointing us, or that even the best of intentions won't be able to do anything to protect us from the economic repercussions of the last seven years of nearly unopposed Republican rule.

But even with all of my issues, I'm not wallowing in negativity. I see nothing productive in it.

And I, for one, refuse to participate in the denial of whatever little light remains.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

1. We are watching a process unfold. It's not fun, but sometimes it is.

That's all I've got. :hug:

[dweller]

2. i have a couple of questions for you concerning your back

and will just PM you about them instead.

as for the rest of your message, as a Kucinich supporter from a long time ago, and an Edward's neighbor, i agree: sometimes we don't get the chance to pick the cream of the crop but have just to shoulder on and hope for the best. I'd rather spend my time focusing on whatever positive i can (and some may say i'm avoiding a negative) and sleep well at nite. I'm at the point of drinking the sand and not knowing the difference.

but at least at this point, i still know the difference.
dp

[Mythsaje]

3. I think we're all aware of the negatives...

There comes a point where it's not merely pointing them out for people, but reveling in them, which, to me, is a symptom of a corrupt heart.

[dweller]

4. to thine own self be true, my friend

and the example you set will provide the most heart.

Peace.
dp