The Beat Goes On

Imagine that!  Believing in something so strongly that you're going to show your support by marching and waving your signs.  Maybe you even have a chant that you all can repeat, vocalizing this credo that you share.  Personally, I've never believed in anything so strongly that I was going to exercise to further my agenda.  If I'm not going to strap on a pair of running shoes to improve my own physicality, I doubt I'm going to do so for anything else.

Yesterday on my way home from buying gas, I made a stop to pick up my lottery tickets.  A guilty pleasure that gives me hope that maybe one day, my life may improve..., monetarily, but this isn't about that pipe dream.  At the fueling station rest stop, I noted a gathering of people clamoring off in the corner of the lot.  I gazed over at them, curious about what they were protesting.  In recent years, there has been a shit-ton of people peacefully protesting by marching across the province or even the country.  Streams of people walking, picking up tributaries of more supporters at every stop until you have a massive flow that warrants a police escort and media attention.

The crowd I noticed yesterday warranted neither of these things.  It was just a small band of folks, gathered around their vehicles, a menagerie of new cars and beat up old trucks, every one of them, adorned with Canadian flags of varying sizes.

I can barely walk across the street on some days.  I can't imagine the horror of marching across the city or the province.  Especially in a crowd of people.  Everyone is so congested, tripping over one another.  The thought is overwhelming to me, almost claustrophobic.  I'd much rather just toss a few bucks at the problem and let someone else deal with it.  Show my support that way.

Showing up in masses looks good for the media, but I've seen news stories where some people, when asked, have no actual idea as to why they're out there, but only that they're showing their support.  This seems disingenuous, if you ask me. 🤔

I would soon discover that the people gathering at the Flying J rest stop were not going to be walking, but driving to promote their cause.  I don't know what it was, but it made me curious.  With fuel prices skyrocketing as much as it has in recent weeks, what could possibly mean so much as to waste fuel by driving across the city or province in protest?  No matter the cause, I fail to see how that would prove anything. 🤔 It doesn't prove anything.  All the money you're going to waste paying for fuel, could have simply been donated to the cause.

A few days ago, it was reported that actor, James Cromwell, best known for uttering the words, "That'll do pig! That'll do." in the movie Babe, was protesting the cost of vegan cream at his local Starbucks.  He did so by gluing his hand to the counter of the popular coffee house.  I don't quite understand this protest.  If you don't like the price of cream, which would be a couple of cents, maybe, then go somewhere else!!!  Or bring your own.  Why do you need to complicate everyone else's nice day with your bullshit protest?!  I mean, reading his shirt, he's protesting animal stuff, but also the price of vegan cream.  It's all quite confusing and sounds a lot like bullshit!

Just because public gatherings are allowed, I don't believe the right should be abused.  Legitimate causes only.  Bitching about paying an extra nickel for a coffee additive is completely bonkers, especially when you should be able to afford that nickel and if you can't, what the f*ck are you doing in a Starbucks to begin with?

I have my own beliefs and things I don't like, but I'm not in a position to do anything about it.  When I can, I contribute money to animal and children charities.  I hate the state of our country as it stands today and, frankly, for the last few years.  I do my part by showing up on election day and casting my vote for change.  If my guy gets in, cool, let the changes begin.  If my fella fails to get into office, then I protest in my own private way.