Why are We So Upset?!

I find it amusing how some people get upset over the most mundane, absurd things in the world. Some folks walk around all day, with a black cloud over their head, like it's the end of the world. But to all those misery chicks, tortured poets, frustrated romantics, and the plain ol' pessimists, I say, "Lighten up!" Because, seriously, your day just isn't that bad. I got to spend an hour today learning about all sorts of congenital abnormalities. Little switcheroos in the human genetic code that cause disfiguring and crippling malformations of the body. Before you even resemble a human being, you're already screwed. Like "Lobster Boy," to the left, people with congenital abnormalities pretty much have the deck stacked against them from day one. To put it another way, a wise man once said, "I cursed my corns until I met a man with no feet." And it's true. Pissed off that you only got the parking space far away from the mall? Remember the poor dude in the wheelchair that would love to take that walk for you.

It really puts into perspective your bad day.

As a little sidenote about Lobster Boy, my teacher explained that that grotesque little cherub from the picture was actually quite the asshole. Though he couldn't walk, his arms were very strong, and he apparently was an abusive husband and father. And to top it off, he even killed one of his daughter's suitors because he didn't approve of him. Yeah. Killed him. Plus, he weaseled out of prison because he claimed the state did not have the facilities to accomodate his handicap. So tragically deformed people don't necessarily corner the market on virtue in suffering. As fellow human beings, they have just as much a proclivity to being a jerk. But when you realize just how lucky you are to be born with a working body and mind... well, let me repeat myself when I say, "It really puts into perspective your bad day!"

To further discuss my unabashed wonderment at how people get riled up about the most absurd things, I'd like to offer two examples. The first, is Gay Marriage. What is the big, flaming deal? I think this comedian, Louis C.K., puts it in perspective. (But be forewarned, the language isn't exactly Disney-appropriate). The Daily Show also puts in their views. But essentially, what is the difference between two gay individuals living together for their entire life, and getting married? If one is to argue against gay marriage based upon religious conviction, I can understand, as their is no allowance for homosexuality in 2000-year-old scripture. However, civil, state-approved, secular marriage has no overt ties to organized religion. So shouldn't a judge or justice of the peace be able to marry a gay couple? Wouldn't a married couple contribute to the stability of society more than two people merely living together? I would think so. Because moral and religious convictions aside, the positive aspect of the institution of marriage is the establishment of a more stable, orderly, community. However, I concede that the allowance of religious marriage for gays would ultimately be up to the individual religions' governing bodies. In the secular realm, though, gay marriage should be an obvious right.

And while on the subject, what's up with all this nonsense in Rome about "No Gay Priests!" rule? Priests are supposed to be celibate, in the first place. So their sexual orientations should be moot, due to their sacred vows and commitment to the Church. There seems to be some bizarre mis-correlation connecting homosexuality and pedophilia. Seriously, guys, the two things are mutally exclusive. Someone can be gay, or be a child molester, or both. But just because someone is gay, doesn't automatically make them altar boy predators. It's the 21st Century, gentlemen... let's try to use some common sense. A more sensible reaction to the tragic pedophilia scandals that have rocked primarily the American Catholic Church, is to carefully examine the structure of the church organization, as well and re-assessing the screening, training, and current lifestyle of priests.

So on one side of the spectrum, we have the politically conservative getting all nuts over nothing. However, way over on the traditionally left, they have another group, whose whinings continually irritate me to no end. And no, it's not animal rights people, or greenpeace people, or even pacifists. I'm talking about athiests.

What the unholy heck is wrong with these people?!

You'd think, that they, being athiests, (that is, believing in no God), they'd be the most easy-going people in the world. With no God, there'd be no objective moral measure to the universe... so it's all good, brother! Let's agree to disagree! It doesn't matter! Right? WRONG! They give scary religious nutjobs a run for their money in the intolerance department.

Actually, let me clarify that: obviously not all athiests are annoying, hectoring banshees out to ruin everyone's good time. The all-or-nothing jerkoffs are cut from the same cloth that all religious zealots are. I'd imagine that the majority of athiests out there are probably either relatively good people who live productive lives, or to a lesser extent, teenagers just trying to piss off their parents.

But seriously. Who cares if it says, "In God We Trust" on money, or "Under God" in the pledge, or "God Bless You" when we sneeze. If I happened to live in India, I wouldn't at all be surprised if my rupees said, "In Vishnu's many arms we trust." I understand the framers of our constitution had the wisdom and foresight to state that there shall be no establishment of a single religion in the US of A. But they also said that "We are endowed by our Creator, that all men are created equal." That's right from square-one, the Declaration of Independence. Pretty straight-forward. The principle of separation of church and state was meant to prevent one single religious denomination from taking over, such as the Church of England, and so forth. It was put into the constitution to provide freedom of religion for all citizens. The right to worship, and be religious, in peace. Not freedom from religion, as it seems to be interpreted mostly today. So, athiest activists, can't we just relax, call it a "Christmas Tree," instead of a "Holiday Tree," and call it a "Menorah," instead of a "Winter Candlestick," and stop being so uptight?

So, let me wrap this blog article up by saying... let's stop the bickering, the crankiness, and the grumpy bitchiness. Let's try to look beyond our petty, personal issues, and aim for the greater good. Let Lance and Bruce get married. Be appreciative that Fr. Karl has such great fashion sense and can accessorize every Sunday with style. And maybe forego picketing the elementary school's Christmas pageant this year. Please. Because as I continue to learn more in medical school about the miracle of life... we should all be grateful just to be healthy and alive.

Feedback Question of the Day:
"So what do you think? Am I off my rocker, or what?"