What a world we are living in

What a week.... what a world we are living in.

“Love and civil discussion is always the answer to hate.”

Not always easy is it when you have groups like white supremacists, neo-nazi's, Nazi's, independent militia men and those that claim to be nothing more than the 'Alt-right' or nationalists; whom we all understand to be racists and anti semitic plain and simple are so brazenly and seemingly accepted. Or at the very least given way to spew their horrific beliefs publicly, some toting semiautomatic weapons without recourse. Yet when BLM men and women whom are justifiably fed up with the treatment they have and are receiving are met with riot gear. Or those peacefully protesting the DAP are met with attack dogs. It's hard not to think we're in a world gone completely fucking mad.

I am often loud and brash and well those that like me would say, “she's a free spirit, and she loves dogs, the environment and veterans most but yeah she can be pretty intolerant to those she morally disagrees with. She's got a good heart but if you push her too far she'd scare the shit out of you with her temper and her willingness to go to jail for something she truly believes in.” They would be correct. I am most certainly imperfect, flawed, and often times a real pain in the ass and exceedingly difficult to like let alone love when fighting for social justice issues that hurt my heart, or more importantly to me; those that I love. I thank those of you who continue to love me regardless, and must thank my children for always standing by me, even when it might be embarrassing or down right hard as hell.

I have always been and will forever remain unapologetically, “Government over big business, the individual over the government, the environment over everything....and Native Americans... give them anything they want. We stole their land and continue to treat them as interlopers on their own soil!” After all there isn't much to fight over once it's just a big dead rock with humans and animals alike having been tortured and slaughtered for corporate profit.

I do firmly believe that there is a time to stop talking and take action, much to many peoples horror. Pacifists and I will never see eye to eye, nor will those whom claim neutrality. I have always believed and will always believe that complacency and silence in the face of bigotry, racism, misogyny, and discrimination makes you part of the problem. No not necessarily “all ....people need to die kind of racist” but yes you handed them the rope, or bat and turned a blind eye kind of racist. Over the last few years I have cut those people out of my life and will continue to do so as they crop up.

For if good (wo)men do nothing, tis evil enough.

I am blessed to have a rainbow of family, friends, and acquaintances from so many different races, cultures, religions, and sexual orientations. It is my heartfelt hope that each of you know I love you for who you are, and am so very thankful to have you and your various and rich cultures and belief systems as a part of my life, even though I may not always understand you or you, I. You help to not only broaden my knowledge base but through your love and acceptance of my often times difficult self, make me a better human being. My daughters Angel and Mattea, your bravery to live your truth makes me brave in return. Quincy, your steadfast, critical thinking self reminds me to temper my emotions look deeper and our honesty with one another makes me continue to hold myself accountable. Michael I could not have asked for a better brother, friend, and voice of reason; I am honoured to call you family. Alyssa and Jaiden, your acceptance and love have always filled me with joy, you are family and I love you. 

Rose, Floyd, Les Jr. & Sr. your calmness, dedication, and constant support have always meant the world to me. Karen your drive is something I aspire too, I am so proud of you. Teri, your perseverance and eye for the beauty in nature never fail to make me pause and remember to appreciate those little things around me.Darla, Jess, Asha, and Mist your enduring love are beacons of light in an all too often dark world. Jess you are a kick ass fantastic human being and I am so damn glad to have met you and been allowed to share in your past and present, woman you are so damn strong! Gill and Alison your passion to help others be they human or animal remind me to centre myself and keep going when all I want to do it quit. Tieg, Bronwen, and Peyton your blunt honesty and kindness keep me honest and proud to have you in my life.  Mark and Jayne, your kindness, sense of adventure, consummate respect and abiding love for each other; and those whom you interact with reminds me that these traits never go out of style and keep the embers of hope in my heart burning bright.

Thank you all for being exactly who you are, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives even in the smallest of ways. Should any of you stumble, have doubts, or want to just give up; know you are loved dearly.