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Monday, August 27, 2012

RULES, UGH


It is with a modicum of trepidation that I undertake to write this blog.  (I’m using bigger words so that I sound more like a “riter”).  I feel like I need to explain myself at this point to those who may have been offended by what I have written and, to the rest of you, who will be offended by what I will write in the future.
You see it has been explained to me, by more than a few sources, that there are certain rules that must be followed by any author doing a blog.  I’ll go over the rules in a minute, but first off, never, ever, ever tell me that something is a rule and then expect me to follow it.  It is kind of like telling Hans Solo the odds.  You don’t do it unless you expect him to try and defy those odds.  You don’t do it unless you are some type of shiny uptight robot who walks around as if it had a six foot 2x4 stuck; well, there you go, I almost broke a rule again.
It’s not that I can’t follow a rule.  It’s just that I won’t.  I have been a trial attorney for almost twenty-five years, (and in that time I have come to really, really dislike judges for the anal attention they give to meaningless rules), but I have been disregarding rules for well over fifty years.  My wife has learned to come to grips with it; (bless her saint-like heart) the rest of the world can too.
I kind of sing my own version of the War song, by WAR.  You know, “Rules, ugh, what are they good for?”  Or my own take on one of the most famous movie lines ever: “We don’t need no stinkin’ rules.”  (I do speak Spanish, but have a lousy Mexican accent.)
So, when I’m told to never, when writing this blog, use profanity, or comment on politics or social issues, then it is a given that sooner or later that is exactly what I will do.  Now wait, don’t explain to me the purpose of these rules.  I clearly understand the purpose, and I accept the underlying reasoning as well.  I don’t have a single argument as to why these rules are wrong or a good reason as to why I’m going to break them.  It is just a given that I am going to break them.  It is what I do.
I don’t have a reason for this psychotic like anti-social behavior.  I can’t explain it.  Perhaps one or two of my children can make a comment that will help.  Or perhaps this could be forwarded to one of my former scouts, (Andrew Wheeler, Connor Brandt, where are you?) who witnessed this behavior up close when I was their scoutmaster.  One of them might have some insight that would help.
And yet again, what does it really matter?  It is what it is.  I doubt that peeking inside my skull is going to help.  And with the major party political conventions upon us, I know the temptation will be too great.  There are too many stupid people who are going to say too many stupid things.  How can I refrain from commentary?
I could apologize in advance for making an offensive remark.  I could, if I cared.  The best I can do is say: if you are offended, get over it.  I’m really not worth the emotional energy.
No one is.


11 comments:

  1. Good news, Andy! There's actually a medical diagnosis, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, that describes people who have a hard time listening to authority figures or following the rules. Now you can just say you're ODD and under the Americans with Disability Act everyone has to make reasonable accommodations for you. Viva la revolution!

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    1. I'm sure most people who know me would already agree that I am ODD. At least I can put a name to it now. Thanks!

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    2. ha ha ha, this is so funny! ODD is going to be my new code word.

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  2. I would have to say that some rules have their place. For example, since you mentioned scouts, the two deep leadership rule. Definitely a good rule. But I agree that many rules are put in place merely to be controlling. To exert power and dominion over others, like what you were saying about judges. I get it. As far as religion and politics being the scope of your blog, why the heck not? Hopefully you're not one of those apostate sorts, which I am fairly sure you are not. We need voices unafraid of assault. So, stand on your proverbial wall and let the arrows fly. There will be some who are converted, and others who will not. Good luck.

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    2. Thanks for the encouragement Becky, I just may come out swinging next time. By the way, one of the first things I did as a scoutmaster was to break the two deep leadership rule. But you're right, it was not a good idea.

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  3. From what I've read so far, I am liking you a lot more. I think we'll get along just fine. And did I hear the word "apostate" somewhere? In the olden days, they call apostates heretics. Count me in.

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  4. I have only one thing to say about this: "Absolutely nothin!"

    Just kidding. I do have one thing to say. That is, you shouldn't "never" post about those things. Just approach it with tact, if you can. If you can't approach it with tact, it's best to avoid it. There have been so many times I get extremely passionate about something, start writing a post, and then stop myself because I know it will create more fires while doing little to settle my anger. There's a lot of stupid people out there, and they even have their own stupid conventions no matter what we do. *Cough, cough*

    But in the end, it's all up to you. You're probably my favorite blogger, anyway.

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    1. Advice I can always use, totally different from rules. Thanks to both you and Chris for the advice. And tact? I can do tact. I have all the tact of a trial attorney in a stupid people shop.

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  5. So after a great philosophical discussion with my long term guest we came to the following conclussion; to break a rule just because it is a rule gives that rule power over you. You are letting the rule control you just as much as if you were choosing to follow that rule. Therefore it is wisest to just live your life as you would, being true to yourself no matter what the rules say. If it is something you would do regardless of a rule then do it, but if you are doing something just because of a rule (whether obeying or disobeying said rule) then you are neither in control nor being true to yourself. Good luck with it all and may the force be with you.

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