Mixing Rhetoric into your Opinion is Un-American

Real American Patch

The picture is of a patch I sell. You don't like it?  Sorry.  But it is your right not to like it and I will always respect that.
I have a phrase I use often - " I may not agree with what you say, but will always defend your right to say it."  This is the American way after all.  But, do to some unfortunate events, I must amend that.  " I will defend your right to voice your opinion, until it becomes hateful."   Recently, I posted something on Facebook that, although I did not agree with part of it, the general context I did.  I honestly felt those who follow me and know me would understand that, ... at least would respect my right to feel this way.  I was wrong.  The attack was vicious, full of hate and name calling.  Was even told I had no right to my opinion.
For those who don't know me - or know what I believe in - let me clarify.

1. I  believe in the right to keep and bear arms.  I am a proud gun collector - I enjoy shooting, have a love and respect for guns, and honestly believe in the 2nd amendment.  You don't??  That's your right, and I respect that.  Please respect mine.
2. I believe we need to secure our borders, and we need not a "comprehensive " immigration policy, but need to enforce the laws we have.  I do agree something needs to be done for the kids that are here do to no fault but of the parents, but do not agree in the President unilaterally changing the laws.  You don't agree?  That's your right and I respect that.  Please respect mine.
3. I believe that Obamacare is putting the USA on the fast track to a more socialist society.  I feel that it will not make healthcare affordable and more accessible,  but will in fact have the opposite effect.  You love it??? That's your right and I respect that.  Please Respect mine.
4. I believe in marriage to be between a man and a woman.  If you are gay and have a partner, I am happy for you and wish you both nothing but a lifetime of love.  But although I am not a 'bible thumper' I believe where it states marriage is to be between and man and a woman.  You defend the right of gay marriage?? That is you right I respect that. Please respect mine.
5. I believe in the free enterprise system.  I believe that America is the land of opportunity, not the land of the "I deserve it"  and once the government allows businesses to either thrive or fail everyone will be better off.  I do , however, believe the Government needs to watch for greed, and not allow gouging.   You want more taxes on the so called "Fat Cats" and more bailouts and handouts - that is your right.  Please respect mine.
6. I Believe in the piece of paper called the Constitution is a concrete foundation for our way of live we call the American way.  I do not see it any less concrete than the ten commandments.  To me it is not a "living, breathing thing" that we must change to fit every whim.  You do?? That is your right. .... That piece of paper says so...until they change that right too.

I believe in a good debate of issues.  I welcome exchange of ideas.  What I do not welcome is a slam of nothing but name calling rhetoric that has no substance.  Save that for someone else. 

I am a registered voter - independent - but I do have conservative values.  I respect the views of democrats, republicans, tea party, and libertarian.   I respect anyone's religion, whether it be Catholic, Baptist, Islam. Jewish or Wiccan.  What I do not respect is extremism, attacking someone for believing differently, or forcing your beliefs onto anyone.  Take that elsewhere - it is un-american.

Again ... That is my opinion ....

Is it REALLY that bad? - or otherwise known as - Sucks to be you

Whine ..Grumble ... Yeah, My "online Family" I visit everyday via social media such as facebook, twitter, Google+ whines.  Some have legit complaints and we all have jumped to social media to vent out frustrations.  But some, I read their stream and think ... reaaally...

The I feel bad singers
You know this type - they are often heard singing .. " I feel bad .. nananana... like I knew that I would" I know some have real illnesses - and serious ones - but some NEVER seem to be well - they have a cold, allergies,stubbed their toe, got a hangnail and always seem like they have one foot in the grave.  I read their ailments and think of friends that are battling serious illnesses ... my daughter whom just went through a series of tests for cancer ( luckily all came back negative) ... my Dad battling COPD whom still gets out everyday... a friends nephew whom came back from Iraq in a wheelchair....and a few friends whom are very sick and the Doctors havent a clue what is wrong so the trail and error testing goes on.

The Drama Llama riders
I swear, some live for the drama.  And if none is readily available, will come and llama spit on your whoo hoo posts. They ride the wave of anger, and if not copping a "woes me" approach , will be sporting a "you suck" attitude.  Someone not saying hi is a major crisis.
I think of those in abusive relationships, dealing with crazy exes or going through messy divorces, those battling addiction, trying to hold families together and parents of teenagers (TOTAL Drama time!)

The LOOK AT ME swat team
You know this type - often shooting out posts rapid fire like machine gun Kelly -  often about what they are selling, (EVERYTHING they sell), pictures of their kids, their pets, themselves, and love using foursquare, like anyone cares they are at the local Starbucks.  Often tags EVERYONE in their pictures which causes you to have pics across the top of your Facebook profile of their Auntie May and her cat Rosco sleeping on the coach drooling.

The Chronic Complaint Crooners
Its too hot! Its too cold! Its too rainy, sunny, cloudy, snowy.  Why am I awake? Its too early, late, I had five minutes left before the alarm.  Facebooks sucks, Twitter sucks, work sucks, YOU suck!
Ya know ... "Whatevah people!"
I think of those still struggling to rebuild from tornadoes and floods,...those whom are running on little sleep due to sickness or having to work overtime to make ends meet.  I think of our soldiers braving the elements and lack of sleep protecting us.

Now for the equally annoying -

Sunshine and Lollipops Crowd
They repost the pretty .. ஜ۩۞۩ஜ♥▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬●▬▬ஜ۩۞۩▬▬●▬​ ▬ஜ۩۞۩  "You are Awesome!" Repost on five friends pages and if you get back two you are loved. "
Enough of them and your stream and the stream of your friends get overloaded.
Rarely do they say - I feel your pain but often toss you the rainbows and unicorns.
Good to be optimistic - but really, some of you are holding out with the good drugs.
Like a friend once told me - It is not all sunshine and lollipops ..

Surely everyone has their own pet peeve on the Social Media crazies - whats yours?
For more fun .. Read The Help! .... There are Fruit Loops in My Social Media Bowl

Our Family Traditions are set in stone

Two Generations - Mazzola's

Brothers are special.  If you have one, you know what I mean.  If you don't then you miss out on the joy of hearing the famous words of "Because, he is the boy".  I only have one.  A precious little brother named Andrew, aka AJ.  AJ came along finally after our parents tried for 21 years to have a son, after two girls, they finally had the crowned prince - five years after my sister and 10 years and two months to the day after me.  Being spaced out five years apart was not planned, but it did raise some eyebrows, like they only had sex every five years or so.
Somehow, being a boy and the only son grants them special treatment.  "Why doesn't AJ have to do dishes?"  Because he's the boy.  How come AJ gets to drive the riding mower? Because he's the boy. How come AJ gets to stay out later than I did at his age? Because he's the boy.  How come AJ gets the family business?  Because he's the boy.

Am I envious?  Hell yeah,  I have always loved the business and hoped to be one of the few women in the profession.  But am I proud of little brother? Very much so.  He stepped into some pretty big shoes when he stepped into the Business started by our Grandfather, then passed onto our Dad.  It is a hard job, one that requires 'bull work', artistic ability, and strong people skills.  It take dedication to maintaining the standard of excellence two generations before us set. And it takes a sense of pride in Family Traditional values to keep at it and strive to take something so good and make it better.

Can he do it? Hell yeah.... after all .. he is the boy.

Congratulations  little brother - keep up the good work, Big sister is proud of you.

Norwood Monumental Works Inc.: Third generation continues monumental feats

Family Business - Norwood Monumental Works

 

NORWOOD —

It’s a Thursday afternoon and A.J. Mazzola is on a mission to pick up something precious - a granite stone. This also happens to be the foundation of his family business.
Stone selection is just one of the many tasks that Mazzola, who runs Norwood Monumental Works Inc., performs. It is also the first step in getting the final product: headstone or grave marker. Each finished grave marker is roughly 24 inches by 12 inches and lays flat in the ground. Every precut stone goes through a four-step process before it is finished. The entire process is all done right at the Washington Street shop.
And it all started with his grandfather.

Read more:  ( full article)

 And Visit : www.norwoodmonumental.com