Fine. I'll cave.

Intrusive Thought #4

This article started with several pages and not a ton of self-editing. As I read it again and again, I was definitely the personification of “old man screaming at cloud(s)”. So, I stripped it down to what matters.

The following items (not all inclusive) are the result of a couple of conversations, a FaceTime with my heterosexual lifemate, and some introspection. I accepted that abstaining from specificity concerning my political alignments/leanings actually removes a person’s ability to make a fully informed decision about a relationship. In short, some Kantian ethics (mixed with some existentialism) guided my process.

Without further ado, I offer transparency so you may make the best decision for you.

I’m pro-dog. Just because I’m pro-dog doesn’t mean I’m anti-cat. I’ve had some great interactions with cats, and we’ve sometimes been friends. I just have a difficult time placing my full trust in a being that doesn’t necessarily care about my existence, in the slightest, while being in a constant state of “plotting how to extinguish my lifeforce”.

Dogs are part of my spirit animal. The other is the Duck-billed Platypus.

I also like fish, though their eyes freak me out. I’m semi-anti-reptile. It depends on how quickly they can, and are willing to, kill me.

I’m suspicious of anyone who doesn’t believe in Aliens. Pretty audacious, if you ask me. And, I am not targeting the religious. I offer, if there is an omnipotent being that made all of this, it probably didn’t make just us…’cause math…and logic…or science.

This is not to mention those who don’t believe there are celestial “things” outside our solar system. I don’t understand them. Also, I’m not totally dismissive of the prospect this is all a simulation. If it is, I have one question: Why the fuck can’t I dodge bullets and suspend myself in the air while performing jiu-jitsu?

Bigfoot is real. Get past it.

I’m pro-trees, rivers, and mountains. They help us breathe, survive, recharge water tables, and are pretty. I’m anti-lake unless they’re above the alpine line or unprotected ‘cause I’m anti-boats piloted by baboons.

I’m pro-human beings driving cars without an AI pilot, meaning I’m suspicious of folks who place, what is to me, an incredible amount of trust in technology.

I’m anti-bullying of any shape or form. I will attempt to rationalize with the bully, my attempt to defuse the situation. If that fails, I’ll possibly walk away. I’ll also, possibly, engage in battle. The type of bullying dictates my ultimate response. Most importantly, I do not confuse bullying with standing up for what’s right. Sometimes, a line has to be drawn. What happens after that depends on the situation.

I’m anti-ignorance and closed-mindedness. I find they often hold hands and skip down the lane.

I’m pro-reading, writing, playing, inventing, constructing, and thinking. Feelings are in there, too. I just save them for when they’re appropriate, as I am anti-”emotionally unstable and/or erratic” due to one’s lack of self-awareness and/or control.

I’m anti-people telling me I belong in a category simply because I think something might be a good idea, or I disagree with an idea they think is “right”. I’m pro-being able to think for myself and making my own decisions. I have claustrophobia and can’t live in a box.

Lastly, I’m anti–“society has decided this is how it is.” There’s an expectation that all of us fit within the current social and political landscape. Doesn’t mean we do or have to.

Not everything is political, from my perspective. That statement paints with too broad a brush. I’m not the only one on this rotating piece of rock who sees it that way. I think a lot of folks default to that lens because it simplifies things—fewer questions, less curiosity required. Way easier to pick a side and know who is on which. I just don’t find it all that interesting. That said, I’m aware my perspective isn’t the only one available.

And, I’m still open-minded. I’ll listen to your argument. I know so because I might still be friends with a cat again.