Black cats, omens, and that scary crap from the movies are all part of the lore that is Friday the 13th. It's particularly funky when it falls before Valentine's Day like it does today. There are plenty of people out there who are all freaked out about Valentine's Day this year, primarily because 50 Shades of Grey came out and it is just the most horrible thing since Pepsi Clear. Fear of both Friday the 13th and fear of 50 Shades are equally goofy and should be laughed at. The people freaking out about the two are more scary to me than any specter that the two may represent.
We're a superstitious lot, aren't we?
If we really want some things to be afraid of this Friday the 13th, here is a list.
1. Stupid legislation coming from underneath the methane gas filled dome. Representative Sally Kern (R- Ridiculous) pulled her frighteningly unconstitutional bills, but sure enough, the douchebaggery continued and someone else authored similar bills. When we don't conquer our fears, they begin to own us. That's exactly what's happening with this new breed of moral police. Their mindset is such that they believe theirs is the most important mission on earth and if you disagree, may you be anathema! That's the kind of stuff Jim Jones and David Koresh were made of. THAT should scare the hell out of you.
2. The decrease of affordable housing in this country. It's reached the point where the decline of affordable housing could become an epidemic. Housing that was built 40 years ago using HUD loans are being paid off right now and since there are no tenancy requirements, the rent is being jacked up to rid them of the working poor. It's like a housing genocide. Pushing "those" people further and further away from the mainstream of society.
3. Health care. It's expensive, owned and operated by insurance and pharmaceutical companies and there is no relief in sight. The poor and working poor are largely screwed by the current system and that's just the way it's going to be.
4. Islamic terror. I don't care if you get offended or not, I'm here to tell you that Islamic terrorism is real and it is a real threat to the world. If you don't believe that, do us all a favor and don't breed. As a matter of fact, get a vasectomy or hysterectomy to make sure that your gene pool stays shallow. Whether you watch the Fox News Channel or PBS, terrorism is a serious threat.
5. Veteran suicide. This is a problem that must be dealt with and not brushed under the carpet any longer. The numbers are becoming ludicrous and so few are really paying attention, that the tragedy only expands. The men and women who stand or stood a post so we could love and embrace the freedoms we enjoy deserve more than a cursory glance or platitude.
6. Teen suicide. Bullies are everywhere and our kids will experience bullying not only school, but in adulthood as well. We have to prepare our children more effectively, helping to fully comprehend that they have value and a voice. We have to toughen them up a little to deal with the asshat bullies. On the other hands, the parents of bullies who allow it to happen should be dealt with quickly and severely. No more children should die needlessly under our watch.
There are just a few things that truly should scare the shit out of us. We can become one with Friday the 13th, just like every other day and make it subject to us. We are not slaves to time and space, but rather we use it to fulfill ours and others' lives.
Of course, I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt it.
Gorilla