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Opinions matter fights do not
Patty Leon new

I stared at this blank piece of paper for hours. Writer’s block?

No.

You see, I have an opinion on a variety of things. Whether it be on the subject of COVID vaccines, women’s reproductive rights, equality for all across the board, the war in Afghanistan and the list goes on and on.

So why is it so hard to put into words my thoughts on these subjects? Is it fear of retribution? Fear of rejection?

Nope!

It’s because these topics have become so politicalized (read weaponized) that having a thought-provoking talk or debate on these issues turns ugly within seconds. And it has become exhausting!

You mention you’re pro-choice, BOOM, you are suddenly lambasted as someone okay with murdering infants.

LET’S BE CLEAR NO-ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MINDS, TO INCLUDE PRO-CHOICERS, ARE OKAY WITH MURDERING A VIABLE FETUS!

But you can’t change the minds of some people who are so set in their ways that the only way they can respond to your opinions and thoughts is by attacking you, so why bother. It’s exhausting and shows the level of their ability to have a true debate.

You bring up the 20-year war on Afghanistan and BOOM!

The Republicans want to yell on how President Joe Biden messed up the exit plan. The Democrats want to remind everyone it was former President Donald J. Trump that negotiated the end of the war with the Taliban, and released from prison the man who is now in charge of that country.

The fact is that war started under former President George Bush, after 15 Saudi Arabians, two hijackers from the United Arab Emirates, an Egyptian and one Lebanese hijacker, attacked the Twin Towers, Pentagon and hijacked United Flight 93, on Sept. 11, 2001. The war continued through the Obama and Trump administration, who again negotiated the end of the war. There was plenty of time and talk on how and when it could have ended sooner. Ending a war is always messy and it happened under the current administration.

I don’t know if it ended well or messy because I didn’t serve in the military. I was never sent to fight a war in another country. I don’t have all the information the National Security Forces and Pentagon have. And I won’t second guess our top Brass’ actions when I don’t have the full scope of what was happening behind the scenes. I trust our top military officials and thank and honor the men and women who served/serve our country. And I am thankful that we managed to get more than 117,000 people out of there, and that as of Friday afternoon the airport in Kabul remains open and outgoing flights with people wanting to leave is ongoing.

Somethings are better left to the professionals and not the hundreds of ugly and nasty talking Monday morning quarterbacks.  For me, ending or starting a war, is one such thing.

So, these days I often sit before my computer wondering how I can compose a riveting opinion piece on a topic that doesn’t push someone’s trigger because we are all overly stressed with the current state of our country, our climate and our world. And maybe I shouldn’t bring this up because, I think, it is a trigger for some, but here I go.

PINEAPPLE ONLY BELONGS ON A HAWAIIAN STYLE PIZZA!

There I said it! 

WHEW! 

Okay let the attacks begin. Actually, it feels a little better getting that off my chest. Ain’t no way you order a meat-lovers pizza and add pineapple as an additional topping. If you bring me a Taco-style pizza and it has pineapple on top instead of avocado, it’s on like Donkey-Kong.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest let me move on to another topic which I know will ruffle some feathers.

THE DALLAS COWBOYS ARE STILL AMERICA’S TEAM AND THE BEST!

Haters, always going to hate on my Cowboys! In the words of Liz Cheney when challenged by Trump, “BRING IT.” This ought to spark a few arguments for sure so while I’m at it, I don’t like Tom Brady!

NOW I’VE DONE IT!

Well, If I am going to set myself up for a ton of hate mail, I might as well add that people shouldn’t own pets if they don’t plan on giving their fur babies proper care and veterinary visits. Also, when walking your dog, pick up after their messes and keep them on a leash!

Don’t agree with me, let me know! Email me at: pleon@coastalcourier.com







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