Everyone has heard the saying, “Opinions are like noses, everybody’s got one.” For those who are pro-profanity, as I am, the saying begins “Opinions are like assholes . . .”.
I admit I sometimes become frustrated with people who have an opinion different from mine. I often can’t understand why someone is unable to see, what I see so clearly. I know we are all entitled to our opinions, no matter how stupid, misguided, and ridiculous they are. (Looking at you, MAGAs.) Being entitled to an opinion is one thing - having a defensible opinion based on provable facts, is something else.
For example, I have tried to understand why some average, law-abiding Americans can believe it is okay to have a misogynistic convicted felon liar degenerate in the White House. What sort of thought process goes into this kind of decision-making? What does such a candidate have to do to make his fans vote for someone else? It is almost as if those people are afflicted with some sort of mass psychosis.
When I am feeling especially confused or upset or frustrated at the unfathomable opinions of others, I have to remind myself that differing opinions are necessary, especially in a free society. How awful would it be if everyone shared the same opinions? Imagine a world where everyone agreed on everything. Life would be just crushingly boring, don’t you think?
Actually we do not have to imagine a world free of differing opinions. We only have to look to Russia. Vladimir Putin is not into opinion diversity and all that freedom of speech bullshit. If any Russian citizens have opinions that differ with their Supreme Leader, they damn well better keep them to themselves. We know what he does to opinion expressers who deviate from the party line. We also know that Donald Felonious considers Putin a friend and a genius. And someone to emulate. Because, in case you haven’t noticed, Donald Felonious is a stupid, narcissistic moron. In my opinion.
Even though I sometimes get frustrated and confused by the opinions of others, when I give myself a chance to think it through, I know we would be missing out on many spectacular aspects of life if we lacked independent, diverse thoughts and opinions. Everyone having the same opinions would be like an episode of the old TV series - The Twilight Zone. (If you are too young to qualify for the senior discount at IHOP, you may have to Google that.)
I hope by occasionally reminding myself of how important it is to be exposed to the opinions of others, that I can be more tolerant when those opinions are expressed. Uh . . . I guess that might sound like a large, steaming pile of stuff produced a male bovine. Especially considering how joyfully ruthless I have been when describing the MAGAs and their Orange Jesus. Perhaps I like the idea of being tolerant of different opinions, much more than I like actually being tolerant. (I have these arguments with myself on a regular basis. Sometimes, it ain’t easy being me.)
I began The Storm. By Norm so that I could have a forum for expressing my own thoughts and opinions, whenever and however I felt like it. I don’t do verbal, face to face communication very well, but this forum is great for putting my thoughts out there, without having to hear my own stupid voice.
It is wonderful that reading The Storm. By Norm is a choice people can, and do, make. I can write about anything I darn well please on here as much as I want, and people can choose to read it. Or not.
After producing weekly essays for The Storm. By Norm for more than a year and a half, I’ve learned to not be wishy-washy when revealing my opinions. Many readers seem to appreciate writing that is direct, even if what has been written is disagreeable to them.
The truth is, The Storm. By Norm is not for everybody. Every once in a while, I’ll lose a subscriber over something I’ve written. I care if someone unsubscribes, but it doesn’t upset me.
Sometimes, people will subscribe or follow, who subsequently realize that my often opinionated ramblings are really not what they prefer to receive in their inboxes. And, subscribers looking for just politics, or just sports, or just humor, or just one thing, may be disappointed enough to unsubscribe when they recognize I do not stick to one subject. I harbor no ill will toward those folks. As Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says, “I want volunteers, not hostages.”
If I post an essay, it’s because I believe it is good enough to be posted, and that it is an accurate representation of my thoughts and feelings. I am well aware that what I post is going to be judged by whoever reads it. And, I am also aware there may be some readers whose opinion is that I am full of crap for posting such drivel. But, that’s okay.
I can control what I write and post, but I can’t control what a reader thinks of it. I seem to remember reading somewhere that we all are entitled to our opinions. So, I can’t really be upset over an honest difference of opinion.
I hope to acquire and keep lots and lots of subscribers. It is not my intent to offend or drive current or potential subscribers away. But, I’m not interested in writing the kind of pablum that appeals to the lowest common denominator. (This is a general statement. I’m not referring to anyone in particular.)
It is my opinion (there’s that word again), the best writing gives the reader a reason to feel something, even if that feeling is anger or disgust. If a reader feels indifferent toward what I have written, then I have somehow failed that reader, which is certainly not my intent. How an essay is perceived after it is published, though, is out of my hands. All I can do is to continue expressing my opinionated opinions, with pleasing myself as the goal. And then I’ll hope it appeals to somebody out there in Substackland.
To my mind-boggling subscribers, please help me grow my publication by sharing my posts with family and friends, or on your social media accounts. Thank you for your support.
And, don’t be afraid to scroll to the bottom and hit that Like button! (But, only if you really mean it.)
Do you have something to say about Opinionated Opinions? Well, then . . .
I like to hear you opinions....well, or read them is more appropriate here. I feel your anger and know that it isn't just me who thinks our world is being stepped on by a demon.
I, however, must say, the picture of Mike Tomlin did cause me to raise an eyebrow.....I am, after all, an avid Cincinnati Bengal Fan and he is on a list I won't mention in your opinion column. You really didn't grade him, thank you. His picture more reminded me of The Twilight Zone.
I would like to add people of the same opinions under the category of "The Stepford Wives". That was a scary show and a disgusting one as many people seem to think that's the way women should live. Women, too, have opinions and should be able to express them. I'm so proud of how Kamala expresses her thoughts, by telling the truth and nothing but the truth. Long live the Truth!
Thanks for giving me a break from my Substack writing today. I almost forgot to have lunch and this break reminds me, I need a break to eat.
Keep writing, my friend. Expression is a blessing in this Great Beautiful Country. Keep it alive and well!