Every word you say

I feel sorry for Frasier Crane. He had a cranky day because of all the rain and he said so, but the whole of Seattle was angry at him for telling a woman to change her life, get a new job, a different apartment, get a hobby, make friends, find a boyfriend, or move out of town. Everyone picked up the move out of town and bashed poor Frasier until he had to agree to appear at a charity event for a Catholic hospital. Big mistake.

While in the bathroom getting rid of the butterflies in his stomach, Father Mike tells the audience that the bishop, who was supposed to introduce Frasier, is lost at sea. Frasier comes in late without hearing about the bishop, and begins telling his jokes, to no avail. He continues to alienate everyone.

That's the thing about situations like that. It doesn't always matter what you say or how you say it because someone, and often a lot of someones, are bound to pick up on one small item and beat you over the head with it and blame you while they're doing it. After all, it's your fault no matter what you do.

The torches have been lit and the pitchforks are out and no one is going to stop the mob now. They have it in their heads that you are the devil and nothing will do but having you on a spit over a hot fire while they cheer.

It's the same the world over because of the people and that herd mentality. You're entitled to your opinion as long as it doesn't conflict with the prevailing opinion. You're entitled to your life until someone decides that you've lived it too long without being punished for enjoying it. When it comes down to it, you're entitled to bear the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune because you make such a nice target.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not having a bad day, but I do understand how poor Frasier felt. I've been there. I usually walk away, except for those times that I've had enough bashing and decide it's time for me to speak out. It's always a chancy act, speaking out, because someone is bound to get angry and take offense, even if all you said was that pink bunnies aren't natural. Get used to it. No matter what you say or how you say it, no matter how eloquent you are, you're going to rub someone (a lot of someones) the wrong way. Keep the running shoes handy and the car idling so you can make a quick getaway. You'll need them.

Remember. You're entitled to your opinion as long as it doesn't conflict with anyone else's. Try that one on for size.