9.24.2009
political mumbo jumbo
We have this Sobik's subs shop in our building's lobby and the consensus among all living Americans is that it's a terrible terrible place. But I occasionally hop down there to grab a drink or a 5 Hour Energy or what have you, although I hate myself for contributing to keep that terrible place afloat.
Anyhow, this nice girl works there. And she's kinda terrible, but she's always nice. But today she was watching the news as she sold me my drink and made a comment about how President Obama is ruining the country. And I abstained from commenting until she asked "do you think our country is better off now than before?"
"Do I think we're better off under President Obama than under George Bush?" I clarified.
"Yes," she replied. She expected me to agree with her.
I was at a crossroads. See, I don't mind an opposing opinion. I accept that not everyone shares my views on social issues, government spending, taxes, etc. But what I HATE is a misinformed opinion. And this girl was just spouting off without having all the facts. So I thought to myself "Do I shut her down? Do I ruin her entire afternoon? Do I make her feel stupid? Think about how good it would feel to serve this poor girl right in the face." And I was going to go into a long-winded explanation about how Obama is investing in the American people where Geo Bush was throwing all our money into an unnecessary military conflict on the other side of the world. And how we were under a President who seeks not to enrich only himself and his allies, but all Americans. I was going to use the word "infrastructure," which she probably has never heard before. I wanted to ask about the health insurance offered by this particular Sobik's franchise. I was going to be nice but a little rude and condescending. I was going to leave her speechless. But I was the better man.
"Yes," I replied as I walked out. Even in the elevator I had to stop myself from going back to shut her down. Even after I had been back to work on this tax return for the next ten minutes, I still had to fight the urge to enlighten her. But I am over it. For now. She better watch herself next time I'm down there.
