I often introduce myself as a "recovering paramedic." Like not being an ex-marine you can be a former marine and the reptilian part of my brain still thinks like a Medic. The part of being a medic that I don't miss is our capacity to bitch and be negative about everything. And believe me, I was one of the worst offenders. Just ask E {E nodding head, vigorously} But, I made changes. I put my negative energy to use. I worked to get legislation changed, helped form an EMS union and tried to make life better for my fellow EMS workers. One of our God given rights in America is our right to bitch and moan. But I always ask people who complain a lot if they voted. They invariably say,"why, it doesn't make any difference" I beg to differ. We take voting for granted, but when you work in an area where people die to vote, literally, it takes on a whole new meaning. Being a naturalized citizen, I take my right to vote very seriously. I remember turning 18 and being so excited about voting. Just the coolest thing ever. I had just joined the Navy and swore to "uphold and defend the constitution of the United States." And for the record, no one ever attacked the naval hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia on my watch. In America we have the right to be stupid, say stupid stuff and vote for stupid candidates. I'll never forget the United Airlines Captain that was fired for complaining about having to go through TSA like everyone else. He said something like, "Jesus Christ, I'm flying the plane, if I want to crash it, I can, this is stupid." And he got fired. For telling the truth. For venting his frustration. For exercising his God given right to bitch. He said what we were all thinking. And, no I am not going to discuss political correctness. Cause sometimes that's appropriate and sometimes not. But back to me. The clinic has been quiet, both with patients and a very small staff. The place looks abandoned. It has allowed me to get some stuff done. Still waiting to get my guy medevaced home. We are waiving $100 bills around trolling for lear jets, waiting for a bite. Answering emails from folks trying to come back to work, including the guy that sent me his paperwork "approving" his return with the "not fit for duty" box checked. Sorry, dude. Besides I feel that my primary job is to make sure that these people are safe and get good medical care. Take any medical problem multiply by Afghanistan and it equals disaster. Get well, get healthy and I'll let you back in, gladly. We have a certain negativity element on the staff here. They have all been gone. But they all arrived, en masse yesterday plus one extra who doesn't even work here. I was in my office, hawaiian slack key guitar paying on the ipod reading Stars and Stripes as I waited for some email replies. All was right with the world, then bang, the bitch'o-rama started. We had just had a rocket attack, that we thought was a drill, oops, but I'd rather have another one than listen to these folks. I had to take an ibuprofen and leave early. You know these kind of people, they feed on each other. "Oh, you think that's bad, well..." Can't wait to go in this morning an experience more of it. But then, I think that I have a right to put an end to it, too. Must be bad when I think that it's too negative. It takes one to know one I guess. Or maybe I've just matured and moved on. Perhaps that now I'm more of a professional who realizes that complaining for complaining sake is nonproductive and destructive and you should focus that energy in making your place in society better for all. That we should look at the sunny side of life. That we should look at the glass half full instead... Ok stop laughing, but I do feel a little bit of this. Besides if I don't bitch what will I blog about?
Happy Memorial day.
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