Excision

Dear Facebook Friend,

I probably don't know how we met. I seldom remember shit like that.You probably displayed sparkling wit, rational perspectives, freethought tendencies, intellectual pursuits, the ability to laugh, a shared fondness for my preferred intoxicants... Any number of things could have arranged this little meeting in space.

I will drop you just as quickly. See, my Facebook wall is my own space. I set it up the way I want, so that I have a soothing space to gather in virtual community with like-minded and challenging people. Of course, my family is on there too, and they're pretty safe from deletion.

I don't think this is an emotional issue. I am trying not to be reactive. This is me, defining my space by carefully choosing the people I have around me, even on the internet.

There are some issues on which I will not bend, nor am I willing to entertain propaganda.

• Arizona: I do agree that illegal immigration is a problem. Harassing people like you're the Jospeph Fucking McCarthy of White English-Speaking Entitled Amerikans is wrong. Go after the employers. I'll say it again. Go after the employers. Your Amerikan sweatshops are the ones getting them in here, you know. And keeping them. If you believe that any citizen should be required to present proof of their identity to whatever asshatted authority figure demands it for whatever rainbow-glittery imaginary reason he makes up, I don't want to know you.

• Abortion. No restrictions. Period. Accessible and protected. Disagree with me? You may choose never to bring it up, to ask some respectful questions, or get your reproductive choice-hating ass far away from me.

• Welfare. Oh, I have a rant coming up on welfare. I support it. Fully. Wholeheartedly. It's a government system and therefore has inherent problems and loopholes. But you know what? If you've ever stood behind a "welfare mom" and made nasty comments under your breath about what she's buying or driving or how her kids are behaving and "Hey, whore, where's the daddy?" you are a hateful person. Period. Because maybe you were doing that to me. Maybe you were kicking me at the lowest fucking point in my life. Maybe that was me you were looking down on.

• Mental Illness. I have had people tell me that I am faking. I have had people tell me I'm crazy because I am not right with god. I have had people tell me there is no such thing. I have physical prolems in my brain that cause a number of symptoms and conditions. I live with this every second of every day, even while I sleep. If you have no belief of or sympathy for people who aren't as "stable" or "reality oriented" as you, let me offer this. "Fuck the fuck off." Oh, and I'm probably still more intelligent than you.

• Religion. I am a staunch atheist. Preach at me just once and you're gone. Keep your beliefs away from me and my children. If you would like to have a respectful discussion and debate, that's one thing, but attempts to convert me will be met with vengeance.

• Socialism. Learn what the hell it means. Obama isn't a socialist. I am.

• Environment. Think Global Warming is a hoax? Think "the earth will repair itself?" Think God has blessed us with dominion over this sphere? I think you're a retard. Please take Sarah Palin with you on the way out.

• Marriage. Everyone or no one. I personally favor the "No One Ever" approach, but obviously there are legal benefits to putting on that yoke -- or I wouldn't have done it. People should marry any number of people of any gender in any state for any reason. If this is an issue that interests you, check out The Alternatives to Marriage Project.
  

• Sentient life. Animals. No harm to them.
  

• Being a self-important asshole. That is, of course, your right. Exercise it elsewhere.