Underdog Poo

Underdog Poo

By Rachel Birdsell

The article I wrote a couple of weeks ago, Making a Molehill Out of Man Mountain, has ruffled some feathers. In fact, the feathers became so disheveled, some people were compelled to leave comments telling me what a horrible person I am. Along with other fourth-grade-level insults, my writing was compared to dog poo, which actually made me laugh. So, to the anonymous person who left that comment, thanks for the giggle. Another reader mentioned that I rant about anyone who doesn’t fit into my narrow world view, such as “conservatives, Christians, Republicans, Tea Party members, abortion opponents, etc.”

Because some of you are having difficulty comprehending what I’m trying to get across when I pen my rants, I thought I’d try and clarify my stance on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I have very few hard and fast rules when it comes to life. I’m pretty happy-go-lucky and will generally leave you alone and let you live whatever life you feel is best for yourself as long as you aren’t hurting anyone. But, when you start trying to dictate people’s health decisions and reproductive rights, or tell someone who they can or can’t marry, then I have a problem with it and I’ll speak up. I don’t understand why people feel the need to foist their beliefs on other people. Leave people alone. If you don’t like abortion, don’t get one. If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person. If you don’t like atheism, don’t be an atheist. If you don’t like welfare, food stamps or Medicaid, don’t ever use them.

Yes, I’m a cheeky atheist. I’m opinionated, which is kind of important for writing an opinion column. But overall, I’m a nice person. When I’m out in public, I make it a point to try and compliment at least one person that day. I don’t check their religion first. I don’t ask about their political persuasion to make sure they’re not a conservative, nor do I need to know their stance on abortion. It doesn’t matter to me. I compliment them, enjoy their smile and go on my merry, but godless, pro-abortion, gay-marriage-loving, very liberal, feminist way.

So for those of you complaining, maybe you could try, not just reading, but comprehending, what I write. I don’t care if you’re a conservative. I don’t care if you think abortion is wrong. I don’t care if you think it’s icky that two men fall in love and kiss each other right on the mouth. I may not agree with your outlook, but as long as you leave people alone, I’m cool with it. But when you start trying to limit other people’s rights because it’s something you don’t agree with or because your religion dictates it, you can bet your sweet patootie I’ll start flinging my dog poo all over the page.

Rachel Birdsell is a freelance writer and artist. You can drop her a line at rabirdsell@gmail.com

Categories: Commentary