stupid and contagious

Sometimes a random song comes on the radio and just hits a nerve… or as the case may be, catalyzes it. I did not want to listen to NPR this morning. The news is curdling bile in my throat. Instead I ended up hearing this.

The anthem of apathetic youth. From when I was an apathetic youth. It isn’t meant to be a rally cry… but something about the words stupid and contagious just made realize I’m not just disgusted. I’m furious

But… so what? I knew this was going to happen. We weren’t going to get to August 2nd without a deal. Of course we weren’t… and of course, the gracious Democrats were going to buckle and give the not at all gracious Tea Party their way.

I like grace. I try to live my life with grace and kindness. I think life is too short to be angry - to speak in a fury and not think an opinion through. And yet… this PISSES ME OFF.  Is there really grace in yielding to a bully that is so clouded with ill formed opinion he has no way of contemplating, let alone acknowledging another possibility of right. Or another possibility of rights.  Is there grace in just waxing poetic about an opinion?  And... honestly when it comes to certain things in life, isn't there a point when grace is just a veneer masking a lack of willingness to summon courage?

I think I just found a gauntlet on the ground. So for this gift do I feel blessed? Or do I end with denial?