Nextdoor can be informative, but it’s also my guilty little pleasure. It abounds with amusement. People often post the most outrageous things. But they also post useful stuff too, and during world events, you can find ones that are meant to be uplifting and encouraging too. Like a #PrayForUkraine post that recently went up.
Well, as of this posting, it went up three days ago and drew a lot of “Amens!” However, it also opened the gateway for a lot of vitriol, as seemingly harmless posts always do.
I edited the photo to not show the neighbor’s name, who could’ve either copied a post from Facebook or had posted it on her Facebook page originally and then decided to share it in Nextdoor. Who knows?
And its origins aren’t really important. The fact I reacted to the responses is what I’m here to write about.
Which mostly I try not to do. My motto is “happy cells are healthy cells” and social media has a way of making my skin crawl and blood boil, which is anything but healthy.
Most times I can take a few deep breaths and let it, whatever “it” may be I found aggravating, go.
But once in a while, I know breathing isn’t going to help and the only way to purge the negativity is to speak my mind.
Today was one of the days where enough was enough.
High Gas Prices
The responses on the #PrayForUkraine post took a negative turn soon after all of the initial “Amens!” when people expressed their anger like this:
“Do I want to support Ukraine? Sure. I guess. But am I pissed about the higher prices of gas? Yes. Who are you to tell me not to be?”
And then they devolved into shame on Biden and the leftist democrats and their environmental policies for making the U.S. dependent on foreign energy sources.
But then it got worse…
Support for Putin
I was appalled to read some who applauded Putin for what he was doing in Ukraine. They explicitly stated they do not get their news from the mainstream media (clearly). Their theories were so outrageous and disgusting I didn’t hesitate to report them.
And then a gentleman posted this:
“You can sympathize with Ukrainians and be pissed at our joke of a president and administration simultaneously. It is perfectly acceptable for people to complain about what is going on right now. This way of thinking that you’re promoting is a disease.”
That was the post where I could keep my silence no more.
Why Gas Prices Are the Least of My Worries
I realize no one needs or wants my two cents, but it felt better when I got this off my chest:
I 100% agree that we can both pray for Ukraine and be upset about inflation, including higher gas prices, regardless of the reason they went up, which isn’t just because of one person, decision or factor, as so many others have pointed out.
And yes. Some portions of our population are less able to absorb the increases and suffer the hits harder. Many of course want to support Ukraine, but…
Well there always seems to be a but.
I’d like to think this is a situation where “This too shall pass.” And best case scenario it will be.
BUT we’re on the precipice of losing our world as we know it. At least, we’re closer than we’ve been in decades.
And for that there IS only one person to blame: Putin.
It’s easy for us armchair quarterbacks to conclude we should do this or that, but those that are in charge, not only of our country but all of the others around the world, realize they’re dealing with a madman who has threatened using the nuclear option.
If he decides to use it, well, in the famous words of Porky Pig, “Th-Th-Tha…That’s all, folks!”
We never know what tomorrow brings, but right now especially we’re living in times where you can either waste your time and energy being pissed off about circumstances you can’t control, or you can be grateful right now that you have a car to drive, loved ones to kiss goodbye in the morning and to welcome home with hugs each night. Because what gas costs isn’t going to matter a lick and be the last of your problems if they don’t find a way to defuse Putin.
So be mad. I am. Be worried. I am. Pray. I am.
But most of all prioritize love. You reap what you sow and you get what you give. Plant goodness and you’ll be amazed at the abundance you’ll harvest.