Grumpy Old Man

[H2O Man]

“You mean the low-life, ass-wipe, egg-sucker John Gustafson?” — Max Goldman


Two things, before I get started: one, I didn't sleep well last night, and two, there is a thunderstorm coming. Thus, I am tired and sore, with the synergy resulting in me being a grumpy old man. Hence, the above quote from the 1993 classic, which I say is a documentary.

I am also happy and encouraged. I joined others in phone-banking last night. The Democratic primary is August 23, and I think we will win. I had a number of very positive conversations with voters, and they all said that other people they know are voting for the candidate that I'm volunteering for. They all know the importance of winning the November elections.

One gentleman even thanked me for my call, then said, "I'll bet you are taking a lot of shit!" I said not really, since I'm only calling registered Democrats in the district, only wrong numbers provide rude responses. This led directly to a conversation about the impact of the Trump cult on society.

The campaign staff is all young, energetic, talented, and high-tech. We do something called "Zoom" meetings, and I was glad that last night, there were others of my ancient generations -- fossils of politics circa-1960s - '70s -- who find this technology as confusing as the brown acid at Woodstock. Fucking whippersnappers smiling at us when we ask the same stupid question for the tenth time. No safe spaces for elders these days.

Because I complained about the phone bill that I, on a small fixed income, have to pay, these staff people fixed it so I could call through the computer. I had asked my son to be here then, so he could navigate this frightening process. When he said, "Sure thing, Old Man. No problem," I wondered if he was purposely trying to insult me? There sure as hell was a problem! I was confronted by the prospect of technology!

Any how, that didn't work, because the guy I called could only hear half of what I was saying. While it's possible that was because, as he sounded my age, his hearing was as damaged as mine, that seems unlikely. Fucking technology. So I told the staff I'd gladly use my phone, but I wonder why we were starting at the dinner hour yet again? I noted that, from decades of experience, I can say that the lunch and dinner hour are the worst time to call. Others my age agreed. We know how angry we get when the phone rings while we are consuming food. And did I mention the price of fucking groceries?

No, I didn't get to. Before I could remember what I was saying -- I remembered who I was talking to, though, as I could see them -- one cut me off after a prolonged pause. She said, "The primary will be low turn-out, so even if we reach a few people, it's important." Sensing she was trying to quell the energized elders before there was a rebellion, I responded, "For the heck of it, let's compare the results from 5:30 to 6:45, to those of 6:45 to 7." Another old man said that made sense. Hoping this would happen, I searched for my abacus, but couldn't remember where I put it.

By this point, If anyone is still reading this, you most certainly agree that if any human being was justified in pissing and moaning, and even saying divisive things actually meant in a serious way, it would be me. I think I have more right to do so than those who, for reasons sincere or insincere, I've seen complaining about the Democratic Party, the Department of Justice and the Attorney General, and who might run for office in 2024. Please stop it, or I swear I'll write and post more essays like this.

I really like and respect the young adults on the campaign team. I'm doing the best I can, which leaves no time to crab about others. I know things they don't know, because of experience. They know things I don't know, because they are younger and smarter than me. We learn from one another, in preparation for not just the primary, but for November. Maybe our candidate will win next month, or maybe his opponent Jamie Cheney will.

Either way, we will all campaign for the winner of the primary to win in November. Jamie Cheney is a very good candidate, I'll be glad to work for her. I will probably feel a bit guilty about how, when people on the phone ask about her positions, I say that I just don't think the Cheney family understands average Americans, even though I like what Liz is doing.

Speaking of which -- take the time to enjoy the hearing tonight. And tomorrow, get working to make sure we kick the shit out of the republican party in November.

[Hekate]

1. Lulz

[H2O Man]

2. Thanks!

I went to the store yesterday to stck up on some good food for tonight. Can't wait!

[Ohio Joe]

3. I understand

Getting old has some drawbacks.

[H2O Man]

5. My kids think

that I should be on the cover of National Geographic, as the oldest living thing on earth. I try to accept it with humor, at least most of the time.

[keithbvadu2]

4. Sure thing, old man... yeah, that's me too. Old.

[H2O Man]

6. Maybe two or three

years ago, while grocery shopping, I saw someone I kind of recognized. I was thinking, "Who is that old guy?" Eventually I remembered that he had been a couple years behind me in school.

Anyhow, it's time for all Democrats to work together. Our country is at risk. So young and old, male and female, black, brown, red, yellow and white, progressives and liberals and moderate and conservative Democrats, and everything else ..... our country is depending on us.

[usonian]

7. I'm 73 years young and doing more every day. I am proud of your efforts.

And no kid knows more technology than I do.
Post your problems. I and others will have answers.

As for bitching and moaning, of course. I've ripped the DNC more than a few times, so I created a slogan in their absence. Free to use:

SAY IT!
• CLEAN AIR
• FAIR SHARE
• BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS
• JOBS, NOT MOBS
• GOVERNMENT HANDS OFF OUR GLANDS

Yeah, I left out a few things that didn't fit rhythm and rhyme. So did Shakespeare.

No logo? I made my own. Share!!

Remember, focus the negative energy in positive directions.



Now.

[H2O Man]

8. Thank you!

I wrote the OP as tongue-in-cheek, and my kids have filled out a notebook of simple instructions per the internet. But I have had some DU community members help me back in the old days!

I will become a grandfather next month, and despite my frequent complaints, I've been in training .... gotta be in shape for this grandfather business! But despite having dreamed a few t6imes that I'm in the locker room, preparing to enter the boxing ring after decades of being retired, I have no plans to actually fight again! (grin) Well, not in the ring. But in politics, I remain active.

[usonian]

11. Congratulations!

Other than the lifting, it's more a matter of patience, I think.

I am amazed to see the lifting and carrying that moms and dads do, and that brings back memories. Funny, the kid didn't seem heavy at all. Perhaps stretching might help you most. I will notice things tightening up as I stand around waiting for that perfect photo, whether it's sunrises, sunsets, flowers (they never stand still). And since I live on a ridge, the good spots are not level. They're up to 30 degrees a kilter. So, I have to keep moving around.

And I'm not good at keeping to my stretch routine. Must do better.

I'll spare the computer war stories. Just know that there's help available.

here

[yonder]

9. Excellent. I'm a few years behind you but walking a similar path.

Right now, I’m wondering what’s for dinner before the big show

[H2O Man]

10. Thank you!

I'm getting ready to start having my daily meal now, and continue throughout the hearing!

[Saoirse9]

12. I'm so glad your campaign is going well

I always found it so painful to do phone banking. I am amazed you’re enjoying it. You’re so much more sociable than I am.

There’s a guy on Twitter who keeps posting old tweets from Liz Cheney. They’re so delusional.

Here’s one:

Link to tweet

?s=21&t=I_S3N9wgpajc7yc5xPHa1w

I am so grateful for her help but after this I want to see her disavow her prior lies.

Please God, make her atone for spewing bullshit. It’s making it impossible for me to like her.

[H2O Man]

13. Thank you!

I'm not a social person. Grew up in a barn. Zero social graces. But I can play a social being on the phone or in brief public events.

Paul taught me the importance of understanding that in struggle, alliances are often fluid. Our opposition on many issues may be a valued ally in another. But that doesn't change the fact that we oppose them on the other things.

[Saoirse9]

14. I just don't want to forget she was a lunatic

No different from QAnon quacks before the hearings.

I am grateful to her in this moment.