Doing the Right thing is Hard.

Especially when people have been doing the same thing forever. Changing what is wrong is hard. Standing up for what is right is hard. I can't say where I am having this challenge in my life, but it has been my everyday life for the last few years.

It was hard to tell someone who had no idea how bad things were, it is even harder to tell people it continues. It continues to be hard; because one day I will have to face the very people and tell them it was me. I blew the whistle on their bullshit for the good of us all.

I am willing to risk my reputation. I am willing to risk many things because what is happening is so wrong and it is against everything I believe in and what I have promised to do. I don't wish total ill will, but I do wish that the dysfunctional family life I live in stops, because so many people suffer. I am willing to stand up to all of it because it is the right thing.

It has been done before, which is why we celebrate the 4th of July. I saw a T-shirt while searching for my 4th of July bike ride flair that read "It's only treason if you loose." I laughed because I am in a similar situation. I know what I am doing may be in the nature of treason in the eyes of some people.

But people of this early country continued to break free from England. They were willing to stand up and fight. Now, I am well aware of the other things that we did to our Native Americans and that was beyond fucked up and continues to be. They also fought,and continue to fight and I support them. We could go on and on about all of the causes I support that we stand up and fight for. My fellow Black Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans. They also fight a fight I support; and continue to learn so I can be the best ally I can be. But, the first fight of this Country's history started with England, and since it's Fourth of July weekend I will use that example. All of it takes courage. It takes courage to fight back and not back down. It takes courage to continue.

So my friends... I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. I hope your festivities were fun and relaxing. I hope you ate good food and took in a fireworks show or two. This year the South O 4th of July bike ride was EPIC!! I love this community for the spirit we have. If you were able to take in the Oceanside Parade last weekend it was also a great event representing the great programs and people in this community. I love summertime in OSIDE!

If you have something you are fighting for, keep fighting even if it makes you look like the villain.