In Defense of Opinionated Man

– Clarence Holm

When I was a far younger man, I use to frequent a number of taverns in search of cheap beer and entertainment. With me, in virtually all instances, was a long term friend and cohort. While we were almost identical in age, education and social status, we were polar opposites when it came to temperament and self-control. I would have described myself as “reserved”, but a more technical term would have been reticent. My friend on the other hand was simply known as an “asshole”.

I don’t mean to imply that he had no redeeming characteristics; it just seems those positives were overwhelmed by easily diagnosed behavioral issues. These “issues” normally appeared as the evening progressed past a pitcher of beer or two, after which the usually friendly demeanor would be replaced by a drunken Viking warrior.

When asked why I chose to hang out with him on those frequent occasions of one of his societal breakdowns I easily explained that if I had been out to the bar by myself, I would have probably drank a beer or two at the bar and called it a night (much like an extra sitting at the table in a Cheers episode). Traveling alone my life was predictable and boring.

When my friend was placed in the mix, my life changed and an element of danger was added.

If I were to go to a bar alone for an evening and you asked the other patrons to describe me, you would have probably drawn a blank stare because they hadn’t seen me. When my buddy was along I was easily identified as the nice guy sitting with that jerk. I was the “salt of the earth” and he was a “chili pepper”. We worked well together and produced a good blend of spices.

What has this story got to do with Harsh Reality?

Not a whole lot other than WordPress is now my tavern in which I seek cheap beer and entertainment. By myself I lead a boring existence and my stories and poems are less than “inspirational”. But add in a little Harsh Reality from the Opinionated Man and my world changes. Immediately there are topics to address and opinions to refute. “OM” maybe intolerant, loud and ever-present, but he is a buddy and I am glad I “followed” him into this bar.