Commenting on the the condition of our politics has consequences. A writer cannot express an opinion without another opinion rearing its (often) ugly head in response. But opinions have no power over life, do they? Here are some very recent happenings. Think they have anything to do with my opinions?

A new Walmart Directors Chair–complete with collapsible side tray–was delivered yesterday. The fine, sturdy chair was inexpensive and extremely comfortable, but the side tray had been assembled to the frame so it did not fold to the side, but underneath the seat: backwards. Walmart refunded my money and let me keep the chair, but my beer and chips will rest somewhere else, out of my lazy reach.

My YMCA’s pool is getting its annual cleaning this week. No problem. I went to my other fitness center to swim, this morning, but no one else did. The Manager eventually arrived 35 minutes after being called, but I sense a conspiracy.

There is a Stewarts Shoppe near me with great breakfast pizza. For $2.50 a slice! After the swim disaster above, a nice breakfast slice and a recline in The Chair would make stupid conspiracy thoughts disappear like fake electors. But…no. It’s too painful to write about. You finish the story.

At least I’d be able to park in my favorite spot. My apartment complex is a daily parking competition. If you lose, you have to walk a long way to the door. My favorite spot was open, but it is next to a handicapped spot and that car had parked way over the line, making my spot unusable. I’ve seen the disabled person and they are hard to get mad at, but still…conspiracy!

One note of interest about the fitness center fiasco: at the center which opened, I was treated with respect and concern by a beautiful, intelligent staff member from a different area, Gwendolyn, who had no control over the fitness manager being late. As we waited and talked, Gwendolyn revealed her beautiful name was HER choice when she transitioned to female. When the manager finally made it, I told him how helpful Gwendolyn was and he said this: “Yes, HE is a good employee”.

Sometimes, conspiracies are real.