Edie Weinstein

A periodic PSA for those who smoke. Just got back from Urgent Care after a week of trying to manage my COPD symptoms on my own. I can go months without any signs of it, can go to the gym 4-5 times a week and can walk without huffing and puffing. I was doing alright until the recent recycling center fire in my area, and the residual smoke that lasted for days did a number on me. Up at all hours, coughing and retching. Sleeping in the recliner in the living room.

I had an insight about the saying that freedom isn’t free. It usually refers to people who fought in wars. While I am no way disrespectful of them, or their service, what about all the people who advocate for peace and social justice? They are worthy of that same respect. I know people who have put their bodies on the line to stand up for the rights of others who are in marginalized groups.

Where did the idea come from that men are superior to women, that white people are superior to PoC, that cis-het people are superior to LGBTQ+ people, that Americans are superior to those from other countries, that rich people are superior to those of lower socio-economic status, that those with formal education are superior to those without it, that followers of certain religions are superior to those of other religions, that English speaking people are superior to those who communicate with...