Once a ‘Villen, always a ‘Villen…it doesn’t matter where you live, only where your heart is.
I ran into someone I have known for many years in Stop & Shop two weeks ago, and I thought they were going to fall over. Like they had seen a ghost or something. They couldn’t believe their eyes that I was “amongst the people” (their phrase, not mine) in the local grocery store. Not for nothing, but, I do more stuff related to “Villens” on social media (whether you realize it or not) than probably 95% of the people who live here, and yet, because I am not running around the city in a very public manner all the time, I must have moved to New Hampshire or something. Nah, just 7 miles away in Woburn, thanks.
Stuff like that makes me chuckle now – but I will be honest, for a long time it used to piss me off. Oh, I know I spent a lot of time in the 00’s writing about my personal life, and I dabble here and there now in what’s going on with me and my family, but, truth be told, I rather like being under the radar. For the most part, when I run into people on the street (the shock of it not withstanding of course), I am greeted with enthusiasm and praise for the things I have written over the years in various local publications. It’s very rewarding, which is why I continue to do it.
Then you get the asshats who get all bent out of shape when they read words like “asshat” and think that I don’t have the right to say anything about local issues because I don’t live here. Even though I am a part-owner in a local business, spent 44 of my 48 years living here, and am in Somerville almost every day. Right. Makes no sense. Then you get the asshats who get all bent out of shape and think that even though I write an opinion column, I shouldn’t be able to say whatever the Hell I want. Right. Makes no sense, again.
So my new mantra is to ignore the ignorant, to laugh at the arrogant and dismiss the asshats of the community. Whether they’re real people or fake Facebook accounts trying to stir up trouble and provoke someone here. Whether they think they’re untouchable. Whether they think they’re right and want to call me out – I am right here, bring it. Listen, if I have no problem calling out the Mayor when he does something questionable, and I consider him a personal friend – what makes anyone else think they’re safe? They’re not – at least not within the confines of my opinion column. Chew on that.
Look, this is a community-based newspaper and there’s a few of them in this city – and no, we don’t like each other to be blunt. But hey, that’s good for you – the general population/readership – because you get a variety of information and opinions. If you don’t like what is written in this newspaper or specifically in my column, then please don’t read it – we understand and hope you have an excellent day. If you enjoy it, then enjoy it. Join in the conversation. Be part of the discussion.
To that end, can’t we all just get along? #GMK