Today I read an online news article about the recent, massive peanut butter recall and found an excerpt to be of particular interest:
"Peanut butter lover Adam Leidhecker checked online to make sure his food is safe. He combed through his cupboard and found a few peanut butter cookies and crackers and threw them away if those companies hadn't released a statement stating their products were safe.
"The companies not affected need to take an extra step to say that they're on top of it," said Leidhecker, a Williamsport, Pennsylvania, resident.
He said he'll continue to eat his daily creamy peanut butter sandwich and slather peanut butter on a treat for his 2-year-old dog, Lola, after checking the products online.
"I'm not going to go without peanut butter," he said."
OK, kudos to Adam for ensuring every tablespoon of his PB intake was safe and salmonella-free. Good job. But, the nugget of fascination within this article was Adam's final statement, "I'm not going to go without peanut butter."
You see, this subtle statement reflects just one of the many attitude problems us Americans have and often overlook as just that--a problem: an unwillingness (or perhaps an all-out refusal) to go without. America is a land of have, not have not. We get what we want. We do what we want. And we don't take no for an answer. We're also completely dependent upon things to make us safe, happy, or healthy, rather than ourselves. We've seen this throughout our lifetimes, both on a social level and personal level.
Take for instance, Katrina. All were warned that the magnitude of the storm would be devastating and fatal for residents in its path. Some left their earthly possessions and escaped with their hides still attached. Others did not; some didn't want to leave their homes and belongings, some didn't care enough as they've braved other storms in the past, while some simply refused to leave on the basis that "they didn't want to." After all, they wanted to ride out the storm's fury in their own home, in the comfort of their familiarity.
Some residents did not have the means to leave, yes, I know.
For some victims of Katrina, they simply could not go without their stuff; therefore they stayed, and they paid. It's extremely unfortunate.
I've heard others say that "they could not go a day without their cell phone!" They'd simply die. Really? No you wouldn't. You'd be just fine. You'd still have a pulse, wouldn't you? Yes, your BFF wouldn't be able to hear about what you did last night, but you'd still be breathing. You'd be A-OK.
OMG, the internet is down. Now what!? It's practically equated to not having electricity. But I can't go without internet access!? How am I supposed to update my Facebook status message to alert my friends that I have no internet access, no cell phone, and no peanut butter?!
Pretty sure Native Americans were always without the internet, cell phones, and PB (and Facebook). And they did alright for themselves. Some even have bamboo flooring in their casino bar lounges. Fancy.
But Adam doesn't want to go without peanut butter, and neither does Lola. Well, Adam, I hope you continue to do your recall research since, life is simply not worth living if that PB sandwich doesn't hit your lips every day, as well as Lola's snout. You idiot. Yes, PB makers and distributors are putting the word on the street that their PB is indeed safe for consumption therefore we all can safely buy up their products with no fret whatsoever. As they should. But, you know what else is important? Your health. Don't be so ignorant and stubborn to say that you won't go without peanut butter, despite the iffy circumstances (I wanted to say Jiffy circumstances, but refrained). It's peanut butter. It's not a life-sustaining need, by any means. If there was a pacemaker recall, yeah, I'd say keep that pacemaker in your body until you officially hear otherwise. Don't stop using it.
But, again, this is about peanut butter. If you really, really tried, I bet you could go a couple of weeks without peanut butter. I swear! It probably wouldn't be that hard or harmful. You so could do it, Adam, I know it. And Lola would be just fine with the temporary withdrawal, too. Sure she might piss on your bedsheets or chew on your Old Navy flip flops in retaliation, but she'll eventually get over it. Slip her a Beggin' Strip to cool her jets in the meantime.
My point: don't take your life for granted. Life is precious. It's a gift. It should last for a long, long time. And as long as you have your health (and your dignity) you have everything you need. You can go without the rest.
My best to you during this difficult time.
