Jim cutieA Sunday afternoon I was walking my dog on the beach. Nearby there were probably over a thousand pigeons hanging around the sand. I let him off the leash for a moment and in a flash he bolted, chasing the pigeons like a mad dog.

At first I was nervous as there were hundreds of pigeons and he was greatly outnumbered.  They could have easily overpowered him.  But they didn’t know it.

He would run towards a direction, and the pigeons would clear a path for him, almost hypnotically. They would jump up, squawk a little, and then resettle. They left just enough distance to ensure their safety.

As I watched my first reaction was that I felt worried.  My dog was only 10 pounds. There were so many pigeons and one little dog. If one or two pigeons had decided to unite and fight against this deadly beast, he wouldn’t have the slightest chance. At 10 pounds, they could easily scare him off with a mere dirty look.

Even though my dog was being a bully, I found myself wanting to encourage and motivate the pigeons. I wanted to tell them that they don’t have to be pushed around like that anymore, that they’re much stronger.

I wanted to scream at them “Fight back! Unite! Take a stand!”

But of course I didn’t. They’re pigeons for Pete’s sake.

Then I thought about how so many things in life play out like this same scenario, with the bully’s taking advantage of the pigeons, or people.

New taxes? Squawk Squawk, settle down.

Less retirement? Squawk Squawk, settle down.

Increase prices on insurance? Squawk Squawk, settle down.

Mandatory vaccines? Squawk Squawk settle down.