Clarification and Validation

Labeling friends and friendships becomes a little tricky in my life.  I have friends who I really don't care to describe, much less have to validate to a total stranger.

In recent months I have had to do just this and it seems a little degrading.  Almost trivial. I have to explain myself and the existence of a relationship.  Why?

I have heard several people talk about the Democratic National Convention coming to town next week.  It is costing people their jobs.  They are being asked to stay at home because their credentials do not pass the test of the Secret Service so they have been told to not report for work during this week.  This can only be described as humiliating.  For whatever reason, you do not meet the criteria to serve drinks to sloppy drunks during this one week when tips are guaranteed to be at their highest.  Stick it to the little guy.

When everyone gets credit for the same job you do, it stings.  When people don't do their job and you get passed over for an award or promotion, it really stings.  It downright hurts.  It changes you in ways you never heal from.
You shy away from doing what you do. You put yourself in your protective shell and try to deflect anything painful.  It is a healing process.

My dear friend had to experience this very thing in the past week and it is a painful experience I wish he could have been spared.
He says he is an ass.  Some days he is an ass but he is my ass so it is accepted.  Being the professional he is, he works harder than anyone in his line of work.  The people he works with see this but they are busy watching their bottom line.  He cleans up other people's mistakes and still outperforms the rest of them.

When I have to deal with someone who does not have this drive or passion, it creates problems.  I want to strangle them. I have realized that,in a way, I am his creation.  We are in 100% professional mode 24/7.
If I could find the person responsible for taking his chance away at this coveted award, I would run them over with my car....and then get out and spit on them. (This is just me venting so don't check the newspapers) It is just unfair.

You protect those you care about in different forms.  I am passionate about my family and friends.  I shouldn't have to explain myself.  I think I have reached the point that unless an affidavit is needed, I won't.