Emily+C's+Op-Ed+Article

**People**
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People who voice their opinion (quite loudly most of the time) but won’t listen to anyone else’s opinion: Stop. Be respectful. Just because you don’t agree, doesn’t mean you have to rudely ignore what the other person is saying. We’re talking about opinions here, not facts. Maybe they’re right, or maybe you are. The best part: IT DOESN’T MATTER.

People who drive: People who don’t know how wide their cars are- Yes, you CAN fit around that car turning onto Crestwood Avenue off of Foothill. So GO AROUND and stop causing traffic. People who drive with half of their car over the white line on the 118- I don’t know if you’re scared of someone in the other lane swerving and hitting you, or you’re half asleep, but either way, stay between the lines. People who only have one working brake light- Fix the other light. That’s all I have to say to you. People who drive 65mph in the fast lane on the freeway- It’s called the fast lane for a reason. There’s an unwritten rule that if you’re in the fast lane, you should be going around 75. If you’re going slower, move to the right. People who park so horribly that you can’t park next to them- Go practice parking. And until you can park, don’t drive. I really hate when I have to park super far away because your stupid eyes can’t see the horrible parking job you did. People who drive nice cars and then park so far up that their front bumper rests on the curb- WHAT THE HELL. Either get a crappy car and continue resting your bumper on the curb... or back up! Why do you need to go so far forward?

That one “pedestrian” who cussed at me the other day: 1) Walk in the freaking crosswalk and there wouldn’t have been a problem. 2) Pull up your pants. I don’t want to see your ass. 3) I wasn’t even near hitting you. I slowed down. So don’t tell me to pay attention because I had everything under control. Oh, and I’m NOT an idiot.

My mom: I obviously love you to death, but lately you’ve been annoying the crap out of me. But I think it’s okay, because apparently a lot of teenage girls and their moms go through this. First, Get over the fact that you recently got reunited with your “high school sweetheart”. No one really cares. Please stop trying to get me to be okay with you and him. It’ll happen when it happens but you forcing it on me is making things worse. Oh and please please please please please, stop acting like you guys are teenagers again just because you guys last dated when you were teenagers. Stop lying and making excuses and talking on the phone every 5 minutes. Please stop making the boys and me do all of your work. Stop repeating yourself. Start thinking about the things you’ve already said so you can stop annoying me with your repetition. Start trusting me. I know a lot, not everything, but a lot. And how am I supposed to make mistakes and learn from them if you won’t let me? I’m not a kid anymore, please let go a little bit. Oh, and I’m not you so stop treating me like it. I know if I’m going to be put in a vulnerable situation and I’m strong enough to stand up for myself. Please trust my judgement. I know there are times where I am dead wrong but you can let out my leash a little while still keeping an eye on me. Please stop telling everyone everything. Stop being so nosy about my life. If I want to tell you something, I will. The more you ask, the less I want to tell. Lastly, I’m sorry for my attitude towards you sometimes.

My dad: I love you. You’re the best dad anyone could ask for but... please stop taking out your stress from work on me. I don’t like getting yelled at for something that isn’t even a big deal. I know it’s hard to not take it out on me but please try. Stop getting mad at me for being on my phone. I’m a teenager. I know I’m on it a lot and you only get mad because it’s not very healthy but it doesn’t change anything. School is hard. Please stop getting upset when you see a B on my progress report. Your expectations are obviously too high. But, thanks for supporting my school efforts and encouraging me for college and such.

People who only talk about themselves: I’ve stopped being interested so just stop going on about yourself. Stop telling me the same stuff over and over. Just shut those lips of yours.

My doctor: Thanks for giving up, jerk. You were such a big help. My back still hurts like hell all day, everyday. And no, I don’t need to go see a counselor. I’m emotionally stable and my emotions/mental health are fine. They aren’t keeping my back from healing itself. Maybe you should start calling your patients back when they call, too. And shorten the waiting time. I’d rather not sit in the waiting room, with the sick little 7 year old sitting next to me coughing all over me, for 45 minutes. I had an appointment, I shouldn’t have to wait that long.

People who annoy me: Stop annoying me.