Patriotism and the F word

I was five minutes late for a conference call today. It was scheduled for 11:00 am. I received the e-mail notification a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't remember whether it was EST or Central. I assumed it was the latter, since that's where the e-mail originated. I was wrong, but that's not the point.

A co-worker asked me to create a patriotic PowerPoint presentation. With the "war" in Iraq, terrorist attacks directed towards US allies, and investigations into treason and perjury, I'm not feeling much national pride. Like it or not, this presentation is work that I'm expected to do.

Turned out to be no big deal. I was able to complete the first draft quickly. Soldiers, children, national monuments, eagles and lots of flags. My conscience was my guide. No exploitive 9/11 or presidential pictures were used, just good Americans.

While arranging the score to this piece of corporate propaganda, my phone rang and another request for my technical expertise was made. A different co-worker wanted to use a film clip in a business meeting. He wanted to know if I could edit that portion and remove the profanity. The F word, to be more precise.

I took offense at this. When needed, I like to use that word myself. Not at work, but nearly anywhere else. Once again, I agreed to do the best I could and help if possible.

I was twice asked to do things that were within my means, but that I'd rather not do. I'm not lazy. I would just rather produce something in which I believe. Maybe other people feel the same, but that's not the point.

To the occasion I rose. I suppose that's the point.