maybe YOU should learn the history before pointing a finger?
Just because something has been appropriated by assholes doesn't make that "thing" inherently bad.

[en.wikipedia.org]

@SkotlandSkye in todays racilally charged climate, using an overtly racist symbol to (badly) illustrate your post ( in fact, what, exactly, does the pic have to do with your post?)is going to draw my attention and my question, which you still have not answered.............

@AnneWimsey "By 2016, the character's image had been appropriated[7] as a symbol of the controversial alt-right movement.[8] The Anti-Defamation League added certain incarnations of Pepe the Frog to their database of hate symbols in 2016, adding that not all Pepe memes are racist.[9] Since then, Pepe's creator has publicly expressed his dismay at Pepe being used as a hate symbol."

In honor the of Pepe's creator, I will continue to use Pepe whenever the FUCK I feel like it since Pepe was not created to be what you are trying so desperately to make him be.

Take back Pepe! Free Pepe from the hate!

The only issue I have with what you wrote is the assumption that my health/wellness/being fit/active is a result of "good fortune'.

I have spent 40+ years avoiding drugs, cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption....I've chosen to remain active with thousands of hours spent at the gym, hiking, and doing other physical activities.
I eat 100% plant-based and I work hard to remain HWP at my age.

This isn't "luck". This is hard work and effort.

While I know that others had illnesses thrust on them due to circumstances outside of their control, the truth is that 3 out of every 5 deaths in America now are directly due to whatever shit someone put in their mouth --- from bad foods to alcohol to drugs to cigarettes.....all of those are choices.

I understand your balking at the idea of having great health automatically - I work for it, and I do too. And so far, so good. But one of my friends with similar habits, was struck down unexpectedly by the same kind of brain tumor that recently killed Senator McCain. One year from diagnosis to gone. Another , was in an unavoidable car crash, and had resultant severe nerve damage , and loss of use of her right hand, and also a odd gait afterwards.

So, if you ever operate a vehicle on public roads ...

Acknowledged or not, good fortune , being aware and careful, and/or just plain 'ole good luck does factor in, along with our choice of lifestyle. Life is inherently risky ! <smile>

@SkotlandSkye Working at it can increase your chances of maintaining good health. It has nothing to do with conditions or tendencies we might be subject to genetically or just by the luck of the draw. You can attribute your fine health to your mad skills, but it's every but as much due to the luck of the draw as it is to your efforts. And that can change in a literal heartbeat.

@Deb57 You really believe that? You really believe that the results from a lifetime of smoking cigarettes, drinking heavily, eating fast food, taking drugs and NO exercise are "just luck of the draw" bad health problems? Really?

It is a scientific FACT that 3 out of every 5 deaths in the USA are attributable to what people put in their mouths --- from bad food choices to drugs/cigarettes.

3 out of 5.

This isn't "luck of the draw".

[cspinet.org]

@SkotlandSkye Obviously mistreating your body can and will do harm. Did you even read my comment? The point I'm making is that treating your body like a holy temple is no guarantee that no illness or injury will befall you. My father was never sick a day in his life, ate healthy foods and got plenty of exercise. He died of renal cell cancer at age 56. I have a friend with lung cancer who has never taken a drag of tobacco in her life. I'm happy for you that discomfort has never touched you, but please stop blaming victims of illness for their own illnesses.

@Deb57 Yes, I read your comment -- specifically your words "You can attribute your fine health to your mad skills, but it's every but as much due to the luck of the draw as it is to your efforts" and I called bullshit on them.

While no one disputes that bad things happen to people who take care not to harm their bodies, when you tell me that it's 50/50 between what I do and luck....that's bullshit.

@SkotlandSkye Did I say 50/50? No, I didn't. But the odds are significant enough that many eventually discover for themselves what it's like to be rendered "invisible" by the callous and the shallow, due to a physical disability.