By Bill Adams
Potpourri is a conglomeration of unrelated gobbledygook. It’s also a fancy name for a deodorizer or an air refreshener. Both definitions could be applicable when older members of the Raisin Squad incoherently babble about numerous unrelated topics that most will probably forget the following day. Occasionally, geezer gibberish makes sense in the firehouse as well as in life in general.
At a recent morning coffee, the white hairs went full tilt over a notification that the state’s FIREMEN’S association was changing its name to become more gender-neutral. Collective comments included: What the hell is this world coming to? Why are they picking on us? Some social justice warrior has an infected hair across their posterior orifice. Don’t do-gooders ever run out of stuff to complain about? The firehouse is being invaded by political correctness. The last time some of these guys were that upset, they got their draft notices from Uncle Sam.
My disclaimer: This column reflects the opinion of this commentator only. It does not represent the views of the magazine, its website, editorial staff, or their advertisers.
To be fair and to give equal time to the opposing viewpoint, the official announcement said: “In celebration of its 150th anniversary, The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is giving itself a new name. As of this month, the group will be known as The Firefighters’ Association of the State of New York (FASNY). The organization’s board voted unanimously to change its name at a December meeting. ‘We all felt it was time,’ FASNY President John Farrell said in a written statement. Using ‘firefighter’ takes gender out of the association’s name. “The volunteer fire service has evolved greatly from the late 19th century. While our original name was based on the fire service of 1872, our new name positions us for the 21st century.” First Vice President Edward Tase echoed his comments. ‘We did not make this change lightly. We know and respect the great history of our association,’ he said. ‘We also know that our name, like our logos, symbols and actions, must represent today’s volunteer fire service.’
The name could have been left alone and the last sentence could’ve been changed to “We know that by maintaining our name, like our logos and symbols, we acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice made by the forefathers of today’s volunteer fire service.”
Claiming equal time for us older opinionated traditionalists: Who gives a rat’s rectum what people who put out fires are called? Who complained? How many complained? The fire service has been one of the last bastions of independence that I believe is being neutered because of possible or perceived political correctness, wokeness, or social injustice.
By the way, what is a social justice warrior? Multiple definitions are found online. The one I find best-suited to my biased opinion is: “Someone who gets so easily offended by everything and anything, no matter how big or small, of how real or fake something is. They will do it to give their miserable lives that good feeling of justice and morals.”
I’ll bet the people being cut out of a wrecked automobile don’t care if the rescue tool operators stand or sit in the restroom. Will Helen break down in tears if the Lieutenant calls her the hydrantman? Will Harry the 250-pound nozzleman be offended if he’s just called a fireman by the person thanking him for pulling out of a burning apartment? Should the crew on Engine 2 demand the 4th grade class be reprimanded because they collectively thanked “all the firemen” during fire prevention week? C’mon folks, let’s get real. Get a life. Find another cause–or target. Leave the fire department alone.
Be concerned with making life easier for firewomen,