Dear Netflix

Update: Earlier today, Netflix responded to my email. Just a canned response, but better than nothing, I think. The response is just at the end of the page.


Dear Netflix,

My husband and I have been enjoying your service for several years now. I was very surprised to read today that not only has Netflix been supporting Rush Limbaugh's show for some time, your company continues to support him even now. I'm certain you are aware of Limbaugh's statements regarding Sandra Fluke, specifically calling her a "slut" and a "prostitute" and suggesting that she should videotape her sexual encounters for Limbaugh to watch since he is "paying her to have sex."

I know Rush Limbaugh is in the entertainment field, and generally I agree that he's best left ignored. However, this latest rant is over the top even for him. It was an egregious and horrific attack on a young woman who is trying to stand up for all women and help ensure that our health needs are taken care of. Rush's comments are taken quite seriously by a significant portion of his listeners. Even if they were not, I believe his slurs in this instance should be considered the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. This man certainly has the right to his own opinion and should be allowed to say whatever he wants to say, but he should understand there are consequences to his actions. And there should be consequences to his actions.

Netflix, I feel it's time to let Rush Limbaugh know he's gone too far. Please, help your subscribers send a message to Rush Limbaugh by pulling your advertising from his venom-spewing program. Don't support hate.

Love,

Rebecca

Netflix response:

Netflix has not and does not purchase advertising on the Rush Limbaugh show. We do buy network radio advertising and have confirmed that two Netflix spots were picked up in error as part of local news breaks during the Rush Limbaugh show. We have instructed our advertising agency to make sure that this error will not happen again.

Lent

I'm not a Catholic these days, but I used to be one and I think they do a bang-up job most of the time. So, in the spirit of the Lenten season, I like to give something up. It's a good chance to give a little punch in the pants to whatever you've resolved to do from New Year's, too. Sometimes I give up something tangible, like coffee (bad idea), and sometimes it's just a notion of sorts--like giving up telling stupid people to fuck off.

A few years ago, I decided to give up trying to change people. It was my New Year's resolution, too. I also wished for it on stars, birthday candles (mine and other people's), lucky pennies, eyelashes, you name it. I figured I could use the help. It's still a conscious effort most of the time. I figure it's all part of being a better person, and I do want to be a better person. So, ultimately it's selfish. I'm not doing it for you!

I find that most of my run-ins and irritations with the folks I interact with stem from my desire for them to either a) stop doing something I don't like, but totally expect them to do, b) start doing something I do like, but is completely out of their character to do, or c) quit saying/doing something I don't like, didn't expect, and can't tolerate. C is pretty uncommon.

It's hard for me to completely accept people for who they are. I want everyone to be honest, to be respectful, to be kind to each other, but that doesn't always happen. If I can accept that the people in my life will continue doing A and B, because that's who they are, I'm less angry 2/3rds of the time. I feel better, people feel accepted, and I have all that unused anger to really focus on the people doing C.