Written By: Andrew Eide
As most of
you know I am a native Californian. I was born in Oakland, California and I
lived in Oakland from birth until I graduated from Skyline High School in
February 1972 at the age of 18 years and 4 months.
I served in
the United States Navy from March 1972 to March 1980. I reenlisted and served 6
more years from March 1983 to March 1989. Then in April 1990 I decided to
reenlisted for the last time for a 6 year period to finish out my 20 years in
the United States Navy so I could retire and receive a Military Retirement
income for the rest of my life.
During my
time in the Navy I did three years serving in Washington DC on the Staff of
both the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Chief of Naval Operations. When I
returned to Active Duty in April 1990 I served all my remaining time in the
United States Navy in San Diego, California, where I retired.
During my
tours of duty on the East Coast I was constantly discriminated against for
being from California. I heard the most vile, evil, and disgusting things said
about my home State, the people who live there, and the general lifestyle.
In one
instance while living in the State of Connecticut my immediate supervisor was
totally disrespecting the State of California so I asked him straight up if he
has ever been to California. His response shocked me. He said he has never been
outside of the New England States which consists of Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
So I told him
that I’ve lived in California, Florida, Virginia, and now in Connecticut, and
I’ve been in several other States and many other countries. I asked him how he
could denounce another State and the people who live there when he has never
been there and has no clue what he’s talking about. He had no answer and he
never gave me crap again.
So in
addition to being discriminated against for being White, Male, and Older, I’ve
also been discriminated against for being from California.
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