Always for the people

Today we mark a terrible anniversary in our nation's history. Eight years ago, thousands were killed when a handful of individuals twisted by ideology made the decision to hijack and fly planes into the Twin Towers.

We all know what happened. We all have the images forever seared into our minds. Forgetting what happened that day - the innocent lives lost, the bravery of the first responders - will hardly be an issue.

The things done by ambitious, crass officials allegedly in those people's names, however, have all too often gone ignored, swept under the proverbial rug, or just lied about. Repressive legislation passed in the name of "national security," needless wars based on false pretense, a tidal wave of censorship and abuse disguised as faux patriotism--all of that justified under the banner of 9/11.

It's a disgrace, a sick tragedy.

Today and every day I remember those who fell victim to extremist views, and those who lost loved ones and for whom this anniversary is an intensely personal one. I give thanks for the people who dedicate their lives to serving their communities, whether through the local fire company, police station, hospital, school, etc.

It's not about a flag. It's not about artificial boundaries of country, race or class. It's about people: Families and friends just trying to live a life with meaning.

So I strengthen my resolve to see that the memory of those who've served and even died is not further marred by egotistical, greedy souls who feel compelled to use terrible events to bolster their ridiculous, violent causes. Whoever they are, wherever they are.

We owe the dead that much at least.

1 year and 200 posts

On a self-congratulatory note: hooray for me! One year ago today, I entered the first, totally content-free post into this blog. For the first few months, I made maybe four posts a month. And then the ACT Ride came, and writing my memories of that event must have kick started something in my brain, because come September, I became a blogging fiend. I'll admit, it has been fun. I've met a whole bunch of good people through the blogosphere and gotten to know a few people from "the real world" even better. I've learned a lot. I've felt stupid more than a few times. I've also felt supported and understood more than a few times, which is pretty great. So, to the handful of people who come here and read my ramblings--thanks. I mean that.

Today I'm packing my bags and my drums into the ol' minivan for a journey west and north to the snowy metropolis of Minneapolis for a Buffali show. God willing, the weather will be relatively cooperative and my fellow drivers will be relatively coherent so that the drive to and from is uneventful. The show, I'm sure, will be great fun. We're sharing a bill with This World Fair and Le Concorde--I haven't heard either of them, so it'll be good getting to know new bands.

I feel like this, being my 200th post, should include something memorable to mark the occasion. So...uhh...how about a mildly embarrassing picture of me from college, during rehearsals for "A Midsummer Nights Dream"? Yeah, that about sums it up.

Have a great weekend, and stay warm!