New Title

I have changed the name from Sex Drugs and Politics to Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll (SDNRNR). A minor change, but one I felt would be more germane to the subject matter discussed and commented upon. I only ask that you not judge a Blog by its Title.

I have some reservations about the change. This statement, a widely used one at that, has come to describe an unhealthy, selfish lifestyle. I'd like to clarify on my feelings regarding this dispelling any misgivings a reader may have toward my intentions.

In order help avoid confusion and provide clarity I will use two archetypes:

• Type I :-(
• Type II :-)
  

Type I :-(

Take yourself back, for some this may only be a matter of last night, others may have to go further. Your at a bar, or maybe a sporting event. Maybe a party, or for others, the after/after party. At some point, someone, usually the one who thinks their a "Real Player " or "High Roller", makes the statement...."It's all about sex drugs and rock & roll". Often, but not in all instances, this statement is finished with "baby !". The comment is warmly received, the others in his/her proximity may join in. Its effect, from one to many, directs the focus and sustains the energy necessary to reach the goal.

In this context SDNRNR encourages:

Sex - Getting naked with multiple partners, perhaps simultaneously, repeated as often physically possible.

Drugs - The use of mind altering stimulants, taken in large quantities, repeated as often as physically possible.

Rock & Roll - A proclamation to be a "Rock Star". An ideal role model being Mick Jagger, unattainable for most, it becomes nothing more then a wanting desire to be like Mick Jagger. At best, this goes no further then a momentary sensation of feeling like you are Mick Jagger. In some instances you may impersonate Mick, or at least try to.

In the Type I :-( archetype the SDNRNR mantra develops into a set of values by which to conduct daily life. However, the 24x7 pursuit of realizing satisfaction and pleasure turns into a viscous cycle. One that eventually leads to the inability to be satisfied, enough becomes never enough. Life itself becomes rather unenjoyable when the seeds of your labor never blossom into flowers. The choices made when living within this value system leads to a variety of undesirable circumstance (financial ruin, alienation of friends and family, incarceration) to name only a few of the most common. The worst case scenario is death, either unintentionally, ala Jimi Hendrix, or intentionally, ala Hunter S. Thomsen.

Type II :-)

Look now to the future, you could be at a bar, a sporting event, or even at the after/after party. In your midst, overshadowed by the "High Roller", is the true Rock Star. In many cases this person ends up containing or repairing the damage caused by the "High Roller". In return, the real High Roller receives little to nothing, and, in many instances, finds themselves in a similar situation the next evening, or following weekend.

In this context SDNRNR encourages:

Sex - physical expressions of love such as hand shakes, hugs and kisses. Shared with multiple partners, perhaps simultaneously, as frequently as physically possible.

Drugs - emotional expressions of love and compassion. Shared with multiple partners, in large qauntities, as often as spiritually possible.

Rock & Roll - A way of life proclaimed through actions rather then words. The best examples are found within our immediate community. Since the best examples are our peers, perhaps a co-worker or a neighbor, it is easy to follow in their footsteps for a lifetime. Following in their footsteps brings out a person within yourself thereby avoiding the pitfalls of trying to be someone you're not.

In the Type II :-) archetype we find a set of values that does not require a mantra. Lived 24x7, life becomes rewarding without relying on short bursts of self indulged euphoria. Satisfaction comes without the necessity of doing it all on your own, and is often found by helping others do more. You're not only able to enjoy the fruit of your own labor, but also that of others. Your choices lead to desirable outcomes, you tend to have enough money, plenty of friends and your free to do what you want. There is no worst case scenario.

RETURN

Inauguration 2005

Inauguration 2005

Inauguration 2005
John T. Byrne

"Ask not what your country can do......", the man, his words, and the day, are foundations of 20th century American culture and politics. A rallying cry, calling a nation to attention, it is considered a seminal speech in our nations history. A distinction earned by those who answered the call and delivered his message to our streets, to nations abroad and places beyond our terrestrial home.

On this day, but only 45 years later, Pres. George W. Bush stands at the pedestal. The audience, a nation matured from the it’s Post W.W. II infancy. Removed are many of the domestic social ill’s that plagued us then, and today, we are unmatched as a world power. Space is a frontier we have pioneered and now share with our fellow man. The speech, its tone, and content, mirrored these changes. It was not super charged with patriotism, nor did it outline radical policy shifts. Perhaps this may draw criticism, subtlety is often unappreciated in politics. However, let us not fail to recognize that Pres. Bush calls to each of us much the same way Pres. John F. Kennedy called to our parents and grandparents. A rallying cry asking us to put aside our divisions, to serve our community and to look beyond our borders in supporting the growth of the naturals rights inherent to all mankind.

Certainly, answering this call is not without its challenges. Our nation continues to grow more diverse, yet the senseless fears that fuel prejudice and intolerance still exist. Affordable health care, long term financial security and the quality of education remain pressing concerns for all Americans. Even greater is the price of answering this call abroad. We are a peaceful nation that must come to accept sending our sons and daughters off to fight and die in foreign countries. Do we recognize these? Can we not overcome them? If no, then why? Are they much different or less significant then the segregation, poverty and red menace that others before us united together to overcome?

The generations before us found the resolve to answer JFK’s call. Can you imagine our country, or our world, if they had turned away? Although circumstances are different today, what remains at stake is the same. Our liberties, freedoms and lifestyle. Public opinion has spoken, the election is over, and 4 more years have begun. It is now up to you and I to find a role in helping shape our nation for the generations to come.