Yup, that's right.  I'll turned 28 in November and I'm still rockin' the "X".  Am I better than you for it?  Heck no.  Do I have less fun for it?  No way.

I didn't even know what straight edge was when I decided that I didn't want to drink, etc.  I even listened to Minor Threat and didn't realize that it was some sort of movement.  Maybe movement isn't the right word.  I dunno.

I don't know what it was like back in 1984 with straight edge and punk rock other than what I've read.  I do know what it's like now and I see a lot of kids who almost act embarrassed because they are straight edge.  I also see a lot of kids taking it to extremes and causing a lot of trouble in the name of 'straight edge'.  To a lot of people who don't know any better, 'straight edge' is a bad thing.  I've even heard many kids refuse to "x up" because they don't want to be made fun of or looked down upon.

I, for one, won't be one of those kids.

I want to bring positivity back to this movement.  I want to bring fun back to it.  Why be hardline?  You're not going to get anyone to believe in things when you tell them you'll 'kick their ass' if they don't.  Me, I'm gonna 'x up' and rock it hard and I'm going to smile and high-five everyone I see at shows.  It's gonna be a party and everyone's invited.  You bring yourself some beer, I'll bring myself some Jones Soda and Pixi Sticks.  Looks like I'm driving, eh?

added 01.01.04

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