Barack Obama records a weekly address to the country released via internet and on the radio. Consequently, the Republican party issues a rebuttle in order to show how firmly they remain committed to opposing him, his administration, and his party. Most of this week’s address was not much different than those previous. “We must create jobs.” “What I will not tolerate is opposition for opposition’s sake.” “We must work together.” and all that. Basically, he vaguely outlined what an omnipotent super hero would do if he had elaborate plans constructed and ready to implement without letting the listener understand the specifics of any of them. I have come to expect this from politicians, and somehow I welcome his enthusiasm.
The Republican rebuttal was a different story.
It came from a female United States Senator Susie Collins out of the great state of Maine. She found fault in the Obama administration for allowing a terrorist to be tried like an American. It was bad enough that a terrorist plot was foiled, no innocent people were killed, and an “enemy combatant” was in American custody. But this freedom hater demanded a lawyer! Mrs. Collins was upset that, like any properly conducted American investigation and pre-trial hearing, the attempted Christmas terrorist attacker was read his Miranda rights. He was on American soil! He was taken into custody and questioned without a lawyer for an hour! What did you expect Draconian torture using sleep deprivation, medieval machinery, and hot irons? This is the fucking United States!
Take a look at your passport. Somewhere in the first few pages it reads (I’m paraphrasing but bare with me) “This person has been granted a transportation visa from the United States of America. Please grant him or her all rights and privileged afforded therein.” If you were, dare I say, wrongfully accused of a crime while you were in a foreign country wouldn’t you want to be given a fair trial so that you’re able to prove your innocence? This Nigerian terrorist obtained a legal passport and was caught on American soil. Not allowing him a fair trial, regardless of his crime, would be totalitarian. You’d think, due to the severity of the crime, the honorable Senator would want the trial process to run as smoothly as possible so that conviction is more likely and the man gets the punishment he deserves. No, she not only declines to address even one aspect of the President’s address but also recommends, no demands, we set aside rule of law to extradite an accused terrorist without the liberties of the American judicial system. What an idiot.
It’s been quite a year. A little more than a year ago today we embarked on our second east coast tour, spending New Year’s playing every song we knew (which was only 11 or 12 songs) to about 25 screaming drunks in a living-room in Greenville, North Carolina. We were the only band on the show, they kept yelling for more songs, songs they didn’t know but appreciated. It was warm. After the show we walked down the street to the Sheetz Station for beer, cigarettes, and water in nothing but tshirts and sweat. New Years Day would be the second morning I would wander half drunk to the Starbucks down the hill to sober up with the New York Times and espresso shots. I haven’t seen those kids, Jeff from the Spazzatorium, the girls that lived next door, or the two kids we affectionately called ‘Napoleon’ and ‘Gel Pack,’ since that night.
Despite several desperate attempts to salvage our winter east coast tour, we will unfortunately have to ultimately forgo our usual post-holiday routing this winter. When the exit of our former drummer left us without a solid rhythm section or a van, we tried scrambling to find both in time to make the confirmed tour dates. As the weeks progressed, and collegiate course loads got heavier, the prospect of actually figuring it all out seemed dubious. We think it would be in our best interest (and the interests of anyone willing to pay money to see us) to forgo the tour, and leisurely finish demoing songs for “Climbing Up a Mountain Just For The View,” complete our search for a new drummer, accumulate money for new merchandise and a van, and write new songs. If this causes any inconvenience for anyone (especially Barrie at Generic Insight Radio, The Marine Electric, Crucial Dudes, Jake at NCFB, Steven with a V, Ravi at Dayton Dirt, Heads Held High, The Buster League, Richard at the Keynote Company, and Half Hearted Hero) we are truly sorry, and tried to make a decision as quickly as possible in order to efficiently rectify any damage done. We’ll be in your neighborhood, vfw hall, basement, and headphones again before you know it. Happy Holidays, and enjoy the New Year. Again we are so sorry for any and all inconvenience and hope that you will keep us in mind for future shows and tours. 
Jay quit the band. He wants to figure his 18 year old life out and is more than entitled to do just that. If you are really into Crowbar and smoking weed strains with names get in touch with him. He’s going to finish up the rest of our shows and I think Ian from Half Hearted Hero is going to fill in on drums for our winter east coast tour. Long story short: no worries. We’re trying some kids out and have no intention of breaking up. Play drums? Get at us.
