My Straight Edge 2010

     As I progress in life and learn new things and embark upon new experiences, my personal philosophy on life is ever changing. One thing I have held close in my heart for a number of years is my personal adherence to the Straight Edge. Some of my views have completely flipped in the past years: religion, vegetarianism, friendship, and even my career path. One thing has never changed as much as those things. The core Straight Edge ethos I believe in - to never indulge in drugs and alcohol. One thing I will never do: Break that promise to myself.  While my core belief will never change, some of the ways I view things regarding the Straight Edge have differed.

     When I was 16 years old, I detested anyone who sold out the Straight Edge. Anyone who turned their back on their beliefs turned their back on me. At times I even resorted to acts of violence to prove my point.

Now i'm older, wiser, much more open minded, and have realized people make mistakes. Some people got into a fad that wasn't going to stick with them their entire lives. I accept that. I accept the Straight Edge isn't for everyone. I realize not everyone shares the same views as me, even though they once did. Some people choose to damage their bodies with substances, big deal.  What I can't accept is slandering someone's name, someone's reputation because you don't like what and who they are. I can't accept utter disrespect towards someone who feels passionately about their beliefs, threats of violence, personal insults and attacks on ones home life. That's ridiculous, childish, and mindless. Get real and grow up. I've met so many people through the hardcore and Straight Edge scene that are no longer involved in either of those cultures. We remain friends to this day because we share similar views on different things and we act in an adult manner regarding the views we do not share.

In this, self is all I need. With this oath that keeps me free, to this I am forever true.

I will never run from where I stand, even if it means i'm standing here alone. If all my friends sold out and I was the only person that I knew that remained Straight Edge, I would still be Straight Edge because I am the way I am for myself and that will never change.

It was 2002, I was skateboarding with Russell Catt. It was September and it was getting cold. We were on the promenade that night and the result ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. I met Rob Maxwell and I honestly don't remember exactly what he said but I do remember the huge bold X on each of his hands and why they were there. From then on I swore to live a Straight Edge lifestyle. I already despised drugs and alcohol and this just put a name to it. Discovering hardcore circa 2004 instilled a pride in me that will never waiver. Listening to the few youth crew bands I knew over and over and over. Moshing my brains out to the obnoxious Straight Edge metal core bands I knew every chance I got, even if it was in my bedroom. Those are the things that established my Straight Edge. Going to hardcore shows every chance possible and meeting people from all over. Thinking that every friend I had would have my back forever and I was invincible. I wouldn't change that for anything.

Things ended up changing themselves, I only catch a good hardcore show a few times a year. I can count my friends on both my hands and my Straight Edge friends on one. I no longer put any faith in anyone that I don't already trust and I know that even that could some day fade. I used to spend everyday with my friends, driving around, skateboarding, causing a ruckus.

Now I spend everyday with Kara and my dogs,  watching home improvement shows, building stuff, going to school. I honestly can't picture my life any other way and i'm happy that way.

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