No Such Thing As A Born-Again Straight Edge

i do not drink.  i do not smoke.  Because i am a punk and i do not do these things i frequently get asked if i am straight edge.  i answer no.

i have always laughed at those born-again Christians who claim to have re-gained their virginity.  It is fucking hysterical.  If you had sex, you are not a virgin.  That is the very definition of the term.  Life is a river that only flows one way.  You do not get do-overs, re-do's, or Mulligans.  What you have done you have done.  Own it and learn from it... all of it.

i am experimental by nature. i enjoy the growth that occurs from trying new things.  Alcohol and drugs have been a part of that in my past.  The experiences i had and the lessons i learned about myself, the world, and perspectives are important parts of who i am today.  i value them and do not regret them.

i have learned what i can from those chemicals and have no interest in further pursuing them.  i like being sober all the time.  i like being dangerous because my mind is working sharply at all times.  i like that i am at a place in my life now where my maturity, knowledge, and experiences have given me a level of confidence that i did not have when i was younger so now i face adversities head on.

i hold sentimental fondness for the straight edge movement and have a lot of respect for it.  i relate strongly with that movement and enjoy the company of straight edgers as i feel i have a lot in common with them.  Out of respect for the straight edge movement, out of respect for my past experiences, and out of respect for myself, i choose not to place that label upon myself.

i believe that freedom is more important than my personal ideals in most situations (of course not all).  i actually think that marijuana should be legalized.  If it was i still would not use it but it is less harmful than alcohol (a legal drug) and many medications that people take on a daily basis.

i also am fine with other people doing harder drugs such as heroin.  If they steal to support their habit or harm someone while under the influence then they have broken laws and should be treated accordingly, but the simple act of taking drugs is something i see as a personal choice.  If you want to shoot up and hide away from the world in your living room... so be it.

Your life, your choice so long as you do not harm anyone else.  People destroy themselves all the time from a broad variety of things.  Should we make fast food illegal for obese people because they are killing themselves with it?

i am proud of the fact that i do not drink and that i do not take drugs, but i am also proud that it is MY choice. i absolutely hate when people tell me what to do so i respectfully want to allow others the freedom to make THEIR choice.  If we can respect each other's right to make choices, imagine what other respect might follow.