Go ahead and laugh. I know you want to laugh.

But on a more serious note, I am really starting to take issue with the growing fanaticism that is the American socio-political scene. And worse yet, I am really starting to get concerned about how intolerant personal agendas are being promoted as “for the good of the country” when in fact they throw the meaning and intent of the constitution under the bus because of those same aforementioned agendas.

Look no further than the First Amendment. Look no further than Glenn Beck. And look no further than the political rhetoric being espoused in order to accrue some votes (and leverage some fear and hatred) in the upcoming midterm elections.

We’re being told incessantly that our freedoms are being limited by the current presidency. But are the right wingers of the country (and no, I am not talking about Gordie Howe wannabes) creating exactly the scenario in which they profess to be against?

How about we start with the roots – the First Amendment itself.

Note: This post appeared in the 8/22/2010 issue of the Austin American-Statesman in the “Tales Of The City” column. I have added some additional musings (italics) and video clips to the original article.

Some might call it a journey. Some might call it a life-changing adventure. Whatever name you use, the inspiration for it began many years ago, in a place far removed from the Lone Star State – the Great White North.

The date was August 16, 1984. The place –the National Arts Center in Ottawa, Canada, perhaps the perfect acoustic environment for live music. The performers? None other than Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. I was 18 years old – sitting there stunned, mesmerized, awestruck by the legendary power of Vaughan’s expression with a guitar. This was live blues music as I’d only imagined. If Austin, Texas was producing guitar players (and the blues) like this, then that was something that I had to experience firsthand.

I will be the first to admit: the dogs days of summer have gotten the better of me. And the way the summer has gone thus far in the news world, if you’ve already poked fun at BP, then you pretty well have the summer’s news covered.

You would think that this be a good time to simply sit down and write while enjoying the cool air conditioning and a cold unspecified and to-be-named-at-a-later-date beverage? For those that live in Texas, you know what happens though – the heat just saps the maple syrup right out of you (insert much Canadian laughter here).

In the midst of sweating my way through the summertime blues, there was time for another episode of Rhubarb Ruminations.

#1: Roger Clemens was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly lying to Congress. So, hold the presses here. Before people start jumping to conclusions, this is not about whether he did or did not take steroids. This is about whether or not he lied. So, Polyanna, why are we so surprised that lies and deceit exist in the hallowed halls of Congress, on either side of the table? Legislators do this day in and day out – without any congressional (or judicial) impact whatsoever.

But perhaps the bigger question is this: what the hell is Congress doing putting good money and time into Congressional hearings on steroid use in baseball in the first place? This is an issue that needs to be resolved by Major League Baseball (and I am looking at you, Mr. Selig), not our legislators.

Sure, we’d all like to know if Barry Bonds was juiced when he broke Aaron’s record. Fair enough. But is it illegal, in the United States, to consume human growth hormone or steroids?