Flogging Molly

And a boat full of sweaty, beautiful people I love

Sorry, I won’t be on the Flogging Molly Cruise this year. Once upon a time it was an annual tradition for my wife and I, but this year she is going solo. I was looking forward to going especially to see The Cherry Coke$ again.

I want to say it’s because money is tight and I need to spend this time looking for work - true enough. But the reality is I just don’t want to go back to the United States. Sorry Todd, not even for a day. Besides, I am not the type to arrive with just enough time to get on the boat. I would get there a day or two early - just in cases. Then spend a day or two after because the cruise leaves you worn out in the best possible way.

I love the idea of the United States. Long before The American President, or West Wing, or even V for Vendetta I was raised to believe in an idea that all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights. I hid under my blanket with a flashlight reading Johnny Tremain like a nerd. In history class I was enamored of men …