TALES FROM THE BARSTOOL
By: Clint Lien

“I Remember”

Watching the war in Iraq-not the Fox version but the BBC version and the internet version, I find myself struck by the horror of it almost daily. I haven't shed any tears or lighted any candles but the sadness of it is not lost on me. I will remember many of these images to the end of my days.

I was at a friend's house in L.A. when I saw the planes go into the towers. I remember my anger and desire for revenge. It was an intense day. Not one of us above a certain age will forget.

And everyone remembers watching the white Bronco in its slow speed getaway, leaving behind a scene too horrible to comprehend.

Curt Cobain's suicide made me really sad. I was working in my cubicle designing a database for the British Columbia school system. He seemed a gentle soul.

I was working on the oil rigs in Northern Canada when Bush Sr. attacked Iraq for the first time. I can't remember why he did it, but I understand it was necessary.

When the Berlin wall came down I was drinking with friends. We all raised a glass to that one.

I had just finished a day of skiing with my friends Heather and Emile when we learned that John Lennon had been murdered. That was a quiet ride home. Thinking about it now still makes me sad.

I was in grade 11 when thousands of athletes, who had dedicated their lives to represent their countries, were used as pawns in a game of politics being played by aging corrupt men. The Olympics were boycotted and lives were destroyed.

My friend Jeff and I were shooting hoops in the driveway when my mother came out. She didn't have a candle with her but she was crying. Elvis had been found dead in his home. I remembered many years earlier watching Elvis give the Hawaii concert on TV. I liked that show and for weeks after would put on my Sunday suit and gyrate around the house like a little jumping bean.

I cheered for Ali when he beat Forman.

I was stunned stupid when all the Israeli wrestlers were killed by the Palestinian terrorists.

But when the handsome figure of Frank Shorter came bopping over the hill and it was clear he'd be the first American to win the Olympic Marathon in a very long time I was inspired by the image. He looked so cool.

I was bored stupid with all the Watergate coverage.

I remember watching the TV with my father when a news story broke - the Beatles were breaking up. I don't think I knew who the Beatles were but it was big news.

I was playing in the front yard when my mother came out to tell me man had just landed on the moon. I looked up but couldn't see anybody there.

I don't remember either of the Kennedy's getting shot or Dr. King but I was alive for all three. Most folks born before 1958 will remember these events and may well have lighted candles and shed tears.

Lots of things to remember, mourn and cheer.

So the young woman has a moment to put into the slide show of her life. I feel safe in saying the loss of the little monkeys will not be the worst thing she ever has to go through. Let's hope she toughens up a tad before it strikes.

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