The finer things

I worry about the state of IU. I am about to leave Bloomington for St. Louis University Law School, and I can only hope that IU doesn't fall to the political extremism I have seen pouring out of the left for the past three years. I believe that most of my generation is in dire need for a swift kick because many lack any sense of coherent thought whatsoever. \nFirst and foremost, I'd like to look at the affliction of protesting that has been a staple for the political diet of IU students. I understand that many people don't like certain things to happen, but in all honesty, that's just the way this game is played. The fact that we live in a society where we can throw paint on people who wear fur, live in a tree to save it from becoming paper and express an unorthodox opinion is a clear portrayal of the beauty that is the American way. The problem with these protests is that the people who are against all of these things don't provide a solution that can be followed to any extent. People complain, but any possibility of solution gets lost in the rhetoric.\nI suggest that all members of the IU family (including the much-detested Myles Brand) forget about what they don't enjoy for the last month of summer and focus on what they consider the finer things in life. For me, it doesn't get much better than a Montecristo Churchill smoked in conjunction with a glass of Courvoisier VSOP while in the company of either a beautiful young lady or the best of friends. \nImagine, if you will, your very good friends revealing for no other reason than the fact that such good friends exist in this world. The act of communal indulgence in these finer things will, if nothing else, provide a fond memory that you can recall to the end of your days -- if not a humorous anecdote to tell your future generations.\nFor those of you who are thinking, "Smoking is atrocious! Nobody should pollute the air unless that person happens to be me in a bar after I've had a few drinks and needed a way to introduce myself." \nDon't play dumb -- you know exactly what I'm talking about. Furthermore, I hope that most people don't model their finer things after mine. If that happened, I would have to pay even more for my cigars, and they're expensive enough already.\nJust imagine IU as a serene microcosm, within which the popular sentiment is not what is wrong in the world, but what is best. If we could focus on that which brings us joy (like dancing the tango, taking fencing, making pottery, sinking the biz or listening to German opera) than perhaps we would be able to see a few proactive steps made at IU. \nUnfortunately, the status quo of reactionary complaining about anything and everything one personally doesn't enjoy, appreciate or understand has been in place for far too long. I, therefore, truly hope that some or all of you take my advice and focus on those things which give you joy in this world.\nPerhaps it is not the answer, but it may very well be the only acceptable substitute.