Here We Go, Into the Abyss

Editor's Note: Jack Kelly is soaking up the sun somewhere south of the border on vacation. I thought it seemed appropriate to re-run this column, originally published two weeks ago, to stir up some ire. Hope you're having fun, Jack!

After the Patriots’ devastating loss on Sunday to the hated “Boo York” Jets -- in which my favorite quarterback looked, shall I say, ordinary -- we turn our attention to the winter abyss standing in front of us. 

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there is a natural sigh of relief when they are over and then, “I Have a Dream” Day is upon us. Then it all goes down hill! 

Understandable, this article has started off with a very depressing tone, but it simply puts in words what many Charlestownians inner conscience is streaming during the month of February. Living on the East Coast is a gift and curse and in many ways. It is difficultly to decipher how one truly feels between the two. On the one hand, people from the East Coast are generally considered tough, smart and unique. People from Boston, Philadelphia and “Boo York” have funny accents and a rich history that Americans across the country have a weird sense of admiration for. Or maybe they just think we are funny and entertaining in a clownish sort of way. 

Either way, there is an appeal towards people who live in and are brought up on the East Coast. Well, guess what. The month of February is a painstaking task that requires mental toughness and a manufactured sense of optimism. 

For example, on the East Coast, we get all excited for snowstorms and even the local news stations join in on the fun. They treat every snowstorm as if an asteroid is ready to directly hit the Freedom Trail, thus causing elected officials to declare a “state of emergency.” They send reporters to cover the storm as it happens and say things like “welcome to our continuing coverage of the major snow storm hitting Boston" and "we are live on the scene.” Followed by a quick “zap” to some reporter on the Charles River who is trying to act like they are imperiled. Really, we know that they are just cold, even though they're stating things like “I have just witnessed a woman with her child trying to run from the snow. It's really scary and dangerous out here, Chet and Natalie.” 

(Sorry, I know Chet and Natalie no longer cover the news and yes, they are divorced, but that just has such a natural flow to it.) After the reporter reports from the scene, the broadcast “zaps” to the governor, who must "play up" the storm as well, saying things like “stay in your house” and “only essential employees should come to work.”

(One of these days, we ought to define “essential." I have been told I classify as essential, but I am not sure why.  Am I essential to the truly essential, because the non-essential can be protected from circumstance of contract? Or is essential, essentially, just a nice word to mean an assignment for people who are not truly essential to do, but the assignment is essential for all of the essential taxpayers? Essentially, Yes!)

Yes, us East Coasters are so lucky to be branded as tough and resilient, as if there were some sort of choice in all of it.  The month of February is a mental health exercise or ritual we all must combat every year. I, for one, cannot wait to go shovel my car out (again) and think of ways to artificially get excited about things that still require one to walk around in frigid temperatures. But enough of the complaining. I should end this on a positive note:

Congratulations to Charlestown resident Jennifer Nassour, who was reelected as the chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican party. Under her guidance, the state Republicans picked up 16 house seats and for the first time, created local enthusiasm for the Republican Party.  Remember, this is still a Democrat's state.

Congratulations to Brendan Collier, who has committed to Boston University on a hockey scholarship.

And, remember Martin Luther King Jr. As my favorite rock group said in the song Pride: "Early morning, April 4, shot rings out, in the Memphis sky! Free at last, they took your life, but they could not take your pride.” A message for all us.

Spring is so close, but yet, so far away. Enjoy the weather!