Healthcare Hullabaloo: Ten Years After

Ten Tears After was one of the great classic rock bands of the 1970’s. Featuring the work of ‘the world’s fastest guitarist’, Mr. Alvin Lee, they delivered some of the most seminal music in the early days of classic rock.

Even if you don’t recall this band, I’m. sure that you’d recognize several of their classic rock anthems, most notably “I’d Love to Change the World”:

I’d love to change the world,
But I don’t know what to do,
So I’ll leave it up to you.

This was a great sentiment back in the 1970’s, but today, September 11, 2011, ten years after that awful day, it’s an empty phrase. An anachronism. A silly folly of yesteryear. Because we all realize, on this day, ten years after, that if we leave the world’s problems up to others to solve, the world has a way of biting us in the ass. We have come to realize, that if it is to be, it’s up to me. Whether the problem is world peace, the economy, or the health care crisis, we can’t just sit around waiting for someone else to solve the world’s problems.

Many people are wondering how they will commemorate this ten year anniversary. Many of us will watch the ceremonies at Ground Zero on television. Some will be attending local tributes. But I decided to do something different.

Today I'm going down in the basement and digging through my old LP's. No, I’m not looking for my ‘Ten Years After’ album. Instead, I’m going to pull out my well worn copy of Elvis Costello's 'Armed Forces'. Then I’m going to listen to it at much too loud a volume for a man my age.

Back in college, that was my roommate Steve's favorite album and we would blast it often on our other roommate’s monster stereo.

Stephen J. Fiorelli was one of the nicest guys that I have ever known. In a University apartment of four wild post-adolescent males, Steve was always the voice of sanity and reason. He had a slightly off-center sense of humor that melded with my own. Steve was a true gentleman in every sense of the word – just one helluva nice guy.

After that semester, Steve and I managed to keep in touch. I remember our last day together. I had just moved into my first off campus apartment, and Steve, now graduated, came back to New Brunswick for a visit. We spent a memorable afternoon hanging out, drinking beer, and listening to music. Steve was excited, as he had just landed his dream job as a civil engineer for the Port Authority. Sadly, I never saw Steve again after that day.

I often rue the fact that this was before the days of Facebook. I’m almost certain that Steve and I would have reconnected. But it was never meant to be.

So, today, ten years after that awful day, I will repeat our college ritual, featuring Mr. Elvis Costello, some big ‘ol tower speakers, and 100 watts per channel.

Ten years after the day that Steve went down in Tower One.

I know that Steve will be listening with me.

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