Yes, this is the best time ever to excel.

This is the most depressing and hopeless state that the United States of America has been in since the great depression of the twenties. That is a reality. Not that this information is tantamount to the death of any soldier or civilian in Iraq today, or the death or suffering of anyone anywhere for any reason anywhere on the earth today. No, not even close to that reality.  But it is an opportune time for  sentient human beings. This is a time that is ripe for growth. Personal growth. When all about us seems to be failing on one level or another. This is a window in time to excel, yes, to rise above the common and become a beacon of light in a dark night, way offshore with no apparent guide to safety. Each of us has the ability to offer some reaffirmation of basic human values and respect. In a climate of descending values and respect we may segregate ourselves by offering a message of solidarity and hope. A positive and constructive statement, a statement of concern for our fellow travelers in this world. Be strong is the message. Hold true to your deepest beliefs. The belief you know is paramount to the basic fabric of life on this earth. Be kind.

Dear Henry,
You probably aren’t aware of it, but you have been a great inspiration in my life for many years now. So it is with heavy heart that I sit down this morning to write you this letter.

You see — I live under a cultural rock, and — what with a wife, two gorgeous kids and a full time job — in addition to my own music and writing… I simply never knew you had your own TV show on IFC / Fuse. Fortunately, there is a DVR in my cable box, and I am slowly catching up.

The show is great! I especially enjoyed the John Waters interview; in part because he has been out on the fringe for so long that he is now in many ways — mainstream. The Steve Buscemi interview was gold as well, and it is always a pleasure to hear about his newest celluloid adventures in “Hollyweird”.

Your musical bits are stirring. The Mars Volta were amazing, and Billy Bragg forced an unconsciously raised FIST from me as he sang with skeletal accompaniment about “The Great Leap Forward”.

The short bits you do are vintage Hank, and the animated Wall Mart piece was both poignant and hilarious. Why the fuck is that poor old broken down war hero working as a greeter anyway? Its embarrassing to me as an American that a guy like that should ever have to do anything more then watch his great grandkids play, and sip pink lemonade on the porch while dozing over a good book. But — I digress.

No, Henry… The real reason I am writing you today has absolutely nothing to do with your show per se, and everything to do with the presentation of the show. You see, I have a 10 year old daughter who is a talented artist and musician in her own right, and I was hoping to share your show with her also. Unfortunately, that means I have to stand ever vigilant over the fast forward button when your advertisers step in to shill their wares.

Answer me this: What does 900 dating lines and Girls Gone Wild have to do with the Henry Rollins Show? Now, please don’t misunderstand me here… I like sex as much as the next guy, but wouldn’t ads like those be better placed during the Glen Beck Show? I realize that you probably have little control over your advertising content, but perhaps this can be a place for you to make a stand in the coming weeks? Your demographic doesn’t need to pay for sex. Your demographic is young and hip, and can get laid whenever they feel like it. It’s the demographic of the “Man Show” that wants or needs this shit, and that’s about it, right?

Anyway — you look great, and I hope your show continues for many years. I am proud of you, Hank, and I hope you take these criticisms in the spirit they were intended.

In other words — please don’t come to Falcon CO and kick my ass, but DO stop in for Tacos.

Warmest regards,

Chance