Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! If I bought into the "powerless over drinking," lack of personal responsibility philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous, then I would be getting blitzed right now. An AA sponsor I knew a decade ago called. He never calls me unless he's wasted. He sounded like he was having a blast. "Happy... happy shinko de.. Happy Shinko, Day!" Indeed. Happy Shinko, to all of you out there in the world of the intertubes and subway tubes. Be careful tonight. Stay strong, stay in control, stay safe.

Of course that only applies to people in the Western Hemisphere who have an idea what the 5th of May stands for. So many people think it's Mexican Independence Day, and just use the 5th of May as an excuse to drink margaritas and Coronas. In fact, that is what the "holiday" is -- an excuse for an epic drunk promoted by alcohol companies. Cinco de Mayo celebrates an 1862 Mexican military victory in the Battle of Puebla over the French. Party on! Their Independence Day is on September 16th. As far as excuses to party go, it's a creative one at least.

If you're overseas you should join in. Just remember, there's nothing you can do to avoid a nasty hangover if you celebrate Cinco de Mayo properly. Don't forget, though, that it's your duty to honor Mexican Independence with slurred speech, even when you know today has almost nothing to do with Mexico as a whole. Spread the stupidity and disinformation. Corona and Cuervo need more money from drunkards!

I don't want to be a downer. It's good to have a day set aside for fun. Do it intelligently though. Have some class with your taste of south of the border fiesta.