O - The Badlands Newsletter - Maquis Forces International

PAGE 26 BADLANDS
Commodore’s Corner
Greetings, Fellow Maquis. Commodore
Cummings here.
Wow. It’s been busy around the resistance,
no? We’ve had plenty of activity
over the last few weeks, not to mention
(straightens shirt) my promotion… Haha!
I’d personally like to take this moment to
say “Thanks and Bravo Zulu!” to Admiral
Mary Kerns. Not only has she done a
great job with the Academy, but she also
gave me the chance to serve as Science
Dean, paving the way for my takeover as of
11 November. I’m really excited to get this
party started with the reorganization
needed to get the Academy back on the
road.
I’d like to take a moment to address an issue that I have seen becoming a bigger issue, not necessarily
around the Maquis, but in public. The use of the popular club drug known as Ecstasy, (also known
as E, Liquid E, but officially known as MDMA - methylenedioxyamphetamine) has become a problem,
especially with people around my age, college students. It’s use by college students alone has risen
dramatically in the last decade, especially in the last 3 years. Nearly 5 percent of 10th and 12th graders
and about 2 percent of 8th graders said they had used MDMA in the past year, a recent study from
the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported. This is not only disturbing, but dangerous. Ecstasy itself
is not only dangerous, but frequently laced with other drugs, such as GHB, a date-rape drug. This
also paves the way for youngsters to other, more dangerous “hard stuff.”
Being in Navy JROTC in High School, I remember watching a broadcast from the Master Chief Petty
Officer of the Navy, Jim Herdt, the “MCPON Minute” mention this one morning just regarding Ecstasy
use. The Navy now holds a Zero-Tolerance when it comes to personnel and drug use. In my opinion,
I think we need to all set a Zero-Tolerance directive for ourselves. This may sound corny, but just say
“No!” to the urge to try, or the person offering. Not only would it be cunning of you, but you’ll stand up
for your right to good health. It will pay off later, if not by a longer life, but lower insurance costs! ;-)
Your life isn’t worth a few minutes of fake good vibes, then a couple of days of chemical depression,
your body begging for more of the drug.
On a more positive note, I was talking with our illustrious editor, Commodore Cha’Suran, and I thought
I would pass on something that I am doing.
As I said before, being in Naval JROTC for four years, I acquired quite a few uniforms. After graduation,
the ones that were property of the Government were, naturally, returned – but the ones I owned
all of a sudden became useless. Just taking up closet space. After a few months of being in the MFI, I
realized that I could use a set of my Khakis and alter them for MFI usage! Replace the collar insignia,
add some MFI stuff and Voila! Instant MFI uniform, and my roughly $100 just went a little farther in
life! I also did the same with my Summer Whites. They look good! Now, I just need to get myself a
set of Commodore pins. (laughing)
Until next time, fellow Maquis: I’ll see you about the Force.