jamesfredericrose

I have been working as an artist and a bartender for 17 years, since my graduation from art school in 1994. I do not have health insurance, never did. Bars don't supply that generally. So I am looking for alternative work than bartending. Bartending is a bit of a trap and has definite health risks. One is alcoholism. Being around alcohol 40 hours a week for 17 years has definitely had its affect on me. I know what some people will say, why did you bartend. Well, I did. 20/20 hindsight is all well and good, but in my 20s I was making mistakes. And now that I am almost 40, I have the incredible urge to try and fix those mistakes. I've tried AA, but it doesn't work for me. It is Christian centered and requires giving yourself completely to the Lord. I am a Christian, but in my own deeply personal way. My spirituality is something sacred to me and I don't like to put it out there, especially holding hands with strangers in a substance abuse program. Prayers are said at the beginning and end of every meeting and it is also all group meetings. What I need is secular one on one counseling. I would go if I could afford it, but I can't. I could work as a bartender and make decent money, but that is a catch 22. Quitting alcohol and being around alcohol in the capacity of a bartender is too risky and just plain dangerous for me. I have searched for free counseling but I have not found it. I would gladly accept any suggestions.

Although it is very relevant to me, free health care isn't my number one issue. It is protecting the environment from corporate greed. My family has been in the Catskill Mountains for centuries. The land my father lives on has been in the family since 1800. I am so fearful what happened in Western NY and Pennsylvania will happen to the Catskills, with regard to Fracking for natural gas. I am also fearful of the conservatives need to drill drill drill in some of our most beautiful natural parks and wilderness. I also lived for years in San Francisco, and if they start drilling the way the conservatives want off the coast of California, it will also be a truly sad time we are in. We need to protect it and not just hand it over because of a few clever and deceiving ad campaigns. This will either be one of the most celebrated environmental moments in history or one of the most mourned.

Joined Oct. 11, 2011