Only the Dirk Digglers of the world are truly free

Every day in the news you can read about a politician extolling the virtues of a free and democratic society or some activist complaining about some government policy that infringes on our individual freedoms. This is not surprising; the struggle between governments working to balance order and citizens’ liberties is as old as civilization itself.

All this talk of freedom has made me examine what my own idea of what freedom is and who is truly free. After thinking about it for the past couple of months, I have come to this conclusion: only the Dirk Digglers of the world are truly free.

I am not talking about the character Dirk Diggler played by actor Mark Wahlberg in the film Boogie Nights. I am talking about a friend I went to high school but haven’t seen in years nicknamed Dirk Diggler because his looks, clothes, and hair closely resembled the character mentioned above.

The Dirk I knew was completely free of the restraints; none of the social norms or fears that regulate the behavior of ‘normal’ people ever held him back. I could write for days about some of the crazy things he did. Instead I will provide you the best example of why Dirk is the only person I know who really was free or restraints:

One time when he was pulled over for getting a DUI (one of many), Dirk didn’t like the officer’s attitude, so knocked the ticket out of the officer’s hand, earning him some time in jail.

Most people would regret their actions, worry about how much time they will be spending in jail, whether they are going to lose their job, etc. the next day when woke up sober in the county jail. Not Dirk. A union painter friend of his just happened to be outside his jail cell painting the wall when Dirk ran to the window and jokingly exclaimed, “You gotta get me outta here!!!” He then started rubbing his stomach and said, “I wonder what the county is serving up today!”

Dirk ended up losing his drivers’ license for three years, not that that fazed him. That was several years ago, and word on the street is he never did try to get it back.

We Americans like to believe we are free—maybe we are by some definitions. The problem is most of us are never free of our worries. We worry about having enough money to pay our bills or give our kids the things we need, we worry about our looks, health, the future, our friends and relatives. I argue that only the Dirks of the world free because, as one friend put it, “That dude doesn’t care if the sun comes up tomorrow.”

By most people’s definitions, I have a lot better life than Dirk. I own a house, drive a newer car, and have a good career but in some ways am envious of Dirk. I imagine how free it must feel to not have a care in the world.

Tee League To Teen Age is must reading for anyone that spends time at the ball park. Baseball is the great American past-time, and more youngsters participate than in any other organized sport. Parents with first-time players will find this book especially useful as they are exposed to the world of little league baseball or softball. Basic information on the game itself is covered, as are useful tips to help your child adjust to team sports. Rules and regulations, parental expectations, coaches conduct, equipment, practice drills and more are included in this valuable tool for interested parents.

"Tee League to Teen Age is a handbook for beginning baseball. Wonderful insights and concepts. Read this book to learn the do's and don'ts of baseball whether you're a player, a parent, or a coach." --Walt Terrell, former major league pitcher

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