Instead of creating a new blog post, I thought it appropriate instead to add this photo to my original post about Chester Bennington’s passing.

This is the photo I got signed by the band when I met them in 2004 before their Little Rock show during the Meteora World Tour. As stated in my post below, Mike’s is the only signature I’m missing since he was sick (I believe) and couldn’t attend the meet and greet.

Now that he’s on tour again for his “Post Traumatic” album — which is a brilliant, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant journey — I hope to finally meet him and finish this out. It’s 14 years in the making.

ORIGINAL POST | 7/23/17

Shortly after Chris Cornell’s death this year, Linkin Park performed the title track from their new album, “One More Light,” on Jimmy Kimmel’s show and dedicated the song to Cornell.

While I’m sure plenty of bands honored the legendary Cornell after his unexpected death, Linkin Park’s carried special significance: Chester Bennington and Cornell were close friends. In fact, Chester was the Godfather to Cornell’s son. His passing was especially difficult on Chester, as evidenced by their relationship and testimony from Chester’s bandmate, Mike Shinoda.

Chester’s passionate, tortured performance of “One More Light” simply underscores just how hard he was hit by Cornell’s passing — and by his own hand, no less, and on what would’ve been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.

A little background on why I’m even writing about this in the first place: I’ve been a Linkin Park fan since the days of their debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” and I never stopped following them — I never “grew out” of being a fan. I’ve purchased every album they’ve released and always found something to love about each one. To me, it’s what was always so innovative about LP — that even when experimenting with different genres, they were still the same band.

I had the opportunity to meet Chester and the band — sans Mike, who was sick and hung back until the show started — in 2004 when I attended one of their shows during the Meteora World Tour. As a member of their fan club, LP Underground, I was able to score a meet and greet pass. Now that I look back, I wish that I would’ve talked just a little more, but all I remember is really smiling, saying “hello,” getting a photo signed, and moving on. But it was still special, and he left a kind, genuine impression on me, as did the whole band.

LP’s music was one of my soundtracks through high school as I dealt with my own insecurities, doubts, and frustrations related to growing up. As I got older, LP grew with me, and for about 17 years, it seems that I’ve had one of their albums playing in my car at least once or twice a week at a minimum. They’ve felt like my band for nearly two decades, and, in a way, they have been — just ask my wife and close friends. But it’s Chester, as the band’s co-lyricist, with his trademark scream, dynamic singing voice, and powerful stage presence who I’ve somehow connected with the most.

You can imagine, then, the shock that I and millions of fans experienced on Thursday, July 20, 2017. I was in the middle of working at the time, and the last thing on my mind was to check entertainment news. A longtime friend randomly sent me a Facebook message, and as the conversation began, I didn’t think it was anything too terribly serious. I was wrong.

Friend: Josh, I have some terrible news for you. Brace yourself.

Me: Ok? HAHAHA. Hi.

Friend: Hi.

Friend: (this is super random but will make sense once I tell you)

Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington died today. I immediately thought of you and wanted to make sure you were ok in this time of need.

Me: Holy sh*t holy sh*t holy sh*t… [readers: sorry of this offends you, but I was in pure shock]

Friend: No, I know. Hanged himself, apparently.

Me: No.

Friend: Yea. I have so many mixed feelings, because I never knew him personally.

Me: Been so wrapped up in my work today I did not even notice. They’re my favorite band.

Friend: Just got a BBC alert. So, I think TMZ broke the story like 45 minutes ago. I wanted to make sure it didn’t sneak up on you.

Me: Thank you…

Friend: You’re welcome. I know it must have been startling to get a message proclaiming terrible news, but favorite bands are special.

That was the gist of the exchange, and while I was in a state of vacillating between dread and denial, I appreciated the message.

“… favorite bands are special.”

It’s true.

I am now thinking back through the years about the countless times that I’ve blasted LP’s music as loud as I could, belting out the lyrics as best as I could, in a symphony of total catharsis. Chester and Mike’s writing — significantly deeper than they’ve ever been given credit by critics — hit a place that no other band could, at least for me. I’m sure millions of others would agree.

And, contrary to what some might think, the music was never intended to depress the listener, though the subject matter often explored the more difficult aspects of life. The music was meant to make people self-aware, to deal with their issues, to find a way to move past any obstacles and take life for the gift that it truly is.

I will miss Chester’s honesty. I will miss this band’s chemistry. I’m deeply saddened by its end, especially given the violent way it happened.

But this isn’t about me at all. It isn’t even really about the death of an insanely talented vocalist and performer, though that’s fresh on many of our minds.

More than anything, I am convinced that this should challenge all of us to understand that mental health isn’t a joke — and it shouldn’t take the death of someone “famous” to realize this truth.

Don’t ever assume you know what someone is going through — you have to gain enough trust to ask them. And, for goodness sake, don’t disparage someone for getting the necessary help to address their spiritual, emotional, and mental health. We owe it those around us — and to ourselves — to live an honest life, and, yes, to carry each other’s burdens when necessary.

Because if there’s one thing  that Chester has taught me through his music, it’s this: We can all do a better job loving one another.

Exactly on year ago today, a revolutionary voice was silenced. Andrew collapsed while taking an evening walk. It was heart failure at only 43-years-old.

Most of you probably don’t even know who Andrew was, and that’s okay. Just know that to millions of conservative and other liberty-minded, grassroots activists, he was an inspirational and unique individual who encouraged so many of us to have courage, take heart, be hopeful, and fight for what you believe even when it’s hard. He did this not only through personal appearances, but through his social media pioneering. He lit a spark, and it’s become an eternal flame.

This is the only picture I have with Andrew. It was taken about a year before CPAC 2012 when he visited Little Rock to speak and sign books. I don’t think his strongest critics know just how kind he was, but those of us who actually spent even a little time with him, we know. And in our own ways, we’ve been changed by his short time with us. Truly, he left us too soon.

In Memoriam: Andrew Breitbart: 1969 – 2012

“I was on patrol with my medic crews working with a local police unit that Friday night of the OWS protest and I want to personally thank you for making our jobs easier. The ignorance of these protesters was evident in your video, but I hope they didn’t try to pick a fight or harass you like they did to many others who attended the summit. Thank you as well as the rest of the conservatives at the event for not fighting back, and for arguing your case verbally. People like you give me hope that there are civilized people who care about the well being of this country.”

This medic, who I will keep anonymous, is the one who deserves a resounding “thank you”. We should all do a better job thanking people who are working to provide medical care and keep the peace in chaotic situations (such as Occupy DC’s disruption on November 4).

More from DC (with video): “After the attack she [the elderly woman] was taken to hospital with multiple injuries, a bloody nose which developed after the fall, and a large knot on her head. After x-rays and a CAT scan, she was released the following morning with cuts and large bruises.”

Some have claimed that pushing this woman wasn’t intentional, and that’s a possibility, but the fact remains that whenever OWS shows up, people get hurt. The environment that these demonstrators create is chaotic. Commonsense tells me that this lady wouldn’t have fallen down the stairs had Occupiers not been there in the first place, as the mob was surrounding her, causing confusion and obvious missed steps.

Also, check out this video to further discover the real Occupy DC:

UPDATE: Sex attacks, thefts and vandalism in New York City, and Portland mayor gives ‘Occupy’ deadline to pack up tent city

From the New York Post: “The NYPD has moved three elite Manhattan homicide detectives and a deputy chief to the raucous Occupy Wall Street protest in response to a rash of sex attacks, thefts and vandalism — including graffiti scrawled on the nearby 9/11 Memorial …”

From The Daily News: “Portland’s mayor on Thursday ordered Occupy Portland to take down its tent city on two adjacent downtown parks by midnight Saturday, saying conditions at the camp have become dangerous, unhealthy and a refuge for criminals.”

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

Tuberculosis breaks out at Occupy Atlanta HQ

Man arrested for breaking EMT’s leg in Zuccotti Park

Fatal shooting at Burlington, Vermont camp

This time, their target was the 5th annual Defending the American Dream Summit in Washington, DC, hosted by Americans for Prosperity Foundation. While we were in the middle of a tribute dinner to the life and legacy of Ronald Reagan—a staple of the summit since its inception—a young man bolted to his feet and interrupted keynote speaker Judge Andrew Napolitano’s arrival on stage. It was difficult to make sense of his diatribe, as he was quickly drowned out by the booing of conference attendees and hauled off by security detail.

I’m working on getting a better video, however, this is what I’ve got:

With a gracious gesture, Napolitano declared, “God bless the First Amendment,” and quoted Voltaire, who once so famously said, “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” And then he began his speech.

Not a moment after Napolitano finished, I received a text from Scott Nauman, producer of The Dave Elswick Show—a popular conservative radio program in central Arkansas. OWS protesters had laid siege to the conference center, and they were attempting to force their entry through the lobby’s front doors. I pulled my handy-cam out of my shoulder bag and promptly left the room. I had to go see this for myself.

I arrived downstairs and made my way to the doors. Understandably, security guards and AFP staff weren’t letting anyone get close, and I noticed that police outside had stopped the protesters from acting like the protagonists from a George A. Romero flick.

Here are the zombies in action before I got there (Thanks to Stacy McCain for posting this video. Check out his website at: TheOtherMcCain.com):

At some point soon, I’ll provide a breakdown of my footage, but here it is:

You’ll notice that I get into a discussion with one of the Occupiers regarding the 2008 economic downturn, and the bursting of the housing bubble that set it off. I didn’t get the opportunity to explain my full position to him—he kept cutting me off and changing the subject—but check out “The House That Uncle Sam Built” by the Foundation for Economic Education for the truth about what happened by clicking here.

McCaughey is speaking first.

“This Obama health law shreds your constitutional rights,” said McCaughey. “It forces you into a one-size-fits all health plan whether you want it or not. It emboldens the IRS to penalize you for not having a particular plan. There is no authority in the Constitution for this.”

“Do not be bamboozled by this corruption of science. You saw in it global warming with Climategate. Now we’re seeing Grannygate–the denial of services to the elderly in the name of ‘science'”.

“There are many ways to help the uninsured, and we’re going to. But Congress should have put this 2,7000 page bill in the paper shredder.”

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is up next.

“As government has been asked to do more, all it’s asked in return is to take a little bit more of your liberty,” said Cuccinelli. “One of the biggest and most egregious examples of this is the federal health care bill signed by the president.”

Cuccinelli put it simply and truthfully: “The federal government cannot use the Commerce Clause to dictate that you must buy health insurance.”

“This monster of a bill is about health care. This lawsuit is about liberty,” said Cuccinelli. “I expect a decision by June 2012 one way or another.”

“When we don’t have enough politicians limiting the power of the federal government, it is up to state attorneys general to push back.”

“The disdain for the rule of law exists across this administration.”

Congressman Andy Harris is now speaking.

“America has figured out that Obamacare is just a proxy for the Tea Party versus Socialism struggle in this country.”

“They want to tell you what you can eat. They want to tell you where you can live. They want to tell you where you can work. That’s what Solyndra was all about. And Obamacare strikes directly at one of your most precious rights–your right to life.”

“Obamacare forces me to treat a patient like a widget–like a diagnosis code.”

“We want the whole law to go down.”

Harris talked about what he thinks we should do to improve health care:
1) “We should allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines.”
2) “Health insurance should be deductible for the individual like it is for employers.”
3) “We have to promote transparency in health care costs.”
4) “We need medical liability reform.”

Blackburn says that, next week, the Senate is probably going to bring up the Senate resolution of disapproval regarding the FCC taking over the internet. House resolution has already passed.

“I do not think the federal government should be in the business of assigning priority and value to content,” said Blackburn. “That should be between you and your internet provider.”

She continued by talking about how she and her Republican colleagues are committed to protecting free speech, individual freedom, and voluntary exchange on the internet.

Phil Kerpen, Vice President of Policy for AFP Foundation, asked, “What do you think is the right approach to privacy protection?” Blackburn said, “The right approach is going to be for the industry to take the lead on this–to establish the best practices.”

A woman from the crowd asked, “Does there need to be any regulation of any kind of the internet?” Blackburn responded: “That’s a great question. We need to make sure that we put the parameters there to make sure it does stay free. What we are fighting now, the reason why we’re trying to fight net neutrality, is because the agencies have stepped in to take power that they don’t have. They have overstepped their boundaries. We need to step back in and reestablish those boundaries.”

A man asked, “What is neutral about the internet right now? Isn’t it neutral right now without the regulation?” Blackburn believes that the internet is currently working just fine, saying, “This is actually one of those situations where you can say the status quo has worked.”

Blackburn concluded her remarks by emphasizing just how important internet freedom is. “We know that when the federal government decides that they’re going to take control of something, you’re going to lose something in the future. We do not want to stifle innovation because we know that innovation leads to job creation.”

Congresswoman Blackburn had to leave early to cast some House votes.

Phil Kerpen, Seton Motley with Less Government, and David Quinalty with the Senate Commerce Committee, are continuing the conversation that Blackburn started.

“The leftists saw the Tea Party and didn’t know how to stop this,” said Motley. He drove home the point that ‘net neutrality’ is about suppression of dissenting opinions.

Later, Motley discussed the broader issue of protecting individual rights. “The Constitution protects our rights–the right to life, liberty and property. Leftists and Marxists want free access to your life, liberty and property.”

If this isn’t evidence enough of Bradford’s radical views, here’s a picture that makes his support for abortion more public. He has now officially cast his lot with Planned Parenthood by attending a fundraiser in the organization’s honor.

You’ll notice him in the bottom photo (in the green shirt) with former congressional candidate David Boling. Boling was Chief of Staff for Congressman Vic Snyder (AR-2) and hoped to replace Snyder in 2010, but was beat in the Democratic primary by Sen. Joyce Elliot (D-Little Rock) and former Speaker of the House Robbie Wills (D-Conway). On a side note, this little tidbit on Boling should be filed away for later use, should he ever run for political office again.

Of course, none of this activity by Bradford should surprise any of you, however, it does shed further light on his agenda as he tries to push the health insurance exchanges—which he will preside over—on the people of Arkansas. It is my sincerest hope that we elect a conservative governor in 2014 that will replace Bradford and block the federal government’s healthcare overreach. Until then, we need to remind our current governor and legislature that a majority of Arkansans are clearly against two things: taxpayer-funded abortions and Obamacare.