I have always appreciated the gift of the First Amendment. The fact that we have the right to say whatever we want is, in my opinion, one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given. Do I think that some people take that too far sometimes? Absolutely. Do I think that just because people can say something means that they should? A resounding no. But do I think that the government should censor us? Hell no!

I am not an advocate of government sponsored censorship. Perhaps, on occasion, it is beneficial but overall, I want the government out of my business. I am a mature, responsible adult who can decide for herself what is appropriate and not appropriate to watch, read or listen to. I have morals and standards that do not need policing by anyone but myself. I am perfectly capable of monitoring my what my child watches, reads and listens to as well.

I get that there needs to be rules and standards, particularly for network television and radio. That’s fine. But rules are different than censorship. Censorship, in my opinion, flies in the face of the First Amendment. And that’s wrong.

I’ve felt this way for a long time. Particularly since the 7th grade, though I’m not sure why. There is no distinct memory I have from that time that prompted me to feel this way but I do remember using today’s money tune, Cinderella’s “Shelter Me”, as a visual aid for a 7th grade English project. For what it’s worth, I got an A. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the song and the video, which I assure you has something to do with money:

This past Sunday was the Golden Globes. I love this awards show because it has TV and movies all in one convenient package. I also love this show because lately, Ricky Gervais has been hosting and the way he skewers celebrities is just wonderful. It’s always nice to see their pampered excess and snotty attitudes ridiculed, especially by one of their own. In honor of that, I’ve selected Good Charlotte’s “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” as today’s money tune (and believe me, the irony of Joel Madden being married to Nicole Ritchie, especially in light of this song, is not lost on me):

I love Dolly Parton. I think she’s absolutely awesome. If I were hosting a dinner party, I’d totally invite her. Incidentally, I’d also invite Queen Latifah which is odd because now they’re in a movie together.

I think what I like the most about her is that she knows exactly what she’s doing and she doesn’t care what people think of her. She knows who she is. She’s secure in what she looks like (she should be since she does it on purpose) and is able to be self-deprecating about it. She’s passionate about what she does, she’s humble, and she knows where she came from. She’s ridiculously talented and, to top it off, she’s charitable. She makes awesome music and some pretty great movies, too (I’m willing to forgive Straight Talk because of Steel Magnolias). My favorite movie of hers is, hands down, 9 to 5.

If you’ve ever worked for a jerk, then you understand why 9 to 5 is so fantastic. I know I do. And I love the song even more. I think I even sang it in public. Or maybe I have it confused with “Queen of Hearts”, which I sang in the middle of Disney World, with a friend, to the actual Queen of Hearts and is not a Dolly Parton song. Anyway, back to “9 to 5”. I enjoy the song so much so that it’s today’s Money Tune. It’s a pretty awful video but it’s the best I could find.

Normally I try to provide a witty story or insightful comments before I present a money tune. This is not the case today. Today, the only thing I have to say is that for some reason, I am drawn to bands from Canada and Theory of a Deadman is one of them. The song I picked for today’s money tune, “Lowlife”, is just freaking awesome and the video is even awesomer. See for yourself:

http://youtu.be/29RnY0H7cj4

I think I’ve mentioned once or twice that I’m originally from Long Island. Growing up in an upper middle class suburb has definitely impacted my views on personal finance, excess, and the craziness that happens when those two come together. For instance, bar and bat mitzvahs.

Long Island is infamous for its outrageous bar and bat mitzvahs. Not only is it a huge rite of passage for a Jewish boy or girl, it’s almost an introduction of sorts into the Long Island scene of ridiculous and outrageously expensive parties. Even 20+ years ago, when I was that age, the parties were the perfect description of extravagence and excess. More food than you can imagine, and separate food (and tables) for the kids and adults. Fancy, professionally calligraphied invitations, open bars, DJs, dancers, expensive favors, dessert tables, photo booths and centerpieces…Long Island bar and bat mitzvahs can put many weddings to shame. A bar or bat mitzvah on Long Island can easily cost $20-$30,000. Sickening.

While the price tag makes me grateful that I don’t live on Long Island anymore, I still smile when I think about my bar and bat mitzvah going days (including the god-awful dresses I wore with my super fabulous 1990 hair). They were seriously good times. And the music. Oh, the music. I still can’t hear “Crocodile Rock”, “Oh, L’Amour” or “Celebration” without a big goofy grin covering my face. But my favorite memory of bar and bat mitavahs (besides memory glasses, of course) is hearing Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock.

So, for today’s Money Tune I bring you “Joy and Pain”. Not as well known as “It Takes Two” but just as awesome. Totally!