chaucer aside~

i appreciate the literary contributions of chaucer as much as the next, but i have to wonder why we really buy into this rubbish. san valentino was a martyr that defied marco aurelio valerio claudio by performing marriage ceremonies in secret (for soldiers). he was then beaten to near death and finally beheaded at roma, c.269 (or so goes the 1st theory of valentine's).

romantic, eh?

thanks to chaucer's imagination, rather than educate ourselves to the anarchy and utter disregard for civic duty that propagated the "holiday" (just ask someone to explain the history ~ 99% can't).... instead we send over a billion greeting cards, rip roses out of the ground, and inadvertently support the horrifying methods through which diamonds are obtained (n.b., an industry that has taken the lives of 3.7 mil as of 2007).

and for what? so the male population can make up for the lack of romance and appreciation they carry the other 364 days? so girls can compare stories at the office and see who feels more "loved"? here are some ideas. boys ~ how about love and cherish her every day? girls ~ focus on what's important. this way, when valentine's day comes around you will both be comfortable enough in your own skin to just wish each other "happy valentine".

just an idea.