Why Not Cut to the Chase: Bill of Absurdities

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding rights both here and abroad.   More and more it seems that things which have only been mentioned in the realm of rights in recent decades tend to conflict with other rights.  The result is an increasing narrowing of the definitions of free speech and free press, and a few others.

Because the issues that come up are rarely cut and dried, confusion often ensues.  To solve this, I suggest introducing a Bill of Absurdities which enumerates those things which are not natural individual right, but rather conditions placed on others which serve to appease the various victims of the world and of life itself.

Here is an incomplete version of the Bill.  It's all we have so far.

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to never encounter a fear inducing situation

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to have their self esteem boosted and to never encounter the disapproval or dislike of others

No one shall ever have to endure an insult, or a compliment which could be interpreted as gender specific or somehow hurtful to others who did not receive a compliment

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to never be the recipient of a dirty look or stink eye (this will be expanded upon in a future bill to ban bullying and hostile sounding automobile horns)

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have a right to stylish, new, comfortable clothes and shoes that fit well

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to proclaim themselves victims as long as they can cite one expert, author, or unsubstantiated fact or anecdote supporting such claim

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to seek and expect something for nothing in every facet of their lives

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to break shop windows and disrupt business areas, residential neighborhoods, and any other populated place, as well as the right to stop traffic if they think they have a good reason to be mad and that their cause is good

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to expect that they will never be harmed by objects of any kind; animate or inanimate. (this also covers things like falls)

All people and, in some cases, non-human persons have the right to any and all drugs, including alcohol, as the government sees fit

All these rights apply to all people and, in some cases, non-human persons but they may apply more to some people than others, depending upon unknown factors which will be determined by the official leaders at their discretion and leisure, however such determinations must not be considered permanently binding or be used as legal precedent, as all may change with different administrations, varying weather, and general societal mental health.  In short, the law applies equally to everyone, except for those who are more equal. Or less equal.  Whatever the case there is always to be a bit of equal there.

There are more, but this should give a good start.

Clarity is achieved because the Bill of Absurdities trumps the Bill of Rights whenever the two may conflict.  It lets people know what is likely to land them in trouble.  Maybe if this passes, fewer hours of media time will be wasted on celebrity and politician apologies.

It is confusion that undoubtedly leads a person to feel comfortable speaking his mind, only to later realize that by discussing, for example, hair do's he offended some group; the follicley challenged, in this case.  Next thing you know, the horrible person is making the rounds of the talk shows/news shows apologizing for being horrible.

It is so rare that I actually believe the apology that I can't remember the last time I did.  Most of the groups that insist on the apology do the best they can to grind it in and kind of control the person.  There is a real power dynamic, fed by the humiliation of the politically incorrect---those who violate the precepts and/or the letter of the proposed Bill of Absurdities.

Those people are figuratively placed in stocks in the public square so the fidgety public can pelt them with rotten vegetables.

The UN and some other fine money laundering outfits already have made efforts similar to the measures in this bill, but my proposal is more transparent and useful for those who seek guidance from the authorities for their behavior.

And it is a great tool for those who enjoy monitoring the discourse of fellow citizens/and/or non-citizens so they can report violations.   Once passed, they'll be able to enjoy that warm feeling that comes from seeing lives ruined and non-violent people put in prison, or executed.

I suggest a three strike rule.  Violate someone's enumerated Absurd Guarantees three times and you get dead.   Not sure how.  Probably stoning.  Again, this will reduce the volume of apologies in the media. Some people have gone on to say "Sorry" time and time again.  This way, you hear it no more than twice from the same individual because third violation is curtains.  And sentence should be carried out maybe a day or two after the infraction.  Again, such a policy would apply more equally in some cases than others, while there is always at least a grain of equal maintained throughout the process.

No need for trial.  Just being accused is enough.  It isn't the substance of the complaint but the gravity of the charge that is important.
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Pacific Crest Trail; who knew?

All this time I have been going up to Kwymaii--forgot how to spell it--road on Mt. Laguna, not realizing that the Pacific Crest Trail goes right through that spot.  It is one of the major hiking trails in the US.

You can take it from Mexico up into Canada somewhere.  If I had some people to go with who knew what they were doing, and who weren't as scared of bears as I am, I might be motivated to get into shape.  I can be at the trailhead in Campo in about an hour.

If the right woman knew this stuff and wanted to go, I could do that.  Someone else would have to be the brains of this endeavor.  I could do OK because I can make things work and use resources at hand.  I don't know much about the whole long hike deal though.  And I'm a little skittish when it comes to some animals.  I know.  Wimpy for such an otherwise macho man.

The other afternoon I saw four or five hikers with substantial packs cruising through.  They better hope the fires up in Riverside county go away before they get there.  It will take them a few more days, I think.

I'm not sure I'd even care about starting at Campo.  People who want to be official have to do that.  Lots of uphill hiking, and twists and turns.

I toyed with the idea of taking solo journeys out there for a few days at a shot.  But I think I'd rather just table it unless the right situation came about.  I don't know.  I could escape every now and then, but I hate to leave my car anywhere like at a trailhead.  I suppose I could hike for a long long day to get to a trailhead from home.

Maybe later.  Besides I don't own a backpack or any of the proper stuff for long hikes.

Did I Miss It Already?

Being the conscientious, gung-ho, law loving citizen that I am, I try to keep up with the basics of what is happening in the world of governments.  That covers 99% of what is called news.  Tales of government.

So, while I spent a week sleeping under my bed in a lead blanket, awaiting attack from N. Korea, the story suddenly vanished.  Instead, I get to read that a second rate, yet pro, basketball player decided to become famous by announcing he's gay.  It was a shock to his ex-girlfriend.  Now he's famous.

But what happened to N. Korea?  Any word about that Libyan thing when an ambassador got killed, along with some others?  Benghazi.  No more news there.

Maybe, they had a quick war of some kind and I missed it.  That was a very peculiar buildup considering it just vanished.

Not sure what's up here in CA, other than the bullet rain to nowhere, from nowhere, awarded the contract to one of our senator's husband.  No conflict of interest.  Diane Feinstein only does what's best.  I know because she says so.  She knows best and it is coincidence if her office tends to bring her and her cronies financial windfalls.

Are they smarter for knowing how to play the system and the serf mentality of the public?  Am I a fool for never figuring out how to do that?  Would I be happier if I played the game so I could get my slice of public money?  Not really public--they had to take it off of someone.

Today, I think I've been all wrong about everything, for as long as I remember, almost.   Still, I can't help wondering what's up with being threatened with nukes, then no more news about it.

Sometimes F You is All There is To Say

There are times when my immediate, and lasting reaction to someone or some thing is F*** You!!!!
The above photo is such a case.

Having lived through S. Florida's massive immigration period, and having visited several of our third world neighbors many years ago, even getting a taste of early Castro, I am hyper aware of the blatant lies and hypocrisy of so-called immigration activists.

We have much more lenient, far more hospitable policies that just about any country.  Mexico will kick your ass if you try to hop over their southern border without permission. If you are lucky.  I understand they shoot them a lot.

If people were not so scared of freedom, and understood that compassion is not stealing from one neighbor to serve another, most of what now complicates immigration would not be.

I have considered living elsewhere for extended periods of time.  It never occurred to me to enter a country without observing their laws of entry,  then to protest and demonstrate because I wanted them to spend tax money how I see fit.  I want more services from this place, whose language and signs I don't understand, so I will make a big scene.   OK.  In most countries, if you try that, they'll yank you off the streets in two seconds, and they won't treat you well.  Get locked up, and if you are fortunate, get deported.

Seriously, check out what it would take for you to live in another country for a few years, or forever.  It is impossible in many cases.   New Zealand likes you if you are young and rich. No average Joes .  Certainly be younger than 50 or 40.  And you best be a person of means.  Certainly don't expect to be welcomed anywhere but the USA if you have no means.

It is another problem that has been created by filthy corrupt idiots.  Now, because it means huge voting blocs and power, the same corrupt idiots pretend it is new, unusual and pressing so they can reap the harvest.

My message to those who cross the border near where I live:   Stop with the litter!!!!  The mess these people make is substantial.  At least put it all in a bag and hang it on a tree.  They throw toilet paper--used-- up on bushes, diapers, too, bottles, cans, paper and cloth of all sorts, just scattered about.    But that toilet paper thing.  It is like someone decorated the bush like a Christmas tree, except they used used toilet paper from which to fashion the ornaments.

Duped.  People are so duped, and in many circles, unless you are happy with that, you are not cool.
Some ATF stuff back in news--mostly because those evil republicans are hammering them still about Fast and Furious, and about retaliating against whistle blowers who expose their corruption.

Why have an ATF?  The motive is corrupt from the start, so you think the agency is not going to be shite?

The world people are willing to accept and finance, with ATF, IRS, Health insurance mandates,  and rules so numerous no one knows how many exist--they multiply too fast to keep track---is not a world in which I do well.  The people I should have beat to a bloody pulp in 4th grade are running the show.

If you found it as annoying as I do, there would probably be a huge uprising of some kind, or at least a resistance which is now not evident.  But, I am the one who is a misfit.  The Che T-shirt crowd, neo-bolsheviks, and obnoxious theocrats, and those who will follow anything that keeps them feeling part of the crowd are the mainstream majority who carry the day.

Not the smartest people ever, but they see it to their advantage.  Short sighted, unprincipled creeps.  Oh well, it is better to be considered cool, and never fall into a group or belief which might be ridiculed by an ignorant comedian than to admit what is true, right, or about to run you down and ruin your life.

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Am I Supposed To Care?

Geez, the lead story on radio news---a basketball player is gay, and even said so!    Oh, and is anyone surprised that there are gay people in pro sports?  Well, I am not surprised, or much interested.

The curious thing to me i why "the White House" has to weigh in on it.   But then I couldn't believe it when Congress got all up in private business during the baseball strike, long ago, and several other serious national professional sports emergencies.

That's tax money.  Is it worth it to most people to spend money, paying Jay Carney to announce Obama's pronouncement about how we should feel because some guy says he's gay?   Certainly not worth paying Congress to wring their hands over who took perfamance enhancing substances.   Unbe-friggin-lievable.

But I figured it out.  People like myself simply abhor uninvited, unnecessary oversight of their lives and activities, whether we "have anything to hide", or not.   We tend to see that bending rules in the name of safety or the kids or the war on the wind always results in more power in the hands of those already wielding too much power.

Most of the time, if you mind your own business and walk the straight and narrow you can remain relatively unmolested by the voracious authorities.  Not always.

One thing I like about living where I do is that I can be pretty much out in the middle of nowhere in just minutes.  The troubling part is that if you are like me, you sometimes just go out there to be alone.  More alone.  And that must raise red flags.

We've given up the right to be left alone unless they have a good reason to bother you.  I've had sheriffs and highway patrol, and border patrol swagger up to me demanding I justify my existence many times. I'm on public property.  Places made for leaving your car and hiking, or just catching the view.

If I drive twenty miles east on I-8, then turn around I have to go through a check point.  Border patrol, 25 or 30 miles north of the border.  They have them on the back road too.  Sometimes they have a portable check point out here just a couple of miles from home on a road not that traveled.

If they have a reason to stop me, I've yet to be advised of it.  No, the idea is let's prove you no longer beat your wife/dog/husband/baby.  Wait, I never did!  Prove it.

So, what it comes down to is that most people don't view things as I do.  Those in power see the public in terms of "the masses", and the masses are mostly a big mindless herd, given to the behavior of herds. Those governing do not really see themselves on that level.  They are a little better.  If they didn't think so, they'd not make special exemptions for themselves when crafting various rules for the rest of us.

I've concluded that view people can visualize themselves as autonomous beings whose natural rights include a high degree of freedom and self supervision.   They see those who control them and their resource as better and holy.  They want kings and queens and dogmatic priests in various disguises to control them and protect them.  Mostly from themselves.

We won't snap out of this somnambulist march toward a society very much like that in the book 1984 because people refuse to see what's up, and they still sucker for straw causes set up so they can cheer or protest while they are being robbed, fooled, dumbed down, dehumanized.  I like people, but it seems that when it comes to some things, even smart people are really stupid.

If you've been bombarded with lies all your life, truth becomes a various suspicious and unwelcome intruder upon the psyche.  No one wants to wake up and realize that what they thought was true is false.

It cannot have been too hard to get the bandwagon in motion so that many who question or bemoan over regulation and a super powerful governing set up have mostly been classed as kooks, and even security threats.  That is a coup.  Those who believe in the least violence and coercion are labelled just the opposite.  And because no one wants to be thought a kook, people go along.

Never have I seen such blatant propaganda in use to increase power.   Many have been shameless in using Sandy Hook, Boston, and other events to grab a few minutes in the limelight.  Hijack the tragedy or crisis, then use it to further the power of government over people, and pretend it is out of compassion.  Not buying it.

We are the only species who will run people off of family farms and such if they are in the way--  Eminent domain---but we'll completely kill needed projects for humans if there is a hint of risk to the habitat of another species.  That sucks.  I'm not saying ignore everything, or that making a mess is OK. That is different.  Often the species in question is not a real issue.  I have seen perfect examples of it.

The problem is there is very little ground which is neither blunderingly abusive to people and other things nor ridiculously misanthropic nonsense.  All or nothing is how many people see it.  You're either for stripping the earth of all beauty and purity, or you think humans have no right here, unless maybe the bears say it is OK.  I hate that attitude of no third view.

Same goes if I say I think the democratic party is not the way.   Oh, so then you're a republican--and they'll throw some evil republican thing at me--so you think that is fine?  Geez.  Both parties have robbed people of their self respect, their money, even opportunity, and they never stop making big problems then rushing in to claim they "are fighting" to solve the problem.  What a deal.

If you grew up too late to taste a bit more freedom, and it may depend when and where your parents grew up as well, you are unlikely to react much as the long arm of the law squeezes a little tighter.

How could I expect people to have better sense?  We've been fighting wars since WWII, sixty years or so, with no real resolve, conflicting excuses for the wars, and little if anything positive to show for it.   Yet it seems that people have not been sure enough the wars were garbage or they'd have refused.  Of course, often times, these wars don't affect us personally, so big deal.

That may be why they quit the draft, at least for now.  That VietNam thing almost got out of hand.  They pushed use of the draft about as far as the could manage without a revolt.  Even then, people who hated hippies and flower power collectivists tended to embrace the draft and VN war out of rebellion against them, never fully probing the question of what was the point.

If it ain't defense, forget it.  W says the spread of democracy or freedom is the big deal.  The two are not actually the same.   W is wrong.  Strengthen at home.  Don't lay out a red carpet for non-productive types who jump the border for benefits.  That is just common sense.

They love using the phrase "common sense" when they talk about guns, borders and such but it is meaningless in the context generally used.  I like most foreigners, myself, but riffraff of any stripe is worth filtering out.  We have plenty of seriously undeveloped people running around like rabid dogs as it is.

And even though I like foreigners, I would not throw money in the kitty, and would certainly not force you to, in order to pay their education or other bills, including medical as a welcome for crossing the border.  In a freer economy, with a government that did what it should--protect against force and fraud--this would not be a big issue.

Most of the laws and bills passed are pretend efforts to fix problems created because they don't enforce what ought to be enforced.  They go all zealot when it come to enforcing things that aren't hurting others.  Sorry abortion fanatics, or anti-abortion fanatics, but I include that.  I see your point, but just let it go.  Fight it culturally.  And good luck, the culture is having many other issues as well.

I will compromise and change my previous stance on abortion:  I no longer think it should be permissible up to age 15 years.  I now believe you got to get it before it pops out or the game is off.  It comes out alive then you have no more shot at it.  Never should have been a public issue.  You cannot force your way on such things and promote a free country.

Odd that the biggest supporters of choice also tend to support a gazillion other rights and humanity and money robbing measures.  Makes me think they just do it so the Christians will get worked up and make opposition to their other totalitarian efforts look clownish.  It is working.  Sad to say.

So, it comes down to this.  Too many people are too stupid to want a free society or understand it.  The thugs and gangsters of history, under guise of priests, king and warlords knew this and have controlled the people and culture forever.   Whether a constructive paradigm shift is possible remain to be seen.

Give me a break.  Gay basketball player.   Maybe not an oxymoron, but I'll bet there are dozens in the NBA.  And NFL--except in the NFL they may not be basketball players.  Just ball player, I suppose.  If that i being used as news, it means some truly nefarious activity must be at play in the shadows.  Hey, look over there...

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Free Floating Confusion

I'm never in the right place at the right time when I think of good things to say, so I either say nothing or I say not good things.

Saying something seems necessary for me to convince myself I have one foot on the ground and that I haven't fallen off the edge for good.  I do worry that I could fade away into fantasyland and not return.  From the outside that looks like a person oblivious to his surroundings, rocking back and forth staring at the wall of his rubber room.

We don't want that, do we?  I do not think I do.  Why I tread so close to that line, I may never know.  I blame society, racism, sexism, islamophobia, hetreophobia, and homophobia.   Those are things you can blame for your confusion without question.  Especially if you recast confusion as persecution.

If anyone can do that, I can.  Where this activity loses it's charm is at that point when you can no longer believe your own lies and excuses.  Sure, I'm a victim, but maybe not enough of a victim to justify my downfall and lack of healthy up lift.

That part is tough because it leaves the obvious alternative staring one in the face.   The alternative is to examine any failings of my own which can't be satisfactorily pinned on society and them.

I know I could get others to encourage pinning my difficulties and weaknesses on a host of things which beg the question.  But at the moment I'm in one of those states of mind characterized by not buying all my internal lies and theories.

Maybe the playing of music for no good reason actually is helping keep my feet somewhere near the ground.   I don't know.

I may have to play Sat night to help out the Mormon tabernacle choir.   We'll see.  If he has that drummer there, then I won't play.  They sent out a thing inviting me to the event, and also to play.  Maybe I just don't want to hurt his feelings or his girlfriend's.   I don't know.  I cannot imagine how I would benefit them musically.

He's a one man show, player-singer and that means he has to change to bring in instruments.  He plays well, but sometimes you have to not try to play all the parts or it is no fun to be a sideman.

Throw in the world's worst, least aware drummer, and we got us an event to remember.  

I'm skeptical, to say the least.  Must be guilt or something.  In one sense I fell like I'm being a friend.  In another I feel like a sucker.

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Fine Couple of Musical Days

Last night I went with K and L to a thing in a large Point Loma house with an ocean view and lots of window.  It was sort of a new agey deal, but not really.  I'm able to adapt in that environment because of my strange life.   The guy doing the house concert is a really nice guy, and the way he described his process of playing is how I'd describe mine--on a good day.

His main thing is cello.  Way back, he was a session bass player.  Anyway, he mixed in some Indian string instrument--not a sitar--used looping and created layers then usually played cello over it, altering the loops as he played.  It was good.  I liked his attitude and his playing.

And, I swear, ALL the women were good looking.  It appears there is a chance they want us to play there.  That's the foot in the door I'm after.  With luck, I may yet encounter another kid in a candy store scenario.

OK.  So, we were slated to play Cosmos, the smarmy place, tonight.  And we did, and every negative thing I had in my mind about the place was wrong.  They did something so the stage had adequate room.  A guy I know had the sound system under control.  I do not think I've had things set that well since I've been in California.

By the way, Feliz quatro vente.

Before Cosmos, there was the Sat. open mic in Rancho San Diego.  Cliff was there but didn't want to play.  Neither of us wanted to do anything like what we'd be doing later.  They put my name on the slate whether I ask or not.  I decided to see if I could get a bass and guitar player to pick up and carry with me after I started some sort of pattern.  On the first one we ended up morphing into Kansas city because the guitar could sing it, and it was fun to slide into it.

We did another far different thing in Eminor.  I couldn't believe the guitar was able to work with it.  That is the kind of situation I miss about decades ago in Greensboro.  That was what people did, and had to do then.  I guess they were emphasizing the make it up as you go school.  They also emphasized that whatever you are doing better fit.

So, it was a mini jam and it worked.  Planting little seeds.

The people that organize that event closed it early so people could go see us at Cosmos.  That was unexpected.
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Whether I played better than I have in a long time, I don't know.  I do know I had more fun playing than I have in a long time.  Sometimes playing well is not overplaying, and just complimenting the background.  There were plenty of times when I am expected to run amok.  The sound was so good, I had all kinds of control so I let myself get lost in it.  No complaints.  I still wonder how it sounded, but I had fun and played without second thought.

There was one of the beauties from the yoga group place.  And she appears single.  But am I too old for her?  I can't tell.  Seems reasonable to just be used for awhile then dumped.  So, under those conditions I won't mind if I'm found to be too old.    That woman has "trouble" coming out of every pore.  

It's like I'm thinking, hey this could be a fun roller coaster even though it would certainly end badly.   If that isn't mental illness, perhaps it is spring fever.
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It looks like my insistence on trying to play background, and not noisy on top all the time, is paying off.  Some of the better players I've encountered, who do regular gigs around town, are taking notice and commenting favorably.  Eventually the circle will widen to include who knows what.

The music thing is silly, I think.  But it is there, and I think I have some angle on it where I'm competent.
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Was listening to Donato Poveda CD.  He's some kind of Spanish speaking nationality.  The music seems to have Mexican, Cuban and something else influences.   I was big on that CD for much of my exodus trip, when I first left Memphis.   I highly recommend Donato.  But you have to listen to the whole thing.  Great traveling music.   Lots of percussion on some of it, cool Mexican-ish harmonies.

I find some of the rhythms on Donato's album to be compelling.   It has been awhile.  I forgot how Donato rocks.
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Did I report that Los Lonely Boys cancelled the show on the 28th?  They did.  I'm not surprised.  It was that long ago that the guitar player fell off the stage and did some injuries.  If I'm around in August they'll be playing Shelter Island, right there on Point Loma.  On the bay.  I know it is stupid to pretend anyone knows what I did or did not "report".
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OK.  That's it.  We only played two 1/2 hour sets.  Some other guys alternated with us.  The place was not that big.  Not a huge crowd, but enough.   1/2 hour is not bad for a set of this kind.   Enough mix that I could gage the demographics of who seemed to like various things.  I do OK with the younger set--the ones that look like possible trouble.  Seriously.  I've found that you can't jump to conclusions.  If they like what I do, then I'll vouch for their good character and high sense of artistic integrity.

In some ways, SoCal does find ways to keep people entertained.  Only in CA would a house concert like that be happening as it did.   I hope it doesn't become so heavy handed that I leave, because this place is beginning to suit me fine.

Never know what is around the corner, at least in my world.  How do I know how it works for anyone else?  

420 and More Odd Harp Player At Large Foolishness

This probably doesn't happen to you, but it happens to me a lot.   I walk in a place where people know me, and at least one, often more over a span of time, will give a look of recognition then immediately mime like they are playing harmonica for a few seconds.   I don't play air guitar every time I see a guitar player.  I don't play air piano at Fin when we cross paths.

They always do it with a cheerful attitude, but it does get a little scary.  I guess I have to accept that people associate me with playing what I am not certain is even a real musical instrument.   I wonder what mime antics they'd employ were I known for being a proctologist, or gynecologist.

Oh well.  Wednesday night, at the last minute, I decided to show for the Parky's semi-blues jam/open mic.  I didn't have a great time the first time I explored that place.   This time was different.

I met new people and some hotshots had me sit in with them.  All was quite hospitable and ego boosting.  Even the regular bluesharp player there insisted that I must come back.   That was nice enough.

Now I have to play tonight at Cosmos in La Mesa.   What they call a stage is the size of a bath mat.   How the four of us will deal with that is yet to be seen.   I ought to have a better attitude, but Cosmos is one of those places where young yuppies in training, who fancy themselves intellectual go to be hip and to put on their best bored faces.

I'm probably being unfair, but there is a chance that I am not.   I did not want to play this.  The rest of the CopperCreek bunch did, so I piped down.  Such nice people--can't say no.  

We are filling in for whomever is the regular Saturday night act at this smug venue.  I used the word smarmy to describe them in the past, but I think the actually meaning of the word is a little off the mark.  It certainly sounds spot on for this crowd though.

I can only hope I am nowhere where people try to hijack tragedy by conducting moments of silence, etc.  I hate it when people play compassion commando, seeking attention with their pious manipulation of crowds and such.

Oh well.  Why let the bastards who forever try to take the fun out of life win?   I won't be overly cautious or safe.  And screw worrying about embarrassing myself or any of that.  How ridiculous.  People will mock anyone who is real and happy.  I have a history of fear of being laughed at so I spent much of life unhappy and not real, and no one laughed.  Worth it?   Hardly

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Never Let Chaos and Ignorance Go To Waste

Unbelievable.

The curse of living more than a few decades is that one can recall a time when 15 year old kids could ride motor scooters and small motorcycles, with .22 rifles strapped on board, out to 117th av in Dade County to shoot rats among the appliances people dumped there.

We didn't even wear helmets.  I'd wear a helmet now in that situation, if one was readily available.   There are a number of things which one could do which one cannot do now without permission or official oversight of some kind.  And there are numerous activities which pretty much went out the window along the way.

It is a different world.  I've heard various explanations for it, but none of them seem all that solid.  What is clear is that freedom is not what it was, and the general attitude toward life, liberty and pursuit of happiness has changed a great deal.

The Boston bombings have brought out reactions that leave me in utter disbelief.  There are actors who are using Boston to somehow show that the 2nd amendment has to go.   There are news organizations which openly hope the culprit is a white male, ant-government radical.  

I guess all the speculation and hopes that whoever did this falls under a category which will serve a particular political agenda is to be expected since logic, decency, and reverence have long been forgotten in the world of news and politics.

Some hope for the usual Islamic fanatic terrorist.  I'm somewhat disgusted by all of it.  It is stupid to make assumptions until you know.  It is sleazy to use it to paint your philosophical and political foes in a bad light.  Especially since all we know is that someone or ones planted bombs and killed.

The fact that people can, with a straight face, claim that the answer here is more government and taxes (Barney Frank), or that the right to bear arms is the evil, or that somehow it must be one of "them radical constitutionalists"  ...I give up.

When believing that a government ought to adhere to its written guidelines casts one as a domestic terrorist, something is definitely off kilter.  I am largely anti-government, in the sense that I think less of it would be better, and that too many laws are detrimental to people.   It is a big jump to lump that thinking together with violence.  Quite the opposite.  I'm opposed to use of force unless for self defense, or defense of innocent others.  

Lately, I read and see things all the time which label many of my beliefs as somehow threatening and worthy of watch lists or whatever.  But then those same people ignore the fact that Mao, Stalin, Castro, and most other communist dictators killed massive numbers of their own people to avoid any possible opposing viewpoints and factions.  No, those people view totalitarian states with envy and awe.  Useful idiots, and presumptive elites.  They never think of themselves as peons obeying without question.  They see themselves as enlightened guidance counselors.

I would gladly be a "citizen of the world" if not for the fact that most of the world is more racist than the USA, much of the world consists of religious states-theocracies. and much of it is philosophically, culturally much cruder and crueler.  I'll hold off.  For now, I'm a citizen of the US, although it seems as if I was dropped in some bad imitation of the US.

The complete love of authority is what probably shocks me the most.  How people can be so willing to place control of so much in the hands of so few amazes me.  I certainly do not trust an unchecked police force, military or legislature.  It is not coincidence that "career public servants" tend to come out far better, financially, than the job supposedly pays.

Really, though?  Hoping the culprit is white and opposed to the abuses of the king?   Damn.  It is a pandemic which makes the flu look pleasant.  There may be no free land left.  Where do those who don't fit well in a world patrolled by hall monitors go?

I May Be Related to Forrest Gump or Leonard Zelig

It seems I often wind up in circumstances as if I'm just wandering around through life happening upon various, seemingly unrelated places and events.  There is no real rhyme or reason for most of it.

Sometimes it all works out, but I am left as baffled by the result as I am pleased.  I guess this usually involves some sort of social situation.  Like the wedding this weekend.

Having no idea what to expect, except that I might be cast in the role of roving diplomat should any of the potential conflicts gain ground, I enjoyed the opportunity to attend without any preconceived expectations.

I had no idea there would be more than maybe fifty people.  There were 165, and they all seemed to genuinely care about the bride and groom.  That was very cool.

They had a dinner/reception after the wedding.  All the tables had the guests names, so you knew where to sit.  There was a big list in the lobby that listed the tables and names of the people at each.

The bride and groom had a small table with just them.  Then there was table number 1.  It turns out that was the hotshot table with mother of the bride, her husband, and I guess ten more people.

They'd determined dietary bias ahead of time, so some had chicken or some such, some steak, and a few a vegetarian Italian dinner.  It was all good.

Much to my surprise, I was at table #1.

Soon enough the dancing began.  I think the wine, beer, and more spirited spirits were flowing from the minute the ceremony was over.  Some guy was playing DJ, I guess.  For the most part, not any music that made me want to dance anymore than an engine idling with a rod knock gives me happy feet.

However, when he played a couple of catchy Santana tunes, I temporarily let loose of my inner lunatic. Then all those wild married women wanted me to dance.  What a pain.  Married women, your job is to herd single women who meet my specs my way, lie about my good character and reliability, and generally help me work my schemes.

Don't wait until someone who is, bless her heart, in no way attractive to me wanders by to make a big deal about the fact I'm single.  If I felt that desperate I'd just go to the mail order store; find me a wonderful East European.  Right there in black and white they promise to be wonderful wives.  I'm sure there is no risk involved.

Anyway.  It was great.  Never did I expect it to be such a good time.  For various reasons a few things could have been rather awkward.  It is due to the parents of the bride that all remained harmonious.  They are very good at not letting their egos get the better of them when wisdom suggests restraint.

There were several people from Florida, some of whom I know.  That was fun.  While all the wedding party and out of towners stayed at the hotel/resort complex, I went to Point Loma to dog sit for a dog who may weigh as much as me.  And he's not fat.  A great pyranese. Maybe that is how you spell it.  Very pleasant and gentle animal.  Fluffy white fur.  In the old days, they lived with the sheep and killed wolves.  Wild.

So, I had a view overlooking the bay, with downtown San Diego skyline straight across on the other side.   It is about as nice as you can find for a picturesque city view.

Then it was back to wedding land for brunch.  Then loading up all kinds of wedding and party props, cases of wine, etc. to take back to the house with the view.

It is so strange that I have this unique place in that family, and even their friends expect me to be around for these things.  I guess they are my friends as well, some of them.

I left feeling a little bit better about myself than I did going in.  It show developmental retardation but I have a little trouble in that regard.  Lots of people are kind and tend to give me special treatment, I think.

I did realize, that while I tend to take in more of the subtleties and various things going on in a group setting like that, there are a lot of things about human interaction that eludes me.  I probably compensate well, but compensate, I do.  It made all the difference that I was able to take care of a few things during the event which helped out.  Prevents one from getting bored or isolating too much.

I was certainly in the thick of it much of time.

Anyway, if Mrs Me ever shows up, I'm still inclined to just go to the courthouse--if she has to have the friggin paper.  I'm hoping she's not wanting a big wedding.  By big, I mean more than maybe one guest, if that.   But, if I'm smitten, I guess I'd end up doing whatever she wanted, because that is pretty much how it goes.  And I'm good with that.  Women have broadened my horizons more than anyone, nudging me out of my comfort zone now and then.   They alway seem to be very sure they know what they are doing. It takes awhile for the truth to surface.

I'm still amazed at how much fun people were having, and how well the whole thing was managed.

Next stop: Los Lonely Boys on the 28th.  A lady I work with is a fan so both of us will go.  Don't call it a date. I don't.  That would be problematic in many ways.   We're pretty good friends.  I think.

I figured since I never go see any groups, mostly because I don't like crowds much, and few bands inspire me a whole lot, I should do this while I have the chance.  It is at one of the casinos a couple of hours north of here.  Out west it seems that a couple of hours away is just no big deal.

I'd rather see LLB than groups that charge five times more for tickets.