Militant Poofs are Crazy

Here's a case in which people think they are getting something special but it could be disaster: Doing away with Don't Ask- Don't Tell

If I was gay, I'd push to keep the status quo. Anyone who remembers the dark days of the draft ought to understand. They herded guys between 18 and 26 (I think) into the marines and army so they could then fight a limited war in Vietnam. Limited means we play by narrower rules than the enemy and put our own people in more danger than we should, while dragging out the entire operation for far too long.

Limited war means most us probably don't know with certainty and conviction what we are doing there and what we intend to accomplish. Many officers had plans which would have changed the course of that war, but politicians nixed all but the least effective. It was not a good thing. Kennedy and LBJ got that ball rolling. Nixon eventually said to hell with it and we had a messy withdrawal.

No matter what you think of that, being forced into the military according to how your birthdate was drawn in a lottery, or under any conditions, is not a pleasant thing if you had other plans for your life, and saw no pressing danger to your country which would motivate you to fight. In the old days if you proclaimed that you were gay, you weren't taken.

The draft changed many a life, even if you didn't get drafted. You were not the master of your life or future. No choice. If the war was a good idea, few could argue that the way it was conducted was a good plan. How can you send people into these things then limit your ability to succeed on purpose? Criminal.

Now you can serve if you are gay, but you'd also be able to avoid the draft if it went into effect right now. Arguing against this setup just puts you under the boot if they decide to go back to that involuntary servitude set up.

I don't care who serves, but if I were gay, and young enough to be in their crosshairs, I'd be careful about losing my emergency exit plan. Women could be in the same boat as well. It is good that anyone is free to pursue a chosen career, but the fewer people eligible for legal enslavement, the better.

You absolutely cannot trust the legitimacy of any police action or war, declared or not, that this government might initiate. I understand that gays want to be considered like everyone else, except that they want crimes against them to carry heavier penalties and such. Hate crime madness aside, I think they should take a good look at the present system which may discourage strutting their sexual preference in the military, yet it affords special treatment should forced service come about. Ad that is not a far fetched possibility.

Oh well. I just hate to see anyone unknowingly put themselves under any sort of involuntary servitude. And that's the other side of changing don't ask-don't tell.

Over the years my view of that whole thing changed. At first it was "when my country calls, I must answer". Now I believe that those doing the calling are self serving evil lunatics and they take advantage of the patriotism of the masses. They lie, and deceive in order to have citizens do their dirty work. If it comes to true defense the story may be different.

We've gone with these vague wars with unclear goals and definition for so long, I'm not sure the public would recognize a real threat worth fighting against. I'm not convinced totally that we are actually fighting crazy terrorists over there so we don't have to fight them here. We've armed most of our enemies over the years, before they became our enemies. The routine is flawed in my opinion.

Whatever. I thought gays were supposed to be brighter than average. Begging to be in the loop when the slave state comes down does not reflect much intelligence.

It may be a little simplistic, but if you look at it, democrats have been pushers of slavery, while republicans have been quick to put a patriotic spin on it. The Vietnam draft really ramped up under Kennedy and Johnson, and republicans at the time wanted to shoot those who didn't comply--an exaggeration, but for effect. Now they want forced community service and insurance purchase. I'm nt sure what republicans want. They sometimes say what makes sense then manage to do the opposite.

This is one case in which the cause may be opposite of what those fighting for it think. Unless they trust that they'd only be drafted for the noblest of purposes. I have no such trust in the powers that be.

My Kind of Cat

There have been two sightings of mountain lion(s)--it could be the same one--in my area in the last 10 days or so. One lady saw one "leap across the road" as she was driving on the paved road at the bottom of ballistic mountain, and some other people saw one cross the dirt road almost up to Ballistic Cabin (or Kabin, if you are into kamping lite, like myself)

Considering all the rabbits I see running around when I drive in at sundown, the eating should be good for all the local predators. I'm hoping to see a cougar vs coyote showdown in my backyard sometime. So far that hasn't happened. As swell as the coyotes are, I'll be on the side of the cat. If I am feeling particularly disconnected with reality when this event occurs, I'll jump down with my machete and help the cat. A pack of coyotes can be a troubling foe for any animal.

My brother has cautioned me several times not to think coyotes are safe to feed and pet. Such is the family's view of my level of common sense and general knowledge. I'll refrain from expressing my views about the mountain lion vs coyote scenario for that would surely elicit a lecture regarding the deadly nature of being eaten by wild animals with big teeth.

I've seen one bobcat since living here, and I hope to see a mountain lion, but not with any part of my body in its mouth or claws.

Cougars are less annoying than bears because they don't raid coolers looking for sandwiches and deviled eggs, while the park service lays down impossible rules for defending against them. Bears have all the rights. They are as smart and sneaky as lawyers. I have no idea how you can carry or eat any food without a bear sensing it. Because they know how to get into cars and coolers in CA and even know what containers likely yield food--even without their keen sense of smell, I'm reluctant to go places I'd like due to my fear of bears. Not to mention over aggressive squirrels.

The whole thing started when supposed animal lovers thought it would be cute to feed the furry creatures in the parks. Over the years it has become a huge problem, yet some people still do these stupid things. Now you have entitlement minded squirrels, bears, raccoons, and in Florida, alligators. No surprise that you have people in Florida dumb enough to feed gators. I knew plenty of that sort when I lived there.

Anyway, I think one should be able to have some sort of serious deterrent when venturing into the wilderness. Most of the things I'd suggest would never meet the approval of those who think "bears are people, too", or "they were here first, so we are trespassing on their land". Show me a single animal who gives a damn about what is yours and what is theirs unless certain ass kicking results from intrusion.

OK. So, mountain lions generally leave you alone. They don't steal much, they just attack or not. And even the forestry service advises you to fight them off or throw rocks if they appear aggressive and you can't easily get away. Don't turn your back or they might jump on you and sever your spinal cord with a single bite. That's how they do it. Let them bite your nose instead.

Bears, on the other hand, can be more complicated. There was a kid with a scout group who tossed a rock at a bear who was confronting him and his buddies. They were trying to shoo it away. the kid got in a lucky shot and it killed the bear---a one in a billion chance, I think. What happens? The kid got arrested!! he's probably still on probation. That was out west somewhere. Not sure if it was California. I wonder if they tacked on a little extra, labeling it a hate crime.

This has been a public service bulletin from Ballistic mountain.

I wonder if there is a connection between these sightings and the recent lack of coyote activity.

A Good Weekend

First I meet a guy who knew Norton Buffalo and was at his memorial gig which was a huge music fest sort of thing, almost, then there was the good time playing at the get together/party up here on Ballistic Mountain. That in itself makes a good weekend.

But today yielded a nice potted mint plant--long enough story. I like mint. And I had a conversation with my old band's bass player back in Tennessee. He wanted some info he could feed the new harp player. I feel like an indirect mentor. In digging up certain resources I realize that I am not that great. Even so, I pretty much know what I'm talking about when it comes to diatonic harmonica, and some about chromatic.

Half of this got lost in a snafu re connectivity so I am making up what is missing. It was hours ago that disaster struck so the thought has gone away.

Anyway, it was a good weekend. My old band in memphis is doing OK, according the the bass player, but he wanted me to send some info that might help my replacement do a little bit better. In looking up resources on line I had to face how little I actually know. I'm an anomaly. It just barely works for me, what I do and how I do it, but it is unlikely that the purists would approve. Normal harp players would look askance. I'm amazed that most players don't toss me out on my ear. I guess a little bit of good sense goes a long way.

I may not know or be able to do some of the things you ought to, but I know how to not step on the other players, and that is worth a bundle I'm finding. And I don't play the same lick over and over during a solo no matter what song is being done. That little bit of sensibility can make it look like you know something more. One of these days I will get the art of blues/jazz/country/ballistic acid harp down. In the mean time I hope they never see the really good players on youtube or elsewhere.

Probably since most harps want to be the front man, and I like the sound of music best in most cases when the harp is a back up item, that keeps me safe. You get a vocalist or guitar player annoyed if they think you want to take the main spot. I'm fortunately not in that mode. So, those with sense see that I am not a threat. Unfortunately many in my past never figured out I was just there to make them sound better. Ingrates and whatchamacallits. What a sad thing to be, too afraid to work toward the best overall product. Lot of that in entertainment; people who don't care about best, just as long as they can be up front.

That's whay I am in the business I am in, whatever that is.

It was a good weekend. I enjoyed the conversation with the old bass player and others today.

Magic of the Tour Remembered

Today was one that brought back that almost mystical faith which launched me on my quest for home when I left Memphis, embarking upon the Ballistic Tour in the now defunct tourmobile #1. For no reason that I can define, I knew as soon as the idea filtered into my sad and addled mind that the radical move into the unknown was the right thing.

Soon pieces began falling into place, even though I felt as if I was submerged in a vat of wet cement, barely able to move. As the pieces began to fit together that feeling of living in that viscous fog decreased bit by bit. People from my very distant past appeared out of nowhere and actually helped me plan the trip from across the country. Even the majority of sounds which entertained the journey were shipped to me by such people.

Much of the journey was uplifting; seeing relatives in Texas, doing wild repair work on buildings while there, and generally enjoying the company. Since everything was new because I had not been to the majority of places along the ever changing route, it gave the event a sort of magical ambiance. I did struggle a bit with loneliness, and some depressive regret for things long past, but I did my best to change the thinking and not allow this new life to be overwhelmed with free floating sadness. I no longer wanted to be a victim of my own emotions. That is a thing that takes conscious effort but it can be done.

So then I end up here, in the enchanted cottage at 3000 feet, which is nice, with a view I only half dared to hope I'd have when I landed. Then I end up with friends in this remote neighborhood who play music and wanted me to be a part of it. I've had enough work to pay the rent and live. And I can't even explain what I do. A lot of outdoor teak and some whatnot stuff as well.

I have had periods of time in the last year and a half in which I've come close to stagnation, depression, and generally unhealthy isolation. However that is the nature of my being, I think. the main thing is not to let that beast win. Avoid feeding it to the extent that I can. It is almost sacrilegious to get too down because I have been the recipient of a tremendous amount of trust, kindness, generosity, understanding and respect here. To let things go down the drain without a fight would be like not holding up my end. No way should one let his friends feel like they are wasting their good support and faith.

Anyway, the wheel always rolls back around and the fact that life is OK kind of washes through me, and I realize I may be where I need to be at this moment. I know I probably sound new agey or sappy, but that attitude has pulled me up from some very dark depths, and it is quite a contrast. When you finally feel good after being sick, it can be exciting. Same sort of thing.

Today my friends had a little get together up the mountain a bit. The weather was perfect so we were outside. they play music, sing, and make wonderful food. We had a smal PA set up on the deck and only maybe 12 or 15 people, including an 11 year old girl. If every person was like her, what a world it would be. She helped me pick up my harps when I spilled the harmonica box with about 10 or so flying off all over the place.

A guy, keyboard player and Juliard grad, who knew Norton Buffalo personally and was at his big send off memorial, was there. He was a very nice guy. Everyone had a blast. Another guy there joined with us on guitar and did some solo stuff. Once it thinned out, the few of us left went inside because they were getting mosquito bitten and everyone there was singing and playing music. It was an extraordinary thing. Not only that but the new guitar guy is involved in some cutting edge air conditioning stuff that really piqued my interest. It could be a little glimmer of something I might get into in some capacity.

Somehow, I left this get together feeling like I had again recaptured that unashamed happiness regardless of past loss, status or any of that. It is the state of mind I have to cultivate---just a live being enjoying being alive, without free floating guilt or self appraisal based on things beyond my control and not of my own values.

I was unbelievably nervous at first because I guess I was intimidated by the keyboard guy's credentials and talent. I got over it. It was cool to hear him playing a Dave Brubeck tune on a keyboard someone dug up. There are a lot of interesting people out here in CA. That guy lives in San Fran with a view of the Golden Gate bridge. He's been in the music biz in one capacity or another all his life. he and the host of the party went to high school together in the midwest. Keyboard was voted most talented---I saw the yearbook.

The lady of the house commented how she felt that the way this party worked out she was finally just enjoying the moment rather being too preoccupied or trying to control stuff too much to even notice and live right now.

There was some off color banter by these nuts regarding harmonica player and things I won't mention. Why they want to promote me that way when all the women there were married, I do not know. Maybe they have sisters who will hear these baseless rumors through the grape vine. I guess I didn't mind the attention. Most of the time if people subject you to good natured embarrassment, it because they consider you well entrenched in their family of friends.

It is almost shocking how much I learn about how you are supposed to behave and live from friends here in the SD area. I may have had some huge gaps in my understanding of some things related to interacting with people. Not like I can't get along or couldn't, but there are or were many areas of that in which I've been truly clueless. Lots of people don't recognize that aspect of me, and that leads to misunderstanding or some other disconnect.

I write this stuff down because I know I can cycle. I need to have a record of the times when I realistically felt optimistic, and happy, and knew life was taking turns for the better. My trick for the cycles has been to ride out the lows, attempting not to believe the extremely pessimistic thoughts, and to embrace the highs and pinpoint what aspects of the optimism can be defined. The cycles aren't so drastic that I think medication to level it would be useful. It is just the way life is and I am able to temper it. Most humans have ups and downs. The nature of them varies, but within certain limits, best to adjust to it without chemicals---at least in my case.

Alright, that is my Pollyana-esque gushing for today.

Understanding Those Who Promote Complexity

Often in the past when discussing philosophy of civilization with family and others I find myself accused of being simplistic and paranoid. It all seems very clear to me; the momentum of things appears to result in limited freedom, more official oversight of inoffensive lives, and an obstacle to just getting by.

What I came to believe--my theory--regarding the support these people have for convoluted rules, economic meddling and all the rest--is that A) they managed to grow up and enter adult life in a somewhat mainstream way, degrees, consistent employment in a profession, money B) they pride themselves on their general knowledge and grasp of esoteric specialized details. C) they love to reinforce their view of their intelligence by being able to grasp detailed and complicated rules and their rationalizations. D) they feel relieved that it does not benefit them to stand against the powers that be E)they rationalize their abhorrence of general principle under the guise of being "realists".

This results in these people looking at the big picture as something to be managed. They cannot resist. Their minds busily weigh through the matters of life and how it can all be best managed. The assumption is that those who have fallen off the mainstream track, those who do not have MBAs or better, or some other appropriate documentation on the wall, are not qualified to know what is best for themselves, and that they are obviously lesser beings who would not understand the intricate aspects of life, viewed as a game with the resulting strategies which are required to play it correctly.

Matters of principle based on the belief that the ideal system maintains order while preserving maximum individual freedom are seen as rigid unrealistic ideology which only the lesser intellects would embrace. It is a subtle trap. If you do not grasp every detail of why protracted wars are fought, or why the money is controlled as it is, then you have no right to say these things are the result of a government functioning beyond its proper powers.

They have such a low opinion of the most downtrodden that they are resigned to the notion that certain groups will forever have to be kept by government benevolence. As long as they have enough for cable and booze, maybe drugs, then they'll be pacified and help support the status quo.

It is a very real elitist view. Since that mentality spills over into every day life, I find contact with such people disheartening. I'm nt of the elite. My walls bear little evidence of an approved life path. The humanitarian award is merely a testament to how the heart outweighed the intellect. I should have made money from the disaster. What must I have been thinking?

The interesting thing is that without a definition of what constitutes lesser, the philosophy would be no fun. I consider it a misplaced form of competition, and in the end an obstacle to climbing out of the rut in which some of us have landed.

I believe that, subconsciously, many of those who have reached a safe point, through worthy accomplishment, do not want to see others achieve that level of security or accomplishment through less orthodox means, or really, by any means. It's the syndrome I remember when people who got their license at 16 were then all for raising the age when they were 18 or so. They did not mind the benefit of a looser structure but felt self satisfied in adding the hoops through which those behind them had to jump.

Probably, if my life had not been so systematically obliterated in a myriad of ways, I would not care if the system was morally lacking or not. Just as long as I had my world in such order that I could gloat. Pride in success is good and right. I find it gets twisted when it turns into an intellectual rationalization for narrowing the opportunities available to others. Hence you get the system in which there are plenty of opportunities--through government grants, official approvals, etc.

Some of us do not want such subsidy and oversight. I guess we get what we deserve for our resistance to reality, Comrade.


*****Remind me to tell you about the hitchhiker I picked up--75 year old man with $5 in his pocket and the gallon of water I gave him--possibly headed to Miami--he's not sure. He said he had to get away from his seedy neighborhood to avoid getting depressed. He has faith it will work out OK.

War On Obesity Seen In Night Sky

Wally O Sausagowski was convicted of being problematically fat. Government officials sent him into shallow orbit around the earth. His re-entry was witnessed across the midwest. Although the official spin is that they have not yet made a determination on the identity of this fireball, and they have implied it was meteor related, an insider in the Department of Obesity and Poor Genetics, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that this was in fact Mr. Sausagowski burning up as he re-entered the atmosphere.

Don't say I did not warn you.

If you are not a string bean I suggest not wearing horizontal stripes, bikinis or speedos. Get some elevator shoes to enhance your height, and avoid face to face contact with government officials, census workers, or overactive neighborhood watch personnel.

War on Fat People

They call it the cause to reduce childhood obesity.

Do not be fooled. If you are fat you are at risk. THEY are going to get you. THEY are at war with you. You have had it. You can still complain about being discriminated against because you are big and FAT, but that won't last. Soon, they will force you into special clinics where they will perform liposuction on you and use the gooky fat to power AirForce 1.

They will tax your extra pounds as calculated from that chart which tells you how much you should weigh at a given height, regardless of natural body type. You are going to be a Big FAT cash cow for THEM.

Yikes, what CBS calls "right leaning", I call left field statists

In my lexicon, statist is a person who believes most, if not all of life's answers and activities are best treated through government power and action.

There was some thing on a CBS TV site that had a slide show of "right leaning celebrities". If someone sang at a republican function, or supported John McCain, or is Ahnold, they include that person in their list. Arnold is just a Kennedy in disguise, hence, California has not done any better under him. He is a fraud just like most democrats and republicans. I mean that in specific ways. Arnold thinks government is the answer. He plays all the games based on junk science to appease the green brigade--which results in trying to bring in energy from Mexico--oil and coal fired power---while pretending the new infrastructure that requires is for wind and solar. It is a shell game but that is how it will work. Right leaning? No, I think WRONG leaning.

The whole concept of right and left in political philosophy has become quite foggy. They also listed people because they were outspoken Christians. Most preachers and holy men I've heard are all for using your money to do their bidding in a governmental sense. Many are quite clearly socialist in belief. Some have been vocally political and involved in issues which I'd half way support, but their reasons were not the same. Then there is always the abortion flap. Just let people have them. If they are on welfare, encourage and pay for it!!

Mostly, since I always considered left to mean in support of more centralization of control, and more regulation of all sorts, I counted myself as not left. But then they called people of the right who get all gung ho under the banner of law and order, then end up pushing things through that have no business being there, like search without probable cause, random road blocks, helmet laws, interference in the affairs of other countries, and excuses to load up prisons to the bursting point.

I credit it to very slick, patient and persistent public relations; we have been led to believe if you lean right then you want a police state, and if you lean left you want a police state of a different stripe.

Left supposedly thinks the world is peopled by peaceful happy folks who live wonderfully pastoral lives, if not for the evil USA. The right supposedly thinks the world needs us to police it and install "democracy" wherever possible. Somehow both our alleged choices give us limited, protracted, never ending wars all over places where lunatic is the norm. We are bringing stability.

Those choices are not real. Neither is even slightly in tune with the purpose, philosophy and spirit of the Constitution. Neither is about freedom.

The way I see the current climate, the Republicans are doing a good job piggy backing on what was unorchestrated dissent. The tea party thing did not come out of the lunatic fringe, racism or anything of the sort. Democrats paint it as such, and Republicans have largely hijacked it, or are attempting to. There are all of a sudden a lot of rather libertarian leaning people trying to figure out where to hang their hats. If they trust republicans again they will get screwed. Democrats have gone so off the edge in never ending Bush blame that not many freedom lovers would think that is an option. Most, who think, realize Bush had a democrat controlled legislative branch for much of his tenure anyway. That doesn't stop those same career political whores from blaming Bush, but they were instrumental in all the trouble they now pretend to fix.

Has it not occurred to the majority of Americans that everything done by both these scam parties to solve every problem or pretend problem from terror and drugs to healthcare and climate involves lowering the standard of living and installing more and more control over our lives? It does not work well in the long run, and for some it is intolerable even in the short run.

What a joke. CBS obviously considers themselves left leaning. It is a scandal to be registered republican. It is too bad that so many who are registered republicans are actually more libertarian, freedom leaning, in philosophy, but fooled into thinking the repubs are actually clean and real. The issue of foreign wars somehow gets rationalized. I'm of the ilk that thinks a kick ass Defense is the ticket, and that it should be known that if anyone screws with us we will use the technology to make a bloody mess of their part of the earth, but we will not force our soldiers to be psychologists, diplomats or social workers, and we will in no way rebuild your sorry fiefdom. If you have resources we want, we may or may not take them. But to the extent you don't screw with us, we will mind our own business. Police actions and limited long term wars which include building things back end up costing too much and in many ways.

I would not promote commerce with slave states, and I wouldn't use tax money to negotiate so-called trade treaties which name companies and work deals for private firms. Let them do their own. I'd let any citizen of the US travel anywhere he chooses, mostly at his own risk, but if political forces mess with one of ours abroad, I'd let that be reason to take out the offenders.

If we want to keep fewer nukes, fine, but it is useless to sign anything with any other country because the bad guys won't pay attention to the document. The whole defense strategy needs to be rethought in a way that makes it very tough to put a dent in us, but not necessarily goes with the approach of having ourselves stationed in every hell hole on earth.

Left and right, as defined by CBS meet in the middle when it comes to minding the business of private citizens, working deals for private firms, making laws which favor one group or business over another, creating crises which excuse usurpation of rights. Everyone wants a team they can believe in, and by Godt if it was good enough for my daddy then I am going to be a democrat/republican. Just because dear old Dad had no foresight, insight or clear vision does not mean you have to be stupid, too.

Of course some people want institutional life. A big giant land in which everyone is the subject of the state, and the property of the state. The trouble is, they aren't satisfied to wish that just on themselves. They insist everyone be included.

never mind

that's it. Never mind.
If I have nothing nice to say then hell with it.
I think I will disable comments again soon. I'm just too flooded with them to keep up

Ed McMahon of Blues Harp

Ed's job was pretty much to make Johnny look good. If you don't remember Carson, don't worry about it. Just to paint a pcture; Carson is to Letterman what a tuxedo is to a liezure suit. Except Carson is no longer with us. Just a little perspective on late night.

Anyway, I cannot play like Jason Ricci or Sugar blue, or even Brandon Santini, but I do a good job enhancing the sound of musical groups without being the front man. I'm a sideman, and that is what I do best. I blend and accent. That has usually been my goal, and a skill acquired both intentionally and by necessity. At open jams way back when the best way to get a turn was to play on things other harmonica players avoided. That meant accenting songs not commonly thought of as blues harp tunes.

The people I liked best get little credit in blues harp circles but they are great sidemen. The guy with Willie Nelson and the guy who used to be with Buffet--some kind of misguided ego thing must have split those guys apart. Neither is as good without the other. Buffet without the harmonica player just don't cut it. Anyway Willie and Mickey are still going. Mickey Raphael may have done some solo stuff, but the sidework with Willie has to be the bread and butter. It works.

Even though I think I ought to be getting better at a more rapid rate, or that I should be able to play like some of these other guys, the truth is I do what I do fairy well, and there is an art to it. Norton Buffalo is the main other guy I've seen who can pay while a vocal is going without messing up the sound or drowning out the voice. Norton was a far better player but not that much better when it came to purely back up.

This realization just kind of hit me. I've been playing more with the guys on the mountain lately. We've been practicing some tunes. They all sing well and play some good accoustic guitar

Ouch. If you have recessed bedframe legs, then you are lucky. If mine were just set in about 3 inches I would not have stubbed toes. That is how all bed frames should be made.