Essay: "The Insidious Threat of Censorship", Part1

Essay: "The Insidious Threat of Censorship", Part 1 of Several

       It was quite amusing watching televangelist Jim Bakker's number nineteenth nervous breakdown. Pat Robertson and his ilk are no different and no better than the sleaziest telemarketer or used car salesmen. Perhaps Oral Roberts should have been named for a lower part of the body. After all, a lot of the guano he made up to try to get more donations from the gullible and foolish (i.e. being  "Called Home") could fertilize all the farms foreclosed during the Reagan years. Thank goodness Jerry Falwell is no longer around to mess with out freedoms of action and choice. At least that is cause for celebration. I have great contempt for all of the above preacher/con-artists. As far as I'm concerned, these people cannot justify their opulent lifestyles as long as there are poor and homeless people with next to nothing. I'm sure these phonies and profitable false prophets only pay lip-service to helping the poor and less-fortunate, while meddling in all our lives through political power.  I recently noticed that the beginning of the Rolling Stones song "Sympathy For The Devil" applies to many of these tv and broadcast preachers who abuse their tax-exempt status to gain limousines, mansions, and Rolex watches, among other lavish material possessions; while attempting to shred the Constitution, making tinder out of the Bill of Rights, and changing the nation for the worse in the name of God. All of these so-called televangelists are  "men of wealth and taste" who have "led many a man away from Faith." (as Mick Jagger sang)  (to be cont'd)

 [ The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and was also part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Poetry: "Abandon All Hype", a Political Poem

Poetry: "Abandon All Hype"

       Abandon all hype ye who enter here.

       No more Paris Hilton. No more Britney Spears.

       No more phony celebs crying in their beers.

       No more rumors. No more lies.

       No more (Lindsay) Lohan's alibis.

       No phony people's crocodile tears.

       No former child stars crying in their beers.

       Give us real news, not pseudo-celeb. snooze.

       No more fake adoptions to make us feel so good.

       Give us health care, the economy and Iraq,

       Not celeb. murderers perhaps hooked on crack.

        Celeb. news is  "a weapon of mass distraction",

        So toward legitimate issues citizens will take no needed action.

        "In Fraud We Trust" when we turn in to certain kinds of news,

         Though those who watch or listen don't really have a clue.

         Tabloid  'Truth' oft isn't true and there isn't much about it you can do, (but)

         Don't buy the trash that numbs the mind and passes for newsstand information.

         Otherwise, your mind will get distorted inflammation.

         Don't tune into Rush Limbaugh or other propaganda-spewers,

         For they tend to twist the truth and flush it down the sewer.

         NPR is what I trust to give a balance view.

          At least they tell it like it is and do not twist the truth.

          Truth it is subjective if you watch Fox News.

          If you believe that tripe at election-time we lose.

       

     

 

Poetry: "The Terrorists Have Won", etc.

Poetry: "The Terrorists Have Won", etc.

        The terrorists have won

        For we have lost our rights

        We only have ourselves to blame

        For failing to put up a fight

        Now thanks to the PATRIOT ACT

        You can be taken away in the middle of the night...

        "The Sharps..."

        The Sharps are in a bag

        So never reach inside

        If your mama knew you did you know she'd tan your hide

        For all you know, one of the needle's owner's could have nearly died... (tbc?)

        

        

Poetry: "Disease"

Poetry: "Disease",  "It's too damned hot"

                

 "Disease"

         He came down with a disease

         Was told there was a cure

          But his health and life

          Was on the cutting-room floor

          "It's Too Damned Hot"

           It's one hundred degrees in the shade

           It's even too hot to get laid

           Even so, I must work to get paid

            I hope this damned heat it will fade

            I Curse the hot Centigrade

            The Environmental Police they should raid

            The Oil and Car co.'s tirade

            That reducing emissions 'hurts trade.'

Poetry: "He Passed a Stone...", etc.

Poetry:  "He Passed a Stone...", etc.

            "He Passed a Stone..."

         He passed a stone

          As hard as a bone

          Which caused him to groan

          On the porcelein throne... (tbc?)

          Untitled

His favorite magazine was a banana clip

His favorite vacation was an Acid Trip.

His favorite music was a RADAR Blip

While taking a Cat Nap his new puppy was Dognapped

He studied Alzheimer's and amnesia last week,

But he couldn't remember any of what he read... 

He once joined a fraternity and went on the lam(b)

Later in life he became a double amputee, 

And became dis-armed... (tbc?) 

    "Porn Is Poison of the Mind"

  You never know what ye may find,

  But porn is poison of the mind

  Not to ever be unkind,

   But hope you never do go blind

    Not that you ought-to

    Keep in mind it's some guy's daughter

     Porn is poison of the mind

     Rewind to her bare behind... 

Poetry: "March Madness", etc.

Poetry: "March Madness" etc.

       "March Madness"

       Don't care much 'bout March Madness

       Instead of fun it gives me sadness

       I don't care about the so-called  'Dance'

       I get more enjoyment from watching ants.

       I don't really care about the Final 4

       Could care less about the score

       I'll be glad when it's over,

       I think it's a bore.

       "Iambic Pentameter"

       As a poet I will always be an amateur

        I can't write verse in Iambic Pentameter

        And I'd sooner write a sonnet

        Than be caught dead wearing a lady's bonnet...

       "Opponents of Abortion"

        Opponents of abortion

         Will stoop to almost anything

         Like political extortion

         I'm sure some have committed arson

         Condoned by Operation Rescue parsons

         Some of them have even killed

         Aiming their weapons from a nearby mill...

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 6 of 6

Essay: "Will The Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 6 of 6

      At least in the example of being responsible toward the preservation and conservation of nature and the environment for future generations, our government(s) is certainly not working in our best interest by failing to act on most environmental problems; or not doing enough. These ecological problems already affect our quality of life, our health, and the options and choices of most if not all of us both now and in the near and distant future. These problems will inevitably get worse over time if not sufficiently acted on. Whether you want to consider this Ecoterrorism is up to you.

   [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and more recently in my political blog "Rage Against The [Bush] Regime.]

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 5 of Several

Essay: "Will The Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 5  of 6

       Government(s) also fail to adequately regulate agricultural and gardening chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. Politicians tend to stall or urge 'further study' as an excuse to avoid working or spending money to clean up or attempt to eliminate environmental problems. Pols willingly often leave it up to future administrations, Congresses, and future generations to deal with such problems until they become harder and harder, or even insurmountable to to deal with. For instance, according to the September 2008 edition of the newsletter The Hightower Lowdown, former 2008 Republican Presidential candidate John McCain opposed several bills in the summer of 2008 enabling "renewable energy entrepreneurs"  to attain billions in "tax credits", which might have led to advances in alternative energy technology to help wean us off or at least reduce our dependence on foreign oil and other polluting fuels. Perhaps such tax breaks could one-day eliminate (as I like to call it) the 'Infernal Combustion Engine'.

       Also, surprise, surprise, the Dubya Bush administration recently denied new companies the ability to build  "solar projects" on land he wanted his Big Oil pals to be able to drill for more polluting oil on. Such sun-powered ventures could have saved us a lot of fuel. By the way, the Hightower Lowdown, at www. hightowerlowdown.org is an excellent source of exposing how politicians in general and Bush Republicans in particular are not working in the best interest of as they say We The People. The Washington Spectator, at www.washingtonspectator.com is an another good source of information. (to be cont'd)

 [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and more recently in my political blog "Rage Against the [Bush] Regime.]

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 4 of Several

Essay: "Will The Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 4 of Several

       The World Bank encourages irresponsible exploitation of rain forests around the world and natural resources. For instance, they funded the highway (which never should have been built) through the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil, and by allowing Multi-national corporations to overexploit and over-expend pristine habitats around the world.

       Industry spews millions of tons of pollutants wafting into the air, not including the tons of what is dumped into lakes, rivers and oceans; and what is buried underground.

       All levels of government, both here and abroad, are especially true Ecoterrorists. For example, governments tend to allow too much pollution of all varieties; plus too much devastation and development of important habitats and breeding grounds for the sake of short-term prosperity, or to benefit the so-called Bottom Line. Our government and others also tend to carelessly dispose of nuclear and chemical toxic waste. They also tend to continue to condone and perpetuate the dangerous pursuit of more powerful and effective nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, which could destroy or devastate the entire planet. (to be cont'd)

  [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and more recently in my political blog  "Rage Against The [Bush] Regime".]

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 3 of Several

Essay: "Will the Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 3 of Several

       Although certain individuals may be radically committed to preserving and conserving nature at all costs and sometimes commit questionable or even illegal acts; their actions do not justify the dismissal of all responsible foresighted people as  'kooks'. Not only is the term Ecoterrorist an unjustified label and an insult to outdoorsmen and others who hope to preserve and conserve nature and the environment; as far as I'm concerned the label is totally misapplied.

       As a matter of fact, as far as I'm concerned, those people in government(s), industry and corporations who dismiss and categorize all of those  'kooks' in environmental or nature-concerned groups as say  'Ecoterrorists', or as detrimental to the American way of life are the real Ecoterrorists. This is true whether they be greedy real estate developers bringing us urban or suburban sprawl; corporations which flout environmental regulations with virtual impunity; or government officials who continue to advocate the exploration and use of oil, coal and other fossil fuels in spite of the negative effects on the environment, plus contributing to otherwise unnecessary wars and the funding of terrorists overseas from petroleum coffers. For example, the timber industry wantonly destroys rain forests, out National Forests, and the rich bounty of flora and fauna which exist(s) there; not to mention causing pollution and climate change here and around the world.  (to be cont'd)

  [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and more recently appeared in my political blog  "Rage Against the [Bush] Regime".] 

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 2 of Several

Essay: "Will the Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 2 of Several

       If an article refers to someone who cares about nature as an environmentalist, for the most part the term would elicit a positive image. On the other hand, the use of the term  'Ecoterrorist' to describe and stereotype people who are committed to preserving and conserving nature and the environment in the face of both business and government(s); which are often hostile or resistant to taking responsibility for the long-term consequences of exploiting nature for the sake of mostly short-term prosperity or political expediency, elicits the image of criminals, misanthropes or deranged or irrational individuals whose priorities are detrimental to the freedom and autonomy of the average working American.  Although looking in the short-term it may seem a valid concern that so-called  'radical environmentalists' might foul up the U.S. economy if they have their way, in the long-run the exact opposite is true. Environmentalists are realistically concerned with acting now to deal with a problem(s) that most influential people are willing to postpone dealing with unless or until the problem affects them directly; or, by the time the current so-called leaders are long-gone, the problem(s) becomes too expensive or insurmountable to deal with effectively (i.e. U.S. Energy Policy, Fuel Efficiency Standards and Global Warming). (to be cont'd)

 [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and in my political blog "Rage Against the [Bush] Regime.]

Essay: "The True Ecoterrorists", Part 1 of Several

Essay: "Will the Real Ecoterrorists Please Stand Up?", Part 1 of Several

       During the nineteen eighties Animal Rights and Environmental groups sprang up and became a popular way to protest against the abuses and neglect by humanity, government(s), real estate developers and industry against nature and the natural environment. Since several industries and many corporations stood to lose face and business by becoming targets of public scorn or boycotts generated by Animal and Ecological groups, it is not surprising that industry and the government(s) began to fight back. It is and was a modern-day David and Goliath, only this time the bad guys are likely to prevail. In the subtle public relations battle waged by developers, industry, government(s), and corporations against the supposed threat posed by responsible individuals who care about the seemingly expendable (until recently) natural environment, such tactics as the following have been used: Filing so-called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) to sabotage freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression rights, etc.;  The draconian PATRIOT ACT changed the definition of 'terrorist' to whatever the government wants it to be; And the coining of the label 'Ecoterrorist' as a cynical attempt to turn the public against those so-called 'kooks' who dare to care about nature and the natural environment.;;which is all-too often considered exploitable and expendable by developers, corporations, government(s) and industry. Big business and government are usually overly concerned with keeping the so-called Bottom Line In the Black no matter what the cost, especially permanent change to animal habitats and the environment.   Sure, a small percentage of environmentalists may be criminals and 'the ends justify the means' terrorists, but I would wager very few of us are that way. (to be cont'd)

  [The original version of this essay first appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays and also appeared in my political blog  "Rage Against the [Bush] Regime".]

Poetry: "Heart Arrhythmia"

Poetry: "Heart Arrhythmia"

       He took some prescription pills

       Got heart arrhythmia and then he fell ill

        He also could barely pay bills

        His insurance ran out, you know the drill

        Then the doctors cared less if his condition could kill... (to be cont'd?)

  "There Was an Old Lady..."

       There was an old lady

        As mean as a snake

        Baked  Ex-Lax into a cake

        Fed it to a local jake

        After a nice steak

        And he slept and would never wake...

    

Poetry: "He Fell In The Mud"

Poetry: "He Fell In The Mud..."

              He fell in the Mud

              All covered in Blood

              Got hit with a bottle outside of a bar

               Then a mugger spotted him from afar

               Took all his cash and then stole his car

                In some pain he walked

                Much more than a block

                 To his small dwelling right next to a pub

                  He cleaned himself off inside of his tub

                   Got dressed and grabbed a well-loaded gun

                  Now his assailants are all on the run...

            

             

Poetry: "Every Cent You Spend Adds Up"

Poetry: "Every Cent You Spend Adds Up"

       Every cent you spend adds up

       Put spare change inside a cup

       Debts can be so damned abrupt

        Some businessmen are so corrupt...

Poetry: "Condoms Have Been Known To Fail"

Poetry: "Condoms Have Been Known To Fail"

       Condoms have been known to fail

       By then it's too late to bail

       With your arms you can flail

        'Cuz your life is now tenuous and frail

         Your lucky you don't go to jail

          As with child she tips the scale

          And walks as slow as a snail

          Waiting for an infant's trail

           Soon you'll dread your child's imminent wail

           That's what you get for chasing tail...

          "Slacker's Cheer"

       Working Hard, what's the point!

        Why not stay home and smoke a joint?

        Make Ganja the thing mon, you anoint...

           

Poetry: "It Never Pays To Be Poor"

Poetry: "It Never Pays To Be Poor"

       It never pays to be poor

       When you sleep on the floor

        When you beg for alms they all show you the door

        You get much less, but you ask for more

         Why is life such a terrible chore?

         And you can seldom afford what you want at the store... (to be cont'd?)

       Untitled

       Spoiled rotten little kid

       Can't believeth what you did

        And the loot you hid

         Right inside the toilet lid...

Essay: "Voyeuristic Mysticism" Part 7 of 7

Essay: "Voyeuristic Mysticism: A Parody of the Mystical Experience", Part 7 of 7

        Perhaps I have an even better explanation for what Voyeuristic Mysticism is. Kind of like the actions of the previously mentioned, perversely despicable priest, when we symbolically mentally undress the universe, trying to learn some, but never all of her most intimate secrets we ultimately learn how to survive in the world. Although perhaps neither voyeuristic nor mystical, learning and curiosity could potentially qualify under this explanation for what Voyeuristic Mysticism is or is not. As a matter of fact, it could be argued that all creativity, inspiration, innovation, good or evil, ethics or morality, right or wrong, fact and fiction, truth and lies, God(s) or religion could likewise be derived from this Voyeuristic Mysticism. 

       The problem with mentally undressing the world, and perhaps giving her a cheap feel and a gynecological exam to boot, is that along with the things we need to know; we also sometimes end up learning some of the world's secrets that we should never know or even want to find out about. For example, the God-like power to destroy and obliterate all that exists in the world via nuclear holocaust or pollution of all kinds. Other times, we think we learn things that we really know little or nothing about. Oftentimes, our interpretation of even the most valid lessons are dead wrong. Perhaps the term Voyeuristic Mysticism embodies everything we do: Birth, Existence, Life, Death, and everything in between. Or perhaps it is as phony as the CIA is sleazy. Decide for yourself. 

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]