Poetry: "Bernie Madoff"

Poetry: "Bernie Madoff"

He made off with our savings

And left us off with nil

He lived a life of luxury

And made us pay the bill

He lost the people billions

Before he had his fill

Now that he's gone to prison

He'll need a different set of skills

He showed few pangs of conscience for the rotten things he did

I hope his victims get back all the money that he hid...

Poetry: "Wal-Mart"

Poetry: "Wal-Mart"

They built a wall at Wal-Mart

To keep the people in

And the only place to bed-down

Was their Bargain Bin.

The way Wal-Mart does their business

They keep all wages down

Big-Box stores will always be

A blight on any town...

Poetry: "Fees"

Poetry: "Fees" A work in progress

With malicious glee

They charge a fee

And pass it on to you and me

You cannot flee

No loophole key

Or get off free

For government won't let us be.

To pay their bills

You know the drill

More taxes, fees and fines,

While big shot contributors like to wine and dine.

It seems to do us little good to do much more than whine

The best we can do is vote pols out of office

Even then, most pols like to scoff at us... (to be cont'd?)

Untitled Work in Progress:

There's no use bawlin'

If the floor is crawlin'

With insect pests

Who never rest

If your place is a sty

An infestation might never die

So neaten up or at least try... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Tabloid Papers"

Poetry: "Tabloid Papers"

Tabloid Papers

Full of Lies

UFOs and Alibis

Tabloid Papers

Worth a Dime

That people buy them is a crime

Celeb moments are not news

but real current events give some the blues.

The rich and famous

become the news

For tabloid papers

Don't have a clue

Endless war

Political coup(s)

A stolen election

We don't get to view

But the death of the famous

Or a celeb fight

Can keep a tabloid

On the shelf for many a night.

Innuendo and rumor

Truth over lie

While mainstream papers go bankrupt

The tabloids still thrive... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Drool"

Poetry: "Drool"

I hate when I drool.

It makes me feel like a fool.

And look so uncool.

Like a ravenous ghoul

Thrashing about in a salivary pool

Using just moisture for fuel...

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 10

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 10 of 10

[Cont'd from Part 9]

You could also write letters to newspapers, movie studios, the music industry, the FCC, Congress, etc., letting them know in no uncertain terms that they best not support censorship in any way, shape, or form, or risk losing their jobs or your business or approval.

Judging by their actions, the claim by self-appointed moralists that they are "morally superior" to just about everyone else is a total crock. For instance, many Bible-thumping tv evangelists have been found to engage in all kinds of debauch behavior, as well as being shameless scammers and absolutely devoid of sincerity.

Back in the day, Savings and Loan slimeball William Keating, who screwed the American taxpayers out of two billion dollars (an obscene amount), was also an anti-porn crusader. During the sixties, the late 'morally superior' senator Jesse Helms was a tv commentator denouncing the Civil Rights movement. As a Senator, he similarly supported South Africa's past system of Apartheid. And this guy wanted to decide what was moral for the rest of us? Many tv evangelists live the high life by scamming and lying to their naive and gullible followers. At the same time, they claim to be epitomes of morality.

Lastly, for anyone who would prefer to be treated like a child; and would like the government, the Church, or small-time moralists or morality groups to impose censorship or morality on non-believers, I have just one more thing to say: Long-Live Decadence, Debauchery, Vice, and Voyeurism!

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 9

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 9 of Several

Whether a financial siege works or not, vote against any politician who advocates censorship in any way, shape, or form; or form, join, or support any anti-censorship group, such as People For The American Way or Students Against Censorship.

Boycott any advertiser, merchant or corporation who support or give-in to the demands of moralists or morality groups. For instance, not too long ago, Phillip Morris products should have been boycotted because that corporation had given campaign contributions to pro-censorship, anti-everything politicians like the late Jesse Helms. Burger King should be boycotted for giving-in to the demands of Focus On The Family, or a similar irksome morality group; which demanded that Burger King should stop advertising on tv programs which the morality group considered offensive. There are many other examples of executive cowardice in giving-in to the demands of morality groups. If those of us who are against censorship boycott companies which give-in to the extortion of morality groups who advocate censorship and the curtailing of freedom of action and choice; then in the future executives would think twice before being used as instruments for narrow-minded moralists and morality groups to impose their extreme views on the rest of us. (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 later as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 8

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 8 of Several

[ Note: After a tough fortnight of a missing and then alive and recovered sibling I return to The Censorship Series after a brief respite.]

If, after a financial siege, censors still will not back-off, messing with their tax-exempt status may do the trick. If enough people demanded that the tax-exempt status of morality groups and/or churches who use underhanded tactics or violate the Separation of Church and State be revoked, then such groups and organizations could be in serious tax trouble. If that doesn't work, we should demand that the Justice Department investigate self-appointed moralists and/or morality groups for any violations of the law. Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) suits should be filed against any morality group which breaks laws or bends rules in order to try to impose their alleged morality on the rest of us without our expressed written permission. (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 later as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

A Missing Sibling Part 3: Sibling Is Found

"A Missing Sibling" Part 3: My Sibling Is Found!

Fifteen days ago, on July 1st, my younger brother went missing. It seemed the longer he was gone the less likely he would be found at all or found alive and in one piece. As I practically started to accept (after several melancholy days of spontaneous tears and fears) that he might never turn up or even turn up alive, my brother Kevin left a message on my machine last night at 9:30 p.m. that he was at the Pine Street Inn; a well-known homeless shelter in Boston. Unless something unforeseen happens (like A-holes who beat up homeless people for kicks) my brother Kevin should be home and back to his regular life after a brief hospitalization. I'm not at all a religious person, but I feel genuine gratitude for those who prayed for his safe return and the police and others who worked so hard to try to locate him.

A Missing Sibling Part 2

A Missing Sibling, Part 2

On or around July 1, 2009 my younger brother Kevin Wm. Mich disappeared from the Norwood, Massachusetts area. It has now been twelve days since he was last seen. His date of birth is June 20, 1970. He just turned 39 less than a month ago. He is 5 foot 9, about 200 ponds, is right-handed, has brown eyes, and wears glasses when he reads or drives. Kevin seems to have vanished into thin air. He left behind his car, his keys, his wallet, his money, his license, and most, if not all of his belongings. Kevin also has a tattoo of an angel on one arm and a grim reaper on the other arm.

In the late '80s or early '90s Kevin joined the army and was a Specialist in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia or thereabouts. After discharge from the regular army, Kevin joined the National Guard and stayed about seven years or so.

After leaving the army Kevin ended up in the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, even though he probably could have lived with my parents. After awhile, Kevin showed signs of mental illness and was told to either seek help or leave. Kevin chose to leave and lived on the streets for awhile. While 'sick' he once jumped in either the Charles River or Boston Harbor. He probably could have drowned, but he was rescued. Eventually, he was hospitalized for a number of years and diagnosed a schizophrenic until he was put on the powerful psych. drug clozaril. He eventually turned his life around except for the occasional temporary relapse setback. As far as I can tell, he seemed happy and happy-go-lucky up until the time he disappeared without a trace.

Kevin was granted power of attorney once my mother was sent to a nursing home, he neglected to pay a $100 traffic ticket, he was about to lose his license and therefore his ability to get to his copy editing job in Needham. He lost or was about to lose his MassHealth coverage due to forgetfulness or neglect (didn't send paperwork in time). He was totally neglecting his duties on behalf of my mother. We were both hemorrhaging money to fix up my mother's house so it could be sold, and there were likely other pressures on him which would be hard to take for nearly anyone.

On Day 2 Kevin's girlfriend reported him missing to the Norwood Police. On Day 4 his disappearance was the talk of a surprise party/cookout. On Day 5 or so the police searched my brother's apartment building and soon afterward my mother's house. By Day 7 I was crying practically at the drop of a hat. I had to take a personal day off from work. I still cry off and on, but I will try to remain optimistic that he will be found safe, sound and alive. I have the highest gratitude and regard for the hard work by the Norwood Police dept., especially Detective Paul Ryan and Officer Murphy to try to locate my brother. (to be cont'd)

I just posted a recent photograph of Kevin. I couldn't figure out how to get it right-side up, but if you have seen the man in the photograph since July 1st please call the Norwood Police at 781-762-1212

[Note: My missing brother was found alive and well on July 14, 2009.]

A Missing Sibling, Part 1

Poetry: "Kevin"

[Note: I am taking a temporary break from the Censorship Series due to a more pressing matter.]

Kevin is missing.

Where did he go?

All that is certain is nobody knows.

He ain't around to sleep in his bed.

One thing I hope is I hope he's not dead.

Kevin is missing, I don't know where.

I'd like all to know I certainly care.

Kevin is gone without a trace,

As if he has vanished right into space.

He's not in a river. He's not in the sea.

He's not struck by lightning beside an old tree

Kevin Mich, I hope he will live.

He's got so much more of life to give.

July is tough (it's) when my father died, Kevin's gone, It's too damned hot (and)

When mosquitoes will fly.

Kevin, I hope you are found;

Even if you turn out to be way out of town.

Brother Kevin, I hope you're OK.

I hope you'll endure 'til you're real old and grey.

The world still turns and life goes on;

It's hard to take that Kevin's gone. (to be cont'd with story and hopefully pictures)

[Note: My brother was found alive around July 14, 2009]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 7

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 7 of Several

       It must be pointed out that many self-appointed moralists and morality groups are as devious as Mario Puzo's fictional Corleone family. Unlike the Corleones though, non-profit morality groups and churches can never make you an offer you cannot refuse. You see, non-profit organizations rely on donations to remain financially afloat. If enough people cut off donations (a financial siege) morality groups and/or even churches can theoretically become crippled, paralyzed, immobilized, and best of all, powerless. If such a ploy doesn't work, a number of other tactics can be used to prevent would-be censors from wreaking havoc on freedom and the Constitution. (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 later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 6

Essay:  "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 6 of Several

       Most Americans are against censorship. We do not like to be told what to do, but not enough of us care to do anything about the problem of censorship. The biggest trick is to get approximately 220 million complacent Americans off their collective asses and do something about censorship;before some of the freedoms we all tend to take for granted become lost, perhaps forever. I have devised a number of ways to essentially say "Up Yours!" to so-called moralists and censors.  (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 later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust...In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 5

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship"  Part 5 of Several

       Freedom should prevail over censorship, because it must prevail. The war against censorship will largely be a battle of words and wills, but more extreme tactics may or may not be necessary. Fighting fire with fire by confrontation may deter many of these self-appointed moralists. After all, allowing censors and so-called  'Moral Majority' types even one small victory makes them bolder and even more arrogant; and that much more likely to try to destroy the freedoms which we all should cherish and vigilantly protect at all costs.  (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 later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]