What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, comrades and fellow travelers, is my 300th post on Zeitgeist Expatriate. Methinks it a good time to finally explain what "zeitgeist expatriate" actually means; I get that question often. The term "zeitgeist" comes from the German language, it's a noun and it means, "The spirit of the time; general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period in time." Paranoia about terrorism is part of the zeitgeist right now, obviously as a result of the terrorist attacks that happened six years ago today. Uncertainty about the future, because of the economy, elections, and (of course) the war is part of it, as well. But it's so much more than that. It's a great word, which is why I used it. Second only to schadenfreude, another German word that means, "To take pleasure in the misfortune of others."Expatriate basically means to leave your native country and take up residence in another country. So all Zeitgeist Expatriate means is that I see myself far removed from the collective consciousness of my fellow human animals. My mind, for good or bad (mostly bad) does not paddle down the same stream as my neighbors. Hell, I don't even have a cell phone. Politically, my outlook is quite outdated. I should have been around in the 1930's. A 35 year old New Deal Democrat/Democratic Socialist is quaint these days. Perhaps, as bridges keep collapsing around us and our infrastructure crumbles, people will paen for the days of the CCC and WPA. But I digress.
It was sure nice to see Clare again. She looked healthy and happy, which is something I wish for all my peeps. Linda and I went to a Red Sox game last night and it was just outstanding. Yawkey Way, the smell of the over-priced greasy food, the perfectly manicured field, and Linda cuddled up by my side...a perfect night. I'm in my element in the city, riding the "T" and negotiating the bums. She does virtually all of the driving, which makes me feel a bit useless, so it was a nice change that I got to guide my sweetheart around this time.
I haven't written much about the General Petraeus spectacle in Washington. Our continued presence in Iraq is pre-ordained, and for a very long time to come. I'm in a sort of political coma until the next president. Political activism is about a LOT more than who is president, but this administration (with a few allies in Congress) has frozen us in place in Iraq. I'm at least thankful that Bush and his minions are too busy to do any more damage to the health care, the environment, education, you name it. Lame Duck City. So much damage is already done, though. If you have any doubts about how despicable this administration is, just go back and read the Bankruptcy Bill passed a couple of years ago. Methinks it represents perfectly everything that is wrong with these people.
Here is a press release for the Freedom Rally on Boston Common. It's one of the largest marijuana legalization protests in the country, second only to Seattle.
For immediate release
For more information contact:
Attorney Steven Epstein 978-352-3300
Captain Parker's "Stand your ground" is the theme for this year's Freedom Rally
Saturday, September 15, the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition/ NORML will host its 18th Annual Freedom Rally at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common beginning at noon. Click here for a list of featured entertainment and speakers.
"After almost two decades the third Saturday in September is known throughout New England as the day for the Freedom Rally," said Steve Epstein, an attorney, who has been involved in organizing the event since its inception. "This year we return to the Parkman Bandstand while the parade ground is being restored."
Tens of thousands of people will peacefully assemble on the Common to protest marijuana prohibition. Some may choose civil disobedience by smoking marijuana, or they may just want to get high, but prohibition makes all marijuana use political. The Boston Police Department will send scores of uniformed officers who will mill about enjoying the day, while plainclothes officers will troll the crowd capturing teens and fresh faced undergrads.
Sociologist and Mass Cann President, Doctor Keith Saunders describes it as "a war on marijuana users performance art spectacle."
Members of the media are welcome to come back stage for interviews with Attorney Epstein, Dr. Saunders and other speakers and organizers.
This year Mass Cann begins a new tradition with its first, Freedom Rally Weekend Awards Show on Friday, September 14 at the Bullfinch Yacht Club, (Next to North Station) Boston, MA, 21+
3 comments:
And here I always thought that you got your blog name from the Zeitgeist in cambridge. I like your reasonings much better.
I have such mixed feelings about the Freedom Rally. For the most part, I see it as a bunch of lazy stoners looking to get high in public. Most of them aren't there to make a statement, or if they are, its "fuck the man, man." or "Legalize pot", without any reasoning behind it, other than their selfish needs to get high. Those are the people that are surprised when they get arrested for smoking pot in public at this event, and bitch and moan when they do.
On the other hand, there are a select few who actually believe that there are rights being trodden upon, and that marijuana should be as legal as alcohol and/or cigarettes, because it doesn't affect the brain much more than either or both. They are there to make a stand, have a purpose and a statement, and believe in what they are doing. Those are the people I respect...
...until they start playing hackeysack and spouting off the 8348 ways hemp rules.
I don't think the long term health effects of marijuana are worse than alcohol or cigarettes, and alcohol is far, far worse in terms of the pain and death it causes. As for the stoners, getting high is public is in itself a statement. Obviously, some in the movement are leaders and intellectuals while others are rank and file, you might say. My sense is that they are all upset at how absurd it is to ban marijuana.
A "selfish" desire to get high without risk of arrest is no different than any "selfish" desire to do what you want without getting prosecuted and persecuted, so long as nobody gets hurt. And "the man" is destroying countless lives because of a little plant that does FAR less damage than alcohol, or even gambling.
From what I heard, one can get away with smoking marijuana at the rally, but selling or buying it will get you arrested tout suite.
Personally, I started using pot when I was in College, and yes, I'm a baby boomer. Not that that makes much of a difference, but I wanted to let you all know how old I am.
I stopped using it when my family came along.. Not good to toke up in front of your children.. Two of the children have followed in my footsteps, the other one just likes to drink.
I think it should be legalized. Plain and simple. It helps those who are sick. When my mom was dying of cancer, she got a hold of some pot, through a family member. She never told me, I found out after she died. So afraid of the outcome. Really sad. If it were legalized, she could have smoked in public, and have felt better about it.
I won't be able to attend the rally, I'll be at work, but I will be there in spirit, hoping the big guys get the hint, and do something about it.
thanks,
Linda
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