I’ve always been a radical person who spoke truth to power.
When I was seven I quit church because it sucked. My mom said OK since even at seven she couldn’t have made me comply if she’d wanted to.
“I don’t believe in God.” I said. “Neither does your Grandfather.”
In third and fourth grades the bus driver had to stop the bus at least once a week for my swearing. She always said we wouldn’t be going
ANYWHERE until I cut it out.
I said “fuck that noise” (under my breath) and she kept on driving.
In middle school I hung with the Duran Duran girls (and guys) because they were smart, funny and cooler than the other kids. When someone called me or another guy a fag about it I stood up.
“Say it to my face”. They didn’t dare.
In High School I wrote editorials for the paper that took on Reagan and Bush in ways that upset the Principal. She was a RW tool and in a class meeting I spoke for all Seniors about her efforts.
“We are sick of your bullshit.” and she turned her back on the applause.
Later that spring I informed the first National Director of Drug Control Policy, William Bennett, of his hypocrisy in front of 500 other HS students and teachers at the Washington Journalism Conference.
“Please tell us how your admitted personal use of tobacco comports with current efforts to reduce teen smoking. Please also explain how stricter marijuana policy makes sense when tobacco kills and cannabis does not.” He was not amused.
In college I wheat-pasted
MASSIVE agitprop posters across the front doors of office towers with a paste that took scraping an inch at a time to remove. Buildings had to cut their front doors free and the images lasted for days. This was my group’s public response to the Gulf War and the War Oil economy.
I’ve done other more personal shit, too. Like living without heating oil for two Boston winters (in private protest of the Gulf War), grabbing GHW Bush’s thumb at the end of a rope line and not letting go then giving the Sekrit Survice the stank eye as they shoved him out the door.
Probably the most radical of all? Actively feeding the homeless when it was illegal to do so.
(Those were just in my first 23 years)
Despite all this radicalism and truth-to-power telling, I was still surprised when ANONYMOUS contacted me today via Daily Kos to let me know how much they appreciated my writing. Probably what got their attention were these images about Ferguson.
Perhaps it was the rocks crusher diaries.
Whatever it was, they were so enthused by my efforts they bought me a fucking GIFT SUBSCRIPTION so I can keep up the good work!
I tried to respond to their email but it got kicked back. Damn, are they ever secretive and sneaky in how they operate, all shadows and stuff.
Hey, ANONYMOUS! I know you are reading this. Thanks for the kind words and subscription! If y’all are taking requests for who to look into, I STRONGLY suggest you check out the Williamson County Texas Sheriff Department, just north of Austin. Those motherfuckers ticket white people for breathing. Black and brown people get ticketed for BEING.
Seriously. They’re assholes. Please find some shit on them and make it public? Everyone south of Round Rock will be forever in your debt.
Tue Dec 09, 2014 at 3:01 PM PT: The best part of this diary is it's a thank you.
I hope Anonymous Kossack at the receiving end got as big a thrill as I did 'cause this buds for you!