Things are getting really freaky. Afghanistan and Iraq together now overshadow the totality of the horrors of the Vietnam War era. The government, the spying, the lying and torture and mass killings. But we don't need to re-hash that part right now.
But speaking of hash, that actually brings me to todays lighter agenda. I do have a much higher purpose in mind by discussing what else went on during that era, and what it meant!
This is sad but hysterical report from the BBC on Canadian Troops 'activities' in their fight against the Taliban:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/...
...."Taleban fighters using giant Afghan marijuana forests for cover are proving a tough foe to smoke out, the head of Canada's armed forces has revealed...
..the crew of at least one armoured car had responded by camouflaging their vehicle with marijuana...."
"...Burning them is not an option," the general said...
That just had me on the floor, where I do my best creative thinking now and then. But it also struck me with an idea.
How about offering a new and more open platform for public discourse by creating a Kos Woodstock II??
Next August is Woodstocks' 38th anniversary and I can't think of a better time for it to happen. Not just music, but multiple small open public forums on crucial topics. And I can think of no other groups than the bloggers to successfully pull it off. But more importantly it may be something we desperately need.
Here' why:
Noticeably absent now, compared to the 60s and 70s, and with such horrific worldwide death and destruction, we see almost no signs of the publics discontent or disatisfaction. Cindy Sheeehan is almost a one woman campaign.
This new age of gluttony, with mind blowing TV screens and enough Walmart popcorn to keep your fat ass submerged into your beanbag chair, topped with just the right amount of fearmongering, keeps most in a kind of rut they just can't be coaxed out of.
For those of us who would speak out, the web has somewhat stifled the power of words. We're not part of any visible and threatening physical presence like the Weatherman, the SLA, the Black Panthers and a flock of others..
While less vocal and spontaneous, we now are more collective and democratic.
Rather than following charismatic leaders, students today are now more likely to have formulated individual opinions about social and educational issues.
Our marches are now more confined to attacking forums and blogs where we freely tell all who would dare log on our thoughts and ideas for a better America, or if they choose not to listen we verbally and graphically attack them with every pixel of our being. While the more moderate of us shower them with peace and love emoticons.
New anti-establishment groups/cells popped up so fast we couldn't figure out which one to join. Or if to join. The underground revolutionaries were scary but exciting, offering strength en masse not possible as individuals. The draft fueled much of, it with the muffled press driving others.
And that created a whole new world which still thrives today. A more expressive, colorful and inviting world where all were welcome to join in.
And it worked. Through music, art and industry little dissention was heard. A collective understanding of working towards the good of all swept through generations, binding the old with the young in an historical and unprecedented manner.
More importantly it took away pain, complacency, revenge and a host of other ills we all suffer from now.
9-11 brought people together in grief.
A Woodstock II may bring us together as a people.
Or am I just still stoned....