I have been a professional musician (among other things) since 1987. I've worked in public amongst large crowds, and watched society change from a stage. I know I often sound like a bitter, aging man rebelling against change and pining for "simpler times. It is partially true; however, the once vibrant, excited, engaged and hopeful (and often law breaking in a harmless ways) crowds I once entertained became a room full of zombies, who are afraid of the world, each-other, the law and seem rather disengaged and/or depressed. (Or oppressed) It happened before my eyes; perhaps it's the reason I'm particularly sensitive to the changes. I used to love playing in the clubs, but don't anymore. Only concert or theatre type engagements now; very impersonal and separate performer/audience relationship. I miss being part of the audience as well as being the performer. We are all miles away from one another now. Alone together. Too bad so many folks see the transference of authority as normal. I reckon public education did a good job of molding "productive citizens." Amazing.
Here's a rant. During the cold war my school held regular nuclear attack drills as well as your typical fire drills. The alarm would go off and we would all be herded into the hallway and made to sit, back to the wall with our heads between our knees and hands covering them. (So we could kiss our ass goodbye I reckon) We were taught to fear and resist this "evil system" of our enemy that threatened our American ideals and way of life, so excuse my shock and disbelief that I see that same "evil" that was described to me back then in my own country today. Apparently, I didn't hear the news that we lost that war. I was never big on TV or radio. OH!!! That's why I'm so disgruntled. I'll get some re-programing and get back to you when I feel "better."
Here's a rant. During the cold war along with the standard "fire drills" we also had regular, nuclear attack drills in my school. The alarm would sound and we would be herded into the hallway and made to sit against the wall with our arms over our heads which were held down, tucked between our knees. (So we could kiss our ass goodbye I reckon) We were taught to fear and resist the enemy of our American ideals. Ironic thing is the "evil" they described to us is exactly what I see happening before my eyes today in this very country, so excuse my shock and disbelief. I guess I never got the news that we lost that war. I don't watch tv or listen to the radio much. OH!!! That's what's the matter with me.
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sounds like the way communists talk about capitalists today. Ooops....Did I say that out loud? Things sure have changed.
Young man , tsk tsk..... you like to start arguments....nice try though
I don't have elbows! I lost those in the war! ..ASSHOLE! 
's to my mouth, though. 
(Saw where this originated) A perfect example of one of many reasons why I will not call myself a Christian in spite of the fact that I have read the Holy Bible as many times as any of you. Jesus is THE most misunderstood teacher of all time; what a shame. He's brilliant. I'll never let religion interfere with my relationship with God. God and I are tight; in fact he's here right now as usual. Ignorance is the only evil I know of, and who has the audacity to claim to know God's will? Not I, but I do my best and he likes that. Proceed.
