Flag Wavers

One week until the election to end all elections. That is what a friend is calling it anyway. I certainly hope that he is wrong. One candidate promised should he win, there will be no need for more elections. That would be the end of our country as we know it.

Emotions on both sides are running at a fever pitch. The media is hardly blameless for the intensity and anxious feelings of the American electorate. Along with the manipulators of both sides, they have successfully created an election not of substance, but one of Hate and Discontent. Their constant barrage of polls and interpretations of those polls, combined with a focus on the stupid made up issues are making sure to keep everyone on edge. 

What is different about this election is, is this one is totally about Hate, Discontent and Fear Mongering on one side and on the other side, instead of the usual boredom of policy talk, they have had to respond to the Purveyors of Hate with their own brand of Hate, Discontent and Fear mongering. It's a Helluva lousy way to win an election, but this is how it is. Welcome to Politics in the USA, 2024.

Which brings me to the Junk Car Flag at the top.

I have been passing by this sculpture for months now as I traveled the 20 plus miles to and from the grocery store we like in Rochester, New Hampshire. It is a work created by the folks at the junkyard it sits in front of. I have no idea which side they are into, as they claim it is nothing but a way for them to creatively show their love of our country. And since they run a junkyard, they used what was on hand.

Far and away, it is my favorite artistic rendition of Old Glory. It has replaced my previous hand painted version I found on a house in Springvale, Maine years ago. I know there are an infinite number of takes on our flag; some, if not many with more artistic panache. But simple and direct does it for me.

All this flag masturbation is fine and dandy. It bothers me though that the simple act of flying a flag, self made or not, has become a symbol to many in this country of how patriotic one is. If you fly the flag, wear a flag pin on your lapel or wear stars and stripes undies, that tells folks:

"Hey I'm more of a patriot than you."

Images have supplanted actions. If we consider ourselves patriots because we dress that way, talk that way, it follows that we must be that way. ..... Right?

The more important question I think is do we act in a patriotic manner? Do we really care for all of us, not just some of us? Do we waste time on silly issues that do not move us forward? Or is wearing and waving the flag all it takes to make America Great again?

I don't know about you, but we were a greater country before the Red Hat brigade of Flag Wavers polluted our national soul. Their appearance stirred up a virulent and nasty current of discontent that has apparently been simmering for years. But the Hate and Discontent won't change anything. All it does is make it easier for the assholes pulling our strings to manipulate us to their wills.

The important thing is to vote. And if you have a brain in your head, you won't vote for the liars and fools in Red Hats, you'll vote for sanity and put them down hard.

Vote Blue All the Way Through! 

Keep it 'tween the ditches ...........................................

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In case anyone might be interested, here is one of the Presidential Candidates telling his Red Capped Evangelical Christian Minions there will be no need for another election if he is elected. Now I know he is prone to exaggerated hyperbole and lies, but based on his first term, on this issue we should take him at his word; at least believe he will do his best to keep that promise. 

Now it is time to pick a song that might at least have some kind of connection to our voting system.

Hmm, Googling "Blues songs about voting" .......... Damn, another Google magical moment in 4 milliseconds or less.

Here is Walter Trout with his song, "Be Careful How You Vote". Wise words, especially given the Man in the Red Cap's tendency to never, ever, ever tell the truth. 

While I was looking into a musical choice and Walter Trout popped up, I realized I had never heard of him. Sampling his music, I couldn't understand why. The man is a helluva a Blues guitarist.

While I listened to his music I checked up on his politics. Not much there. He's totally into the Blues and trying to survive.

Like many musicians, Walter has had a a substance abuse filled life. In 2013, he developed cirrhosis which led to a liver transplant. During his recovery, he suffered brain damage and lost the use of his arms, legs and ability to speak. It took the better part of a year for him to fight his way back. 

Rock on Walter. You are one Bad Ass Dude.