Category Archives: Commentary

Nuts

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Yesterday the crazy abortion types were out. We have this bridge that connects Lewiston with its sister city Auburn, and the route is heavily trafficked. They were lining both sides of the bridge, standing somberly, holding up signs saying things like “abortion = murder,” etc. etc. I happened to be traveling to and from Auburn, so I had to deal with them twice. First time I gave a thumbs down sign while honking across the bridge. Coming back, I just gave them all the finger, including a “preacher” who was waving his bible at oncoming traffic… Maybe my acts were childish, but to stand on the side of the road displaying such signs is, in my opinion, one hell of a nasty thing to do on a Sunday afternoon. Of course it was a “family friendly” event, meaning that I ended up flipping off some kids, but hey, if their parents are going to force them to propagandize their own zealotry, then they better be able to deal with the reaction. I even found their display to be a tad cowardly. As there are traffic lights at both ends of the bridge, they could have stood there, thereby allowing idling motorists to engage in conversation with them. But wait, what am I thinking, those people couldn’t care a lick for any sort of conversation because their ration is irrational. I even went to far as to consider pulling to the side of the road and giving them an earful, but I didn’t, which was likely a good decision. The rampant stupidity in this country never ceases to amaze me. With a war going on and an economy being sunk all these “christians” can manage to do is protest abortion on bridges? Please. These people need to get out of all of our faces.

Quality

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Around the corner from where I live is a small shop called “Quality Market.” It has been a family business for over 30 years. In addition to the regular fare of foodstuffs and drinks, they make pizzas, sandwiches and tasty deserts. However, if you visited them today, you’d never know. The shelves are emptying and are no longer being replaced. The beer selection has dwindled, and the once bountiful muffins and cakes are no longer forthcoming. This is our America. We live in a time where our cities are dying and our strong foundation of small businesses is being eroded. What is left in Lewiston? Well, there is a Wal*Mart distribution plant, chain supermarkets and struggling strip malls. When local businesses can not flourish, neighborhoods are left to die, and when neighborhoods die, those who care not for life move in. It’s a sad day in Lewiston and a sad day for America.

Moments of Sound

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Working on a college campus has its perks, among them, free activities and food. I’ll use today as an example. At noon, the digital media center was having an open house. At this event, not only did I learn about the great video editing studio on campus (all Apple,) but I also received a satisfying deli lunch. Immediately following that event was another, held just a few minutes away at the arts center. This low-key performance was part of a series of afternoon concerts. Today’s entertainment was a saxophonist and drummer – here’s a link to the website of the drummer, Mike Calabrese… check out those photos!

In the audience there was a group that I am assuming came from a local center for mentally handicapped young adults. One cohort was sitting in the very front row and included a young man who appeared to have some form of autism. During the music he was waving his hands around and rocking back and forth. The reason I mention this is because it was distracting. I had come to listen to a musical performance and instead was drawn to this individual’s own form of expression. While a part of me was thinking that his movements were perhaps more genuine than the rest of the audience’s stodgy straight-backed sitting, another part of me was angry that he was stealing the spotlight. I began to think about alternatives: what if they had all sat in the very back row, thereby not drawing attention to themselves? Would such a thing be the equivalent of warehousing? I was not sure how I would have handled the situation had I been an employee of this center. The extent to which mentally handicapped individuals should be allowed to participate in activities seems to be tied to the disruptiveness factor. Just as a crying baby would not be welcome at a musical performance, so too should be the case for individuals who create a commotion. However, I realize the coldness of that logic, and would not wish to unnecessarily deny any individual, regardless of his/her special needs, access to enjoyable events. The question then becomes who dictates what constitutes a distraction and what action can be taken. It was an odd moment which leaves me with no good answer.