I’ve had a song in my head recently that relates to the last post.
But first a word about political protesting: DUTY! Or as Jusby spells it: DOOTY!
I have protested so few times that I can probably count them on one hand and not include my thumb. I don’t like to spend my time with negativity and get worked up yelling at people who are already on the defensive or worse yelling at buildings because any people involved are safe inside soundproof cubicles.
In the winter of 1997 I protested Mitsubishi in front of the Bank of California (in Seattle) with a Butoh group dressed in suits with briefcases. It wasn’t really about my convictions and desire to have my voice heard. It was about a desire to be seen performing art. To be seen drooling. It was butoh that led me to clowning, but that’s another story.
The important tie-in comes during the story about when I protested en masse at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site in 1989. I had recently asserted my political convictions about the first Gulf War by dropping out of school, quitting my job and fleeing the country. I hadnt factored the long-term economics into my equation, and no country would give me asylum. At first, I wandered with gypsies. I lived under an assumed identity. Then someone offered me the chance to ride 24 hours straight in a van with 8 other people back to the desert.
(Including Panacea Theriac AKA Miss Pussycat) I was asked for $20 gas money. It was not an insubstantial sum, but the cause was noble. I recall feeling conflicting emotions when other protesters shoplifted food from a convenience store near the base. The crucial element to this story, however, is the band that played at the Peace Test Camp: Clan Dyken. They had a solar powered set-up, and they got me dancing after that long voyage. I bought their cassette, but didn’t pursue their music beyond that. Seventeen years later I find that I can download new songs that lift my spirits when I’m angry with Bush jr.
I download a song called Who Are the Nazis expecting more references to Prescott Bush and the Auschwitz slave labor Ive heard elsewhere. Instead, its catchy and fun. I like it so much I put it on the 3rd Anniversary mix CD I made for Trish. It comes right before the Harry & the Potters song that Orion likes so much. (“Save Ginny Weasly”) By the time the Anti-Nazi protest rolled around Id listened to Who are the Nazis about 30 times. I’m hoping I can get hold of the rest of the Harry & the Potters mp3s before they come to town on Monday (@ Hall of the Woods!). Its my dooty. Just like giving out those 9-11 bills to the Cub Scouts on the fourth of July.
Who Are The Nazis A polka influenced dance tune
words and music by Bear Dyken
Old Tom Jefferson rolling in his grave Rolling in his grave Rolling in his grave Old Tom Jefferson rolling in his grave Tell me who are the Nazis now
(chorus) Who are the Nazis Who are the Nazis Who are the Nazis now Who are the Nazis Who are the Nazis Who are the Nazis now
They took Lady Liberty hold her in a cage Hold her in a cage Hold her in a cage They took Lady Liberty hold her in a cage Tell me who are the Nazis now (chorus)
They took the Bill of Rights and stomped it to the ground Stomped it to the ground Stomped it to the ground They took the Bill of Rights and stomped it to the ground (chorus) repeat 1st verse (chorus)
Jusby the Clown – Safe, Unique & Affordable 