Catfish 32
Andrew Bushard
Hello. Welcome guests to Catfish 32. It's good that you come today. Have a seat. Take off your sandals. Chill. In this volume we have good articles and reviews. Someone donate a printing press to me. Or it would also be nice to have an unlimited free pass to make copies at a copy store.
In not too shortly of awhile I plan to move to Mankato, MN to begin graduate school. I plan to bring the revolution there too. I am really starting to become focused and passionate about the prohibition of alcohol. It's good to have focus. I admire the trait in people that makes them focus well. Since I'll have less time in graduate school, it's important that I direct my available energies to the most important doings, what really matters most to me. It can drain energy to participate in activities which don't provide you with catharsis and satisfaction. I hope to avoid that as much as possible.
Another new location can cause problems with zine mail. It's difficult to get regular zine mail when there is no constant address. I hope the move does indeed increase the advancement of the revolution and is full lots of excitement for me.
It's vital that I remind you to read my other two zines, "Green Jean Humor" and "Art, Humor and Hate". Also you should check out the book I wrote about the revolution called "Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement", from Xlibris.com. Check out the Autonomy Party too, website https://bushard0.tripod.com/autonomyparty. It is needed for you two to help advance the revolution. Start a chapter of either or both Autonomy Party and Federation Without Television. Each have their niches, which is wonderful to suit different people. So far, I have seen 4 facets of our revolution: the spiritual facet (with the religion of Frelsun), the intellectual facet: with Federation Without Television, the creative facet: with zines and other creative activities, and also the political facet with the Autonomy Party. It will be a great day if all the facets of the revolution become completely actualized. We must work to make that happen. There has been plenty of revolutions in the past, it is due time that our original revolution happens! We have great earth shattering life changing events ready for the world. May our beloved wonderful revolution stay strong and achieve our desires!
Read the writings, readers!
Andrew Bushard
Reviews
The Astrologer's Handbook, Julia Parker, CRCS Publications, 1995.
It's important to have an open mind. It's vital. An open mind enables one to see how fascinating astrology can be. It's amazing how seemingly accurate it can seem. This book is very interesting all the way from the beautifully drawn cover of all the zodiac motifs to the nifty powerful charts in the back of the book. The book did a swell job at introducing this beginner to astrology. My friend Blanca has so coolly opening my eyes to astrology and how right on it can seem to be. It's cool that before I didn't give astrology a second thought, but once I got exposed to it, I saw how amazing it could seem be. It seems to be a very romantic outlook. Lots and lots of information, it's good fare to digest. The book helps a person move from newspaper astrology to a deeper (but surely not complete) understanding. Astrology gets my head thinking, and it appeals to me. There is a very exhaustive analysis of the zodiac in this book. The author explains the matter of astrology without pretentious words, making it something a novice can read well. Not being an advanced astrologer, I wouldn't know for sure, but this book seems to be the type of book, that could give a good framework for a beginner and also have the potential to maybe teach a more advanced astrology student some extra facts. (Books that can aid both the expert and novice are truly powerful books). It's cool to probe beyond the surface of what most people know about astrology; seeing its dynamic and complex nature.
You and Your Alcoholic Parent: A Young Person's Guide to Understanding and Coping, Edith Lynn Hornik, Association Press, 1974.
I was fond of the attempt to provide some comfort from a group of people who often are not recognized as great sufferers. Even thirty years ago makes a big difference how the person writes, the book is too old. I don't like the subtly traditional roles portrayed in this book. In addition to some sound advice for alcohol matters, other general good advice is given. I didn't like the AA influence in this book. I'm not too crazy about the organization. Their approach doesn't work for me for a number of reasons. I wish our school library had more current books than this. This may have been satisfactory minus the AA influence for its time, but most of us couldn't relate to it perfectly. Their effort is admirable because alot of these children hurt badly. It was comforting to realize someone is trying to care about us.
Nightmare Abroad: Stories of Americans Imprisoned in Foreign Lands, Peter Laufer, Mercury House, 1993.
It seems as if many travel books border on the unexciting, however there are a few gems and treats out there. I think it's a matter of being untypical and fusing in a little romance too. Romance and excitement are key to a good travel story. The author is to be commended for writing about a different angle for a travel book. Travel books should not be dry like many textbooks are, which is why it's marvelous this author choose the topic and writing style he did. The purpose of this travel book is unique, thus it is welcome.
The Young Hitler I Knew, August Kubizek, Paul Popper and Company, 1954.
This was an old book, but I didn't mind. The book pulled me in. I found some wavelength connection with the book and its tale. A friend inquired as to why I was so drawn to reading about Hitler. Adolf Hitler appeals to me because most people consider him to be the epitome of evil, which permits many from seeing that he was human too. The humanity of Hitler interests me. The subject of Hitler is a subject I never seem to tire off, there is just so much to learn. I was glad to become more knowledgeable about the period discussed in the book, the time in Austria before Hitler went to Germany. I would like to learn about his time from 1914 to when we first joined the National Socialist Party. I dug how the author talked about his reunions with Hitler was the leader of Germany. The book describes the way Hitler treated his friend further demonstrated humanity, something most people don't attribute to Hitler. I do not like the violence and anti Semitism of Hitler. But I am able to set aside that to see some good qualities in Hitler. We all have good qualities, even "evil" people. A truly eclectic person will try to find virtue in what others deem having no redeeming value. In Hitler's early days, I find I can identity with some of his suffering. My hope to aspire to a mighty position like he did, but use the power for good. Without the qualification I dislike the anti Semitism and the violence of his regime, I believe there is a lot to learn from Hitler, even to admire. The author did not do a boring academic study, which is likely why the work was so wonderful to read. The author was very candid and was not pretentious, using his real stories from a real person that he is. The genuine touch was a plus, to be sure! Reading about Hitler captures me.
It Won't Happen to Me, Susan Newman, Pedigree Books, 1987.
It was good how much of the books was in the form of narratives, because I hear youngsters can sick of preaching about drugs. I like books that show the bad side of drugs. Too many youngsters are hedonistic today, thus definitely needing a wake up call. Hopefully, youngsters will not be cocky and too confident in themselves to actually read it. This book demonstrates how foolish youngsters are when they dare to underestimate the ever present harm of drugs.
America's Least Competent Criminals, Chuck Shepherd, Harper Perennial, 1993.
Books about crime sure seem to appeal to people. It's cool to have the lighter side approach in this book, because many crime books are darker in tone. I'm glad Chuck Shepherd put together this book. There's even cute pictures too. This book is a testament to the fact that sometimes in the heat of action, criminals don't think the most clearly or rationally.
CB: Citizen Band Radio Service Rules, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, Effective August 1, 1978.
O
ur public library is shamefully lacking books about CB. It's too bad there are more updated sets of rules. There should at least be a set of rules in the library for checkout AFTER I was born. I imagine rulebooks are high in demand, because there aren't many CB radio operators anymore and probably many CB radio operators don't care enough to read the rules. In 23 years a lot of changes can occur. I'm probably one of the rare few who would read a book like this just for leisure reading. The question and answer format made the reading easy. The explanations are simple enough for everyone to understand. The drawings might even be atypical, I've seen the style before but I can't pinpoint where. For the most part, this was not dull as one might expect rules books to be, but it had interest for me.
If You Love Me, Don't Feed Me Junk, Sandy Gooch, Reston Publishing, 1983.
The title and the theme reflected through the book is right on! Too bad more people don't feel this way. Someday the advice in this book might come in very handy if I ever choose to have kids. Eating right is very important. The author seems like she would be a very kind mother and teacher. She has a wonderful writing tone, a tone that exudes compassion. She has pictures and recipes from children, which surprisingly often weren't the most healthy recipes. It was refreshing to see the author use "her" instead of the gender exclusive "him" many people often use. However, it would have been better in my book, if would have used "his or her". She seems to vie strongly for tolerance and seems to eschew being pushy. I like how she uses how personal bad experiences with was not nutritious food to discuss the importance of proper nutrition.
Simplify Your Life, Elaine St. James, Hyperion, 1994.
This is another of those books which seem very mainstream, but can be an excellent asset to any radical or revolutionary. The book was wider, but it could still fit in my coat pocket. It is of deep substance, yet a breeze to read. This book can be a good reinforcement for me, because I've been thinking about focusing a bit more. I like how the author gives a backseat to unnecessary societal decorum. Most of the ideas are not earth shattering, but it is good to have such a big list in one place to remind us of a number of ways to better focus ourselves.
Children of the World: Jordan, Edited by David K. Wright and Mary Lee Knowlton, Gareth Stevens, Inc, 1988.
The first part with the narrative and the pictures, I dug. But the second part with the straightforward information didn't do it for me. Life in Jordan seemed not too bad You'll read this book in a flash.
You Wouldn't Want to Be A Slave in Ancient Greece: A Life You'd Rather Not Have, written by Fiona Macdonald
The cartoon format was fun and effective. It helped to convey the information in a very understandable yet very exhaustive manner. I wonder if the format might slightly trivialize or make light of these people's experiences. The feature "Handy Hint" along with other neat organizing techniques can really help someone absorb this material. The format is very entertaining. I had a history class which made Ancient Greece sound dull, but this book does the opposite.
Shortwave Radio Listening for Beginners, Anita Louise McCormick, TAB Books, 1993.
I wasn't too impressed. I've read about shortwave listening before, and I don't think much at all was added to my knowledge bank. In reading books about shortwave radio, I like to look at how the subject of pirate radio is handled. Although others are worse, she wasn't too great about pirate radio. It's probably the most interesting part about shortwave; she only used a few pages to cover it: a disservice! She did give pirate radio some props, but I believe she should have been more empathetic. She was too reserved about it. If you don't have any knowledge about shortwave, this could help you, if you do have a bit of knowledge, you will probably find it dull. It's too bad our library doesn't have better books about the topic.
A Day In the Life of A Police Detective, David Paige, Troll Associates, 1981.
From looking at the pictures in the beginning, I guessed that the book was probably written in the early 80's. Then I looked at the date the book was published and I was right! Kids could learn something by reading this book. It's good to see books perhaps naively look at police officers. With today's cynicism and anti police sentiment, it's necessary to have a book that portrays police positively, because they truly do help out society, some of the time at least. Besides, likely young children likely can't comprehend the issues of corruption and brutality.
At the Police Station, Carol Greene, Child's World, 1998.
Photos accommodated the text giving a good glimpse. Cartoons added comments and sometimes admonitions to youngsters. The level fun motifs is ideal to still teach and also keep the youth focused.
Officer Brown Keeps Neighborhoods Safe, written by Alice K. Flanagan, photographs by Christine Osiniski, Children's Press, 1998.
It focused on the happenings of one police officer. I liked how it used a successful black woman to motivate others in disadvantaged positions to rise up. Very few words in this book, there can't be too much more than 100-125 words. I could have just as easily read it in an instant at the library without checking it out, but I wanted to review it.
How To Watch TV News, Neil Postman, Steve Powers, Penguin Books, 1992.
A winner! This is the second book I read which Neil Postman wrote, and I'm glad he's willing to call a spade a spade in regards to television. In fact, the thesis of this book is to not blindly absorb the news on the television set. What was true 10 years ago, is likely even more true now. The insightful chapter "Television in The Courtroom" would be especially pertinent after the O.J. Simpson trial. Page turning, enhancing one's insights about television and media, written at a very sophisticated yet highly readable level and style. One Joke about Switzerland I found funny especially because it's my type of joke motif. Excelling at being excellent.
Teens and Drunk Driving, Nathan Aaseng, Lucent Books, 2000.
Sometimes we may expect books written for younger audiences to be light on content, but I felt this was not the case with this book. There was certainly new info that I learned about. Prohibition was covered without vilifying it too much, but I wish they would have embraced it. Unfortunately, too few do. This book is a contribution to our struggles. The book informs us without preaching.
Periodicals
Laugh: Comics Digest, Close-Up, 1977.
Archie's trouble is loaded with fun and charisma. For variety, it's nice to see some side minor strips presented too. I would like to read more Archie comic strips because it's a good strip. Parents might not mind it either because it's relatively clean, probably PG rated. Since Archie is a good comic, I wonder why I don't remember seeing it syndicated in many newspapers. The strip "Caramel" was a wonderful tale, with a different tone than the other humorous strips. It was a story with elements of sadness which touched me, by the way it cared about animals. The author of that piece is to be commended for using a comic to present an often tragic circumstance of animals. The characters in that strip were lovable, I hope to read more of this strip. I approve!
Audio
Beatles, Help: The Original motion Picture Soundtrack, Capitol Records.
What I dig about the Beatles is how they master melodious singing. Many Beatles songs are very memorable because the music is real rock done well. I really dug "Help!", "Ticket and Ride" and "You're Going to Lose that Girl" these songs I wanted to listen over and over again. Unfortunately, the audio quality was bad; I imagine partially because the tape is older and also partially because it's a library tape that has likely been used a lot. I wish I could have heard the songs in a bit better audio quality, but the music was good anyways. I noticed that the album seemed shorter than maybe what I thought was standard. Maybe it was because it is a soundtrack and maybe it is because that was the practice back then. Truly a band that has stood the test of time, and it is well deserved success.
Bad Religion, Process of Belief, Epitaph, 2002.
This
is Bad Religion, so of course, the album is good. Since I'm eclectic minded, I can't really choose one favorite band. Bad Religion does appeal to an essential and major part of me. The music lyric combination is almost perfected. I was happily surprised to see a song called "Kyoto Now". A very timely and needed song. Lyrics are loaded with thoughts to ponder about, a great and too rare attribute of music. I observed from this album that Bad Religion doesn't seem the most dynamic musically. They don't change a whole lot over the years, and don't seem to delve into too much musical new territory, in other bands this could be quite the setback, but I love what Bad Religion does, so it isn't that big of a deal. A sign that a band rocks is a band that you can play over and over again without tiring of them. It almost seems impossible to get sick of Bad Religion. Surely, my mind will be absorbing all the thoughts of this album for a long time to come, and hopefully lots of listenings will help me gain more insight into their radly incredible lyrics. I bought this in vinyl and decided it was a good decision. Lyrics were printed both on the album cover and the record sleeve, to me this seemed different. Bad Religion isn't a happy go lucky band, which is good because their unique perspective and analysis of the world is an awesome asset to my eclectic self.
10 Stupid Things Couples Do to Mess Up Their Relationships, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, read by the author, Harper Audio, 2001.
I've heard some very negative remarks about Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Since liberals can be biased, it often best to get it from the horse's mouth to judge for myself. She is a bit too extreme, but I do believe she has some wise advice. I do not agree with her assessment that our culture is majorly slanted in the liberal direction, I believe it is slightly slanted, but to ill effects in some ways. Yes, some ways of the old were perfectly fine, which we should go back to. If she tempered her views a bit, she could be deemed totally wise. She believes sexist views, which I do not think are healthy. I wish she wasn't sexist and she didn't believe in stereotypical roles for the sexes. If she could drop that, she could be very helpful. I believe the liberals have exaggerated about her. At any case, it is foolish to close oneself completely to her words, because there is some good here.
Drinking: A Love Story, Caroline Knapp, read by the author, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, 1997.
I've walked past this audio tape before at the library, but didn't check it out. I'm glad I did now. Maybe its length deterred me, but now it didn't stop me. A book about the pitfalls of alcoholism is of course, right up my alley. It's a emotional testimony and a good one. Occasionally hard facts are thrown in to frame her experience in the bigger picture. It was wonderful because I did not have these very potent specific facts solid in my head before. It's a sad story, but we should hear it because it reinforces the idea that there is too much to lose by drinking alcohol. A portrait of an alcoholic is sad, but hopefully we can be galvanized to change because of it. She even mentioned prohibition, but it was in a sense that wasn't endorsement of the novel idea. I hope to find more good books like this about the troubles of alcohol.
State of the Revolution Address
Below is the text of the first ever Federation Without Television “State of the Revolution Address.” We have “State of Nation” address by the President, “State of the State” address by the governor, we even have “State of University Address” by our student government president, we also have “State of the City address” which our college student alderperson Matt Filipak gave one night at a tavern. Why not have “State of the Revolution address?”
The revolution is strong. We must pat ourselves on the back, for all the wonderful work we did over the years here. The revolution has been incredibly awesome.
Recently, there was a powerful sign about the difference this fabulous organization has made, that we made a Pointer newspaper Crossword puzzle, don't remember too many other groups making. We are becoming entrenched as a major feature of this campus. Clearly we have made a name for ourselves and have made a profound difference in Stevens Point, soon, hopefully we shall make a difference for the entire world.
In 3 years, we started from scratch and have blossomed into one of the most active, ambitious, prominent, dynamic, novel organizations to ever set foot in this town. We have made awesome strides for this ultra essential revolution. As this revolution unfolds, there is much excitement to be actualized. At every step of evolution, excitement flourishes!
We have proved our selves to be very fair minded, very dynamic and very inspiring. We have beautiful stamina and endurance that gives us power and determination to persist in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
We have exemplified the virtues of inventiveness, creativity and dreaming. We have carved out an awesome niche, which was previously a very empty void.
We have produced a prodigious amount of quality programs on a vast cornucopia of topics. All these different programs have been instrumental in promoting intellectual growth and critical inquiry. We have been bold enough to expose ourselves and others to the wide spectrum of ideas. The Sky is the limit is the organization, where we keep growing in the diversity of ideas and views we present.
We have had a book published, which has 30 copies have been purchased thus far. We have had business cards made. We have a website. We have a great list of interesting audio tapes available. We have office space. We have come a long ways. We have produced first class promotional material, including 12 different leaflets. We are a class act. Even more virtuous fruits are yet to come. You can help make it happen.
Now we face a pivotal point in the revolution. The revolution seeks to be continued in new areas, we seek to have chapters sprout up all over the world, so that one day we can be well known, we can be a household name. The torch of light calls your name. It would be a dire shame if all our hard work and beautiful cultivation of intellectual stimulation and the justice revolution would fade away. You can be one of the powerful leaders we need. Leadership is a challenge, you should accept, because it is a potential that lies in the human species. Leadership is beautiful and is edifying. Leadership is not magic or complicated skill, but rather passion and vision!
Since this organization is dynamic, this chapter of the organization can evolve in a way that the sky is the limit. Your unique personality can be utilized to advance this awesome revolution. Any energy devoted to this revolution is helpful and powerful. In this organization, you as a person can blossom and flourish, even find yourself as the organization is also blossoming and flourishing. There is so much to be done, whatever your commitment level is, you can help this revolution out.
You can write a flyer for us. You can encourage libraries and bookstores to carry Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement. You can promote our collection of audio tapes. You can distribute FWT literature. You can continue to cultivate intellectual stimulation here by helping to operate this organization next year and further down the line. It has been an ambitious venture here, but don't think that you would be required to be as ambitious as this organization was in the last 3 three years. Anything that keeps the UW SP chapter going is positive, even the most bare bones operation. Operating an organization may sound scary, but rest assured that you have the power and ability and to do it. It's not a Magical process , it's more about desire and determination to create a better world, which people aren't exposed to endless lies, half truths and distortions. Desire and determination to create a world where people have intellectual autonomy and freedom to flourish creatively are two of the biggest traits of leaders. Don't underestimate yourself, because you have this power. Of causes, the cause of struggling against the mainstream media is one of the most important and most noble. This cause is one of the best uses of your energy, and it will likely fulfill intellectually and emotionally, even spiritually.
Virtually everyone who attends our programs finds to them to be immensely valuable. We have deve
loped a reputation of integrity by having the insight to present views both left and right and otherwise. We tirelessly promote this much too uncommon values of critical inquiry, creativity and intellectual stimulation. The direction of this chapter, along as it fulfills basic missions of the organization, is largely up to any new leadership. We are determined to make our mark on history, to contribute endlessly to intellectual culture and to make a profound difference on the quality of life on this planet.
It is planned to carry this revolution to another state and start another chapter. The second chapter will be another wonderful milestone in the already splendid life of FWT. Let's continue to forge into new territory and establish new milestones. Let's continue advancing our pioneering spirit.
Remember the sky is the limit. By even working to keep this chapter alive at the most basic level, you are doing an awesome deed. Empower yourself and the world, step up to continue this dynamic, novel revolution. . Don't let the fulfilling excitement pass you by; allow your unique perspective on life to shine through as a leader of Federation Without Television at UWSP.
The state of the revolution is great, you can help make it greater, and to evolve further yet. Respond back if you feel the spirit moving you to make a historical impact on society and the world. Be moved by the spirit
Andrew J. Bushard
member of Federation Without Television
Rad Prohibition Event
The concept of prohibition really is beginning to appeal. It's almost intuitive. It's too bad I didn't embrace it earlier. My sXe views and my anti alcohol outlook has grown to adopt this wonderful idea. I use to be against it, but I now am loving it. My contempt for alcohol has caused me to adopt neo-prohibitionism.
I like to look at other activists and organizations and get good ideas from them. I like to adopt their ideas for my own political purposes. Earlier this year, I was inspired by our Sleepout for the Homeless to do Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol. I also thought our Peace Camp was a wonderful idea. It certainly was very fun and powerful. This Peace Camp got me itching to do a Prohibition Camp. I wanted this to be a spontaneous event. I didn't want to plan lots of press releases and other advertising. The hope is that the momentum would carry attention far and wide. There is a definitely virtue and good reason to do a spontaneous protest.
I'm very glad I did it. It's good for psychological reasons and also to help an essential cause, especially a cause like this, that few are in support of it. It's wonderfully liberating to bring new causes to the minds of the masses. Hopefully someday, people will deem neo-prohibition as viable. This cause is unpopular, but it's important to engage in activism in support of obscure causes too. It's a risk, but it's worth it for justice purposes. Most every moral advancement in society happened because people had the guts to endure persecution and resist the status quo. This cause might seem even more risky than others, because proponents are often have very little if any support.
On Saturday May 4th was the first evening. The last evening was Tuesday the 7th. It was 4 nights in all. Hopefully this experience of mine can encourage others to engage in neo-prohibitionist activism, or if not activism in general.
My friend Blanca asked me "What's the difference between a sleepout and a camp?" I replied "probably length." Location was also different too. The Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol was downtown Stevens Point, but this event was in the UW-Stevens Point sundial. Incidentally, from my residence hall director, we recently got an email about how camping out is not kosher. There was some issue about this in regards to Peace Camp, but we got around it. Even if it is a solid regulation, people actually have to care enough to enforce it. Some folks complained during Peace Camp because they didn't like what we were doing. In Peace Camp, many in authority talked about how this camp was in line with first amendment expression rights. This would be good ammo for me if I needed it, but fortunately, there wasn't any major problem with authorities.
A big difference between this and Peace Camp and Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol was the weather. The weather was far nicer than in October during Peace Camp, as it should be in May. The coldest it probably got was around 40 degrees. The difference between 30 and 40 degrees is considerable. It was nice because I didn't need as much clothes this time around. It can be a pain to dress in many layers. At the most I had 2 layers on. Most of the time, it seemed to be around 50 degrees. In the mornings, I went back to my dorm. The time depended on when I woke up, what time I had class and how cold I was in the morning. Unlike the Peace Camp, the Camp could not be 24 hours. I did not have enough energy for that.
I slept on grass and concrete. This helped me realize that I can sleep most anywhere. It's good to be versatile like this. It might come in handy in a desperate situation. Not only could I do, but besides it being a little cold occasionally, it didn't bother me much. My back didn't even hurt much from it. In some ways, it's probably even healthier to sleep outside than inside. Certainly there is better air circulation. In this spring time, there's not many bugs around to bother you either.
The first night was a drinking night. The Sundial is not the most frequently traveled location for drunks, but there is a fair amount of traffic across it. I would venture to say it's a lot of people going to and from the dorms. I really wasn't in much of a mood to engage in conversation with inebriated people, fortunately, not too many bothered me. Inebriated people really irk me. I hate interacting with them. One dude asked "What are you sleeping out for?" I told him "Prohibition". He said "Are you for it or against it". I, of course, replied "For it". Then he walked away. This was about the extent of conversation I had that night, or the whole time for that matter. Someone came by and made an anti peace comment because they thought this sleepout was related to a peace cause. This same mistake was made during Sleepout for the Homeless. I slept on a tarp, which was a hassle to drag out to the sundial. It got colder, so I wrapped the tarp around me along with the sleeping bag. I heard some people talking. It sounded like it was drunks exploring. They made comments about my belongings wondering what was going on. I thought I would just stay in the tarp, hoping they would just let me be and go away. They were making noises too, that weren't exactly usual. I looked out and saw a man taking away the "Prohibition Camp" sign. It was some maintenance worker picking up paper litter. I managed to get the sign back, but was worried that they almost took it away. Throughout the night, I was awoke by the loud chatter of drunks, as likely the only way drunks can talk. I got cold, so I went over by some ducts near the library building, which was discovered by us as a source of warmth in peace camp. The ducts seemed warmer during Peace Camp. But during Prohibition Camp, they seemed just barely more warm than cool. The pressure wasn't incredibly intense, but it was nice. However, I found sleeping by it was very nice, and it was a good way to boost one's overall feeling of warmth. It's subtle warmth that builds up over time. I was disgusted to wake up during this Saturday evening to find some of my belongings strewn about. A deck of cards was scattered all over the place. Two books of mine were moved onto some brush far away from where my bag was. Fortunately, it didn't look as if anything else was taken. This did make me more cautious. I wondered why people had to do this. Fortunately, this was about the worst occurrence that happened through the whole Prohibition Camp. During Peace Camp, there was a lot more negative reactions, more intense too.
It was fortunate to have after hours access to our office in 30K of the Student involvement Center of the University Center during Prohibition Camp. Whenever I wanted to go inside for whatever reason I could. During Peace Camp, after 1:00 a.m., there was almost nowhere close we could go inside.
Sunday the second night fortunately did not have any drunks bothering me. I dragged out all the material and laid down to go to sleep. I was thinking to myself how beautiful of a night it was. The weather was almost ideal. Warm, but no
t hot. It seemed to be almost the perfect night to sleep outside. Then it started raining. Sure, this wasn't fun. But I decided I should try to adapt to the circumstance and not let it bother me too much. I pulled the tarp around me to cover me and this seemed like an excellent solution. I was thinking although going outside to go to the bathroom would be unpleasant, the tarp could protect me from the rain. After a while, it seemed as if slightly rain was seeping through the micro holes in the tarp. Apparently, the tarp wasn't perfect. Then some water managed to get into the tarp, and I got wet. I moved the sleeping material (the sleeping bags and pillows) to under the doorway of our College of Natural Resources building. What I wish didn't happened, did a security officer, saw me and inquired as to "what are you doing here?" I responded very matter of factly, "It was raining, so I came over here." He asked "Are you a student?" I replied to the affirmative. He told me "It's not raining now." I went back. Also this night, Ted and Blanca, my buddies, were chillin in one of our favorite, if our the absolute favorite hangout, our office in 30K of the UW-Stevens Point University Involvement Center. I tried to get dry inside with the hand dryers, but it wasn't as successful as I would have wished. Unfortunately, also during the rain, my bookbag got a little wet. Inside the bag, a book about nutrition also got wet. As of this writing, the book is still damp. Wetness can ruin books, which makes paging through it less enjoyable. After placing the backpack near the duct overnight, it rebounded back to its normal state.
After the end of the second night, while hanging out by the duct, I saw a man in a truck trying to take away my belongings. I dashed over their to get him to stop. It ended up being a touching experience as the man was very nice. He was a custodial supervisor. He apologized for taking it down, he was under the impression that it was abandoned. He mistake it at first for the Sleepout for the Prohibition which was why he thought it was abandoned material. He helped me fold up the tarp which was very helpful because the tarp was a trouble. He gave me props for what I was doing. He even drove me and my belongings over to the University Center in an University van. He stated something to the effect, "I supervise 20 janitors, 4 of which are chronic drunks, I'm always afraid they aren't going to come into work". He said to me "We love what you write in the Pointer. We look forward to it." He even offered "If you get cold, you're welcome to come in the back door of the Collins Classroom Building. It was cool to have this cause connect to people. It was great to get his support and help.
Before the last night, Chris Talbot, my friend, saw me carry the belongings out. She was concerned about my welfare and safety. It was nice of her to be concerned. I talked a bit to her about how alcohol is an instigator of rape and sexual assault as she loves to do activism for the feminist cause. She respectfully disagreed. She made sure I had her phone number. It's good to have people care about you.
It was empowering to have done this rad prohibition event. Hopefully it can inspire more people. It would be great to someday hook up with the Prohibition Party to do some major activism, as they are about the only ones who are on the same page as I am on this issue. The hope is that this activism helps to impede the progress of the alcohol industry. Hopefully we can march towards the end of a Prohibitionist society. Hopefully one day, the Autonomy Party can lead this nation to the sXe prohibition victory. This event made a great impact for me personally. It's great to be active, to actualize yourself further. I do not like to live with doubts or regrets or wishes. I like my desires to come true. It's an awesome feeling when you can do something amazing, something thrilling, something that requires bold initiative and determination. It can be very empowering to stand up for the right when the status quo is wrong. I hope one day, the taverns can be shut down like they deserve. Society will then be saved lots of suffering.
Activism is exciting. It's wonderful to engage in activism. It sure beat apathy! Activism energizes me and I'm glad I can do all that I do. I hope to continue to do powerful activism in the future. March to the Prohibitionist beat!
April Fool's Day 2002
With great eagerness and anticipation I awaited the coming of April Fool's Day in 2002. I believe April Fool's Day is the best holiday. I love pranks! Last year was a big blast. I fooled my dad by telling him Pat Buchanan hired me to work for him because he needed Philosophy majors. A bunch of Progressive Action Organization related people, lead by I pranked a bunch of people we knew by telephone. It was fun to do it with a group of other people. I was most excited about it in the whole bunch, but a couple of others dug it a bunch too. I did some other pranks too. I was excited to the max. It was a wonderful way to laugh. I don't laugh that hard every day, that is for sure. Pranks clearly are good for you! Since I had so much fun last year, I was waiting from April 2, 2001 until the next April's Fool Day. I sought to focus almost all my energy on pranks this day. I was very focused for this day. I wanted it to be big and hilarious. It only comes once a year.
When April 1st, 2002 finally came around, I was ultra intensely excited. For a couple of months, I was thinking about the best pranks to do, and when the time got closer, I wrote my ideas down. I was methodical about it, because this day deserved it! No one seemed to like this wonderful as much as I did, nor did anyone seem to go all out as I did. In fact, I heard about only a rare few other people doing pranks.
I was determined to not waste any of this precious day. I began right after 12:00 a.m. rolled around. I played one prank which was probably the only prank I regretted doing, some people are too cool to distress with pranks. Then I went jogging to get that out of the way. I could only go 5 miles, since I was bursting with excitement about all the pranks I was going play. I normally don't run when it was pitch black, but I had to get that done as soon as possible so I could focus my energies on pranking. For the whole day, I played dozens and dozens of pranks.
The telephone was the huge way I played pranks. It's a great way to disguise your identity through your voice. You also don't have to look people in the eye. People don't have to see you smirking. I even called people very early in the morning for two main reasons, 1) I was too energized to wait, 2) tired or groggy people don't think as clearly, thus are easier to pull a prank on. The Progressive Action Organization people living together in one house who I called earlier thought it was rude, but when they found out it was an April Fool's Day prank, it was all good.
I learned that the most successful pranks are those when I was being myself. When I pretended I was someone else, these pranks worked less effectively. It's hard to disguise one's voice. Although many people weren't on that it was April Fool's Day, a good number could tell that something was up.
People wondered if I was the victim of any pranks. I wasn't. About the only other person I know who would have likely tried is Tim Kidd. He is one who is very good at pranks. It's great he values a good prank. Not enough people do. We have both played a good successful prank or two on each other. I was way too aware of this day, that it is unlikely anyone could have fooled me. I was wondering if people would try to get me back for all the mischief I caused. But nobody did.
I used to wonder if maybe it was not the best to do pranks on April Fool's Day, but I figured the holiday was too much fun to waste. People might be more ready on this day, but I as I jokingly told people "The karma of April Fool's Day is interesting, whatever mischief you caused can only come back to you on a April Fool's Day." This sure seems to be true. If a person plays pranks on other days, they always have to watch their back. It's better to watch your back on just one day when a good prankster is on their toes. It sure is interesting how different people interpret pranks, a major theme of the whole ramifications of this day.
In fact, I was so pumped up that I could only sleep one hour for the early part of the day. I had about a half hour nap later in the day. We have a Federation Without Television program scheduled about hard drugs. At first, I was thinking, it
was going to be hard to be serious for even a bit on this day. I decided to make this event into a prank too. I lectured on how hard drugs were very good and everyone should use them a whole bunch, even little kids. If you like, you should get a tape of it.
I tried to think of all the people I could to play pranks on. I tried to call and play other pranks on as many of these people as possible. I was very persistent. I called and called and called some people even over a dozen times for some until I got them. Some people, unfortunately I could not reach. For some, it was because I couldn't find their phone number, and others I could never get them answering the phone. I tried a variety of jokes. My favorite one was calling people and telling them "I am a Officer _________, we have ___________ in custody, can you bail them out of jail." This joke we did alot last year. This joke was especially humorous to me when I was claiming certain people were in custody, who very likely would never be in custody. It seemed to work better last year. What was more successful was telling people I was started dating a friend of ours. I told various people I was dating my friend Jess, Sarah Bodine and Dana. A good percentage of these jokes worked. I got all excited telling people about my "new love", which in itself could have been a good sign that I was fooling. I am more reserved about telling people about a new love. I likely would not be telling everyone about it.
I told some folks from my dorm that George Bush resigned, and they were convinced of my sincerity. It's a shame it is not true.
I told people who worked at our campus newspaper that Dick Cheney was in one of our rooms and people there wanted press coverage. They told me "We wish we were notified earlier. We don't have anyone to send out." I think they may have got back at me through a stab they made in their april fools issue. They had a picture of me that a photographer took with me having my eyes shut. The caption was "A Moment of Zen". I venture to say this picture may have been due to my prank on them, but I cannot say for sure.
A couple times, I called people and told them "We're worried about your friend, We had to go into their room, where we stumbled upon magazines which had pictures of 70 year old women in bathing suits." Sabrina Johnson thought it was funny, and she was one who I called dozens of times, before finally connecting. She said "This is probably a holiday you actually like." Very true.
Jess Krueger, was very quick in figuring out that I was bluffing about dating Sarah Bodine. She also was quick last year, noticing my conversion to Christianity was not real. But the quickest award goes to Meredith, my friend's Phil Kauth's partner. Before I could even finish the sentence, she figured out it was an April Fool's joke. When I asked her about it, she said "Phil told me you like to do those." She and I were discussing what she could do to Phil, but nothing resulted from it.
I had fun with the local chapter of Young People's Socialist League. I first called Loren Balhorn in the morning pretending I was a representative from the ultra radical Spartacus League trying to convert him over to their brand of socialism. It wasn't too long before he figured out it was me. He chuckled. His mother had a good sense of humor about it as she sent me an email, complimenting me on my performance. I also tried this same prank with Kate Stites of YPSL. I promised her a gift certificate to the mall and a coffee mug if she joined. She was very adamant about rejecting the offer and saw the irony in an ultra socialist group using capitalist motifs to win people over. She did not seem to see it was a prank, because we argued for awhile and she eventually had to leave. In the afternoon, I called Jesha LaMarche with the same prank, but she didn't fall for it, because Loren told her about it. Jesha made the interesting point about Kate, "It would have been awful if she would have accepted the offer, it could be a good test."
I called Michael Roth who is well known for working hard with the Non Traditional Students office. I tried to disguise my voice saying I was a person from "The Anti Non Traditional Students Association", asking him "Would you like to debate us?" Michael replied "You don't think non traditional students should be educated?" Michael realized it was a prank right away. He told me "I'm flattered you included me in your April Fool's pranks."
Jill Christensen is a SPASH high student who was president of their animals right club. I called her acting as if I was a police Officer investigating some vandalism done to McDonald's property. She was incredulous. After we got done talking, she called back my answering machine and said "I wanted to call you to tell that a police officer called about some vandalism done to McDonald's property." Later she told me, she discovered it was I who did it because of star 69 service.
My mother was about the only person who talked to me about the holiday before it happened. She is also one who enjoys this absolutely wonderful day. She was asking me about potential pranks possibilities, she wanted to use on a friend of hers. I tried to change the subject, because I wanted to play a prank on her, I did not want her thinking about the day. I didn't really think I could be successful with her, but I tried I anyways. I told her the new bike which she recently bought me right before April Fool's Day was stolen. This would seem extra bad, because the old rusty bike I had before was stolen which was the reason she bought me the new bike. She called back and left a message saying "You can't fool me. I pulled a prank on Eric [her friend]. I'm smarter than both of you two combined."
In Philosophy class, I told some love to party kids, that I have renounced my sXe ways and wanted to have an experience. One person told one of this people it was an April Fool's joke who fell for it before he was told. The others fell for it. This was hard for me to do, because I didn't want to admit even for a second that I would want to use alcohol. A dude named Pablo was making big plans. He mentioned that he would drop me a note via email about the details, but he never did. I wonder if he just forgot or if he figured out it was an April Fool's Day joke.
I called home to Rockford, telling my dad I was a member of the Rockford police department. I told him we did a search of lockers in the morning, and found pot in my sister's Katie's locker. This would be a very unlikely occurrence. My dad said "I don't think so. What is your address?" I hesitated a little, sounding a bit unsure of myself. My father said "You can't even tell me your own address, that's not good." Then soon I admitted that it was a prank. My dad said "Someone probably wouldn't call that early in the morning."
Demographically, speaking, the best group to do pranks on seemed to be professors. 4 out of 4 professors fell for the pranks I pulled. 3 professors, I told I was not going to graduate school; instead I was going to southern Mexico to fight with the Zapistatas. This concerned two of the professors. One professor, Professor Miller overheard me talking before class about the best holiday. He asked" what is that?" I told him and then said "You got a call, didn't you?" He responded surprised "That's what it was! I believed you! If it would have been Jeremy Smith [a Republican political science major], I would have not believed him, but you I did believe." Pacifist Professor Emeritus James Missey who advises PAO fell for my prank hard. I told him Dana Churness and Pete Barwis were in custody for vandalizing ROTC building. I gave some very high bail that he likely could never pay. I was a hard nosed cop. I ask him questions like "Did you coerce them to do this?", and "Are you one of those radical professors?" He said "Good heavens, what questions you ask over the phone!" He was about to come over to the police station, so I decided to tell him it was a prank. He felt relieved that it was just a prank, because he did not like the sound of it. He wasn't bothered and admitted it was a good job.
The biggest prank of them ramifications wise was what I did to members of a new burgeoning newspaper on campus called Counterpoint. They have published pieces about why Taco Bell is bad, and one writer especially is very anti Taco Bell. I called them telling them I was Don Birling, a recently retired officer of our campus's Protective Services. I told them our Taco Bell on campus was vandalized and they needed to come down for questioning. Alexa did n
ot want to come down right away, she wanted to come down later. I fought over the phone with her about it for awhile. It was especially funny with Michelle Ringhoffer. She was determined to defend counterpoint's image, she said "The people involved in Counterpoint are all respective students." I asked her "Is Counter Point trying to counter everything good?" She explained the real purpose of counterpoint. "Are you a bunch of subversives?" She insisted that none of them did and that she had her family to back her up that she was occupied at that time of the incident. I told her "Of course, your family will back you up." She finally said "I got to get my kids ready for school." Michelle called back leaving a message "Andrew, you are a big fucking jerk. I get it now; it's April Fool's Day." Justin, I called early in the morning. He said "I'm going to have to get a badge number." I responded "I don't have to do anything Justin." Unfortunately, Justin called Protective Services to report it. That was how this wonderful day was tainted because some trouble came.
A couple days later I heard about how Michelle was questioned by Protective Services about the happenings. Then my roommate told me he was questioned. He told me about the odd questions they asked, besides the basic questions trying to determine if he was responsible. He told me they asked him "Did you pick your roommate?", "Do you get along with your roommate?" I knew it was only a matter of time before they came to me for questioning. Indeed they did.
Before my sociological methods class, Officer James West flashed his badge at me, inquiring about my free time to talk to them. I told him I had class now. He told he knew that. He said "You come down now during the openings in your schedule or else we will find you and have you come down on our time." This caused me to shake.
I have started to learn a bit about my rights. I didn't want to doing anything that would sacrifice these rights. I knew I didn't have to answer any questions to a police officer, but I wasn't sure what to do because of the campus issue. After talking to some knowledgeable people about the sticky situation, I decided not to answer Officer's James West questions. I did go down to the Protective Services office. Officer West took me to a private room. He said "There's the door, you don't have to answer any questions, you're free to leave at any time." I gave him my ID to take down the information. He remarked "This must be an old ID, you look young here." Indeed, it was because the ID was from 1997, when I came here at only 18 years of age. He told me something to the effect, " We are investigating this matter. We want to make this as easy as possible, if you can cooperate. We want to keep it inside the university. We understand that you allegedly made some calls impersonating Don Birling of protective services and the Stevens Point Police department. If you cooperate, it'll be just an ordinance violation. If you don't, it may go to trial. The D.A. said he will prosecute this. You could get a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether it's impersonating a police officer or impersonating a public employee. Don Birling is interested in pressing this, he might press for a civil suit. 3 maybe 4 individuals have stated that you did this act, if you can cooperate, we can move on." I refused to answer his questions. I left. As I left he said "I hope you realize everyone and their brother has caller id these days."
This incident later made a part of our school newspaper called "Campus Beat". However, they got it wrong. The blurb said "A student called Protective Services identifying themselves as a member of Protective Services and the Stevens Point Police Department".
I thought it was horrible I could possibly get a felony for this. Likely, a person could not get a felony for battering their spouse to a state of being black and blue. Our criminal justice system can often be very unjust and unfair. I was disturbed by the intensity that people wanted to pursue it. I thought it was bad Don Birling wanted to possibly pursue a civil suit against me. Later, too late to use as argument, I was thinking that's it very unfair how our campus newspaper can make outrageous lies about almost anyone they want to any degree they want. Yet, no one gets them in trouble. I don't think they should get in trouble, because people should be able to take jokes and also we should have very wide open freedom of speech rights. I was perturbed that Protective Services had nothing better to do this. It seems often arbitrary what they press forward and what they ignore.
I disappointed that these fellow activists would testify against me. It is a code of honor among activists not to testify against other activists. I have in the past lied to officers of the law to protect other activists, because I felt it was honorable. I felt a bit betrayed. Especially, since it's unlikely these people would get in trouble for not testifying. They had nothing to lose to by not testifying."
I was touched when Michelle told me "I'm not going to issue a statement against you. The other 2 are. The only way I would is if I am subpoenaed for a civil suit." I thought it was very kind of her. I wrote her one email and one paper note of thanks. It's nice to know we have people like her. All around she is real good person.
One day after I came out of the shower, I entered my room to see Officer West talking to my roommate. It was a casual discussion. James West delivered me a ticket for disorderly conduct. He explained what happened and what I needed to do. The ticket was for $244. He mentioned that I could either pay it or ask for a trial. He also told me this issue "was forwarded to Conduct on campus, and if John Jury determines that this is a conduct matter, he will hear it." The school conduct matter seemed to bother me more than the city.
In not too long a while, I got a note in the mail from the Student Rights and Responsibilities office telling me about the conduct hearing. It did not make me feel good to get it. Putting it in perspective helped as the note said "This is not an expulsion or suspension case." Those two possibilities would suck. It lessened the blow to realize that the punishment wouldn't be too much in all essence.
The conduct hearing went well. It ended up being just a formal reprimand by the university. I was relieved about that.
I was stewing about whether I should plead guilty to the ordinance violation or ask for a trial. I was split on the issue because different sides of me where supporting different choices. My practical side told me that I could plead guilty, get a minor penalty and then be done with it. My adventurous side was angry about the whole injustice of the matter. I also thought it could be exciting to go to trial. It would have been cool defending myself and practicing the public speaking skills I have learned. I also felt it would be a good opportunity to point out how absurd the whole ordeal was. As someone in our local Toastmasters International club said "People do awful crimes everyday. Can't they see this is just a harmless prank?" There was a risk of pleading not guilty that I could get the felony or misdemeanor, but also the possibility of having all the charges dropped. It would be a gamble to plead not guilty. If I chose to plead not guilty, I was hoping that they would go for a felony, because that would seem too ludicrous to probably get a conviction. Something in the middle, I could get convicted of.
I eventually decided that I would plead guilty. I didn't feel this was worth investing too much energy. I believe in the saying "pick and choose your battles." If I was to get a felony conviction, I would want to get a conviction for a noble political cause, doing something like Martin Luther King Jr. did. I also believe I should play the trump card of going to trial only when it's most necessary or else I could lose the trump card.
On April 30th, the judge asked "How do you plead?" My reply was "May I ask a question." The judge agreed. I asked "Can I go to jail instead of paying the fine?" The Judge replied "Not directly. You would have to not pay the fine within 60 days, than a warrant would be put out for your arrest." Earlier the judge said "For every 25 dollars of your fine unpaid, you spend one day in jail." Before, I thought one day in jail was worth more fine money than that. I plead guilty. Since I didn't anticipate getting too much money and also considering I'm perpetually low on the dough, I was thinking I was just wait until the time to pay
the fine expires and I then can go to jail. The judge also told us "If you can not pay it all at once, you can talk to the payment bailiff to workout a plan." I might pay some if I get some good money for graduation. I might pay a down payment sum, then pay a little each money. Stretching it out would make it not the end of the world.
A person I know named Luke asked me "What have you learned from this?" I replied "that some people have no sense of humor. Some people take themselves too seriously."
Because of the trouble I experienced, I was inspired to write a position paper for the Autonomy party granting people a right to play pranks (with very limited exceptions) on April Fool's Day. We need a world where we can have one day to totally let loose and play pranks without any needless taboos. The right to play pranks on April Fool's Day should be a constitutional right. I told my friend that his friend in law school, named Lance should go into Practical Joke law. Tim asked "What would he do, defend pranksters like you?" Another reason to join the Autonomy Party! What other party has the coolness to guarantee the right to play most pranks on April Fool's Day?
Despite the trouble, I hope I can have lots more April Fool's Day fun in the future. I suppose I won't impersonate official people anymore, although that is fun. I'll have stick to other pranks. It might make me more creative.
What an interesting tale! Lots of folks were entertained by this story. It certainly is better than many movies out there! April Fool's Day rules!