heresy, laughter, and civil disobedience

if you want a real fifth of november call to action, i have one for you. it proves there are reasons to pay attention to a select few who live in texas. it's just that their last names aren't ``bush.''

most of you already know why americans should be enraged at the theft of their government by coporate interests and their big money. those of you who aren't so sure yet, read the text of this speech by bill moyers, one of the few truly loyal and patriotic americans left in that state. he also happens to be one of the last of the prophets, in an archetypal sense, who still have a voice clear enough to call the people to action.

once you've been fired up, i would direct your attention to a story from another true blue texan, ms. molly ivins. i regret that i do not have a reference for the text of this story, for i heard her relate it in a speech a few years ago. i remember the tale, however. i found it inspiring.

upon hearing of the impending arrival of the ku klux klan in austin for yet another rally protesting whatever, ms. ivins and some of her friends gathered in a local pub, over a pitcher of beer, to discuss what to do about it. they are all first amendment loyalists, and so defended the right of the klan to say any damned thing it wished in public all the while loathing the general lowering of the city's IQ that occurred whenenver the klan rolled into town. it was as they got to the bottom of the pitcher that the idea occurred to them.

as the ku-kluxers debarked from their buses (apparently there weren't enough of them in austin for a proper rally, so they had to be trucked in from all over the state), they were met by perhaps 3000 citizens of austin, lined up on either side of the bus terminal. just as the klan braced itself for a fight, the citizens turned around, bent over, and dropped their pants, thereby subjecting the kkk to what may have been the largest public protest mooning on record.

i didn't tell you this story just to amuse you, though i confess i laughed for some time after i first heard ms. ivins tell it.

i told you this because, as a call to action for november 5, i think it's just about perfect.

we can't reach the american public with anger -- they've heard way too many angry protesters over the years. they're numb to it. but laughter, my comrades -- laughter gets them every single time.

so what say you? do you suppose we merry few, we band of brothers (and sisters) can organize a mass mooning to equal or surpass the politically astute citizens of autin, tx? perhaps a coordinated action on the lawn of every statehouse in the country, with a special attention turned toward the nation's capitol? organized properly, it should lead to no arrests. it is an act of civil disobedience (and disrespect, i might add), but accompanied by the proper signs, slogans, and chants, it will catch media attention across the country -- especially if the media are tipped off beforehand.

``tickle their ribs as you slide in the knife...''