The Machine’s Pump Volume 21 – #9 – September 2018

First of all, if you are not registered to vote, do so immediately. Time is running out

I often listen to some of the most incendiary call-in, right-wing talk show hosts, just to be sure their arguments are as cliché as usual. They always are. They’re still yelling and screaming and spoon-feeding their listeners plenty of nauseous poop, accusing the left of stuff which almost never crosses MY mind. I mean, I’m definitely not for abortion, but I am pro-choice. The talk-show hosts make it sound like I have baby-killing fantasies. I am, actually, so pro-life, I go out of my way to not kill bugs. If I see a stray dog or cat which obviously needs help, I often become that animal’s best friend. And, as I’m sure you must know by now, I haven’t eaten any meat for over three decades solely because I know it reduces the suffering of innocent animals just a little bit. That cat or dog or cow or monkey or crow or bug has a right to have its own life. It’s my duty to respect that. Whatever, if our country is just determined to split into two tribes, this is how I see it. The left believes in constantly working at leveling the playing field; making it fair for rich AND poor, because this is the USA. The right believes in earning and keeping as much money as possible and that each person must make it on his or her own, no matter what privileges or obstacles exist, because this is the USA. The left believes in expanding the concept of equality as far as it can go, because this is the USA. The right believes that equality is limited to those who, basically, follow the certain beliefs, primarily those of Christian evangelicals, because this is the USA. The left tries to ascribe to the idea of live and let live. The right tends to drift toward “It’s my way or the highway.” I don’t believe in just giving away money to freeloaders, but I do think we should help out those in need. That’s one of things I’m supposed to do, since I don’t worry about where my next meal will come from. For me, the meal quandary is always, “Well, what should I eat tonight. I have several options and can easily afford them all.” And, for what it’s worth, I‘m not fond of mean, scary people, whether he or she is white, black, brown, red, yellow, green or blue, but I can promise you, I won’t immediately judge you just because you’re white. I know there are good white people. I even know lots of good OLD white people. I even know a ton of good old white MEN!

Here’s a crazy idea. I wonder if it would be possible to have a call-in talk show where people actually discuss both sides and no one yells like a 6th grader. Are we weary of sensationalism yet? Is it insane to propose following The Middle Way? I figure we can either promote rational discussion or fear mongering. Anyone want to host such a show? I’ll provide your theme music for no charge, unless you just suck as a host and can’t get your words out in the proper order.

Also, if you are registered to vote, then vote!

CAT UPDATE. If you read the August newsletter, you may remember we’d recently rescued a mama cat (Twitchie) and were trying to catch her two kittens. Well, indeed, we caught them and now our zoo has grown by three cats. These are trying times, especially since our dreams of the glorious reunion of Twitchie and her kittens were immediately dashed. Twitchie will have nothing to do with her babies. She’s not even indifferent. She despises them and wants to attack them. Yep, trying times. Remember that old saying, “Cats will be cats?”

Did I mention how important is to register and to vote? Do both!
Check this out.

Brave Combo is in the thick of Oktoberfest season. We have played many and we will play many more. So far, they have all been a blast. Also, we are returning to the great State Fair of Texas! We have been told to please not call it the Texas State Fair. We will be performing on the big ol’ Chevrolet Stage. Also, there are some oddball gigs, here and there, including a few groovy private events. Check our itinerary often. Dates are being added weekly.

And, for all you fans of musical nostalgia, please be aware that Brave Combo’s line-up for most of the remaining 2018 dates includes the amazing Jeffrey Barnes on woodwinds and the equally amazing Bubba Hernandez on bass. We are performing all the hits and much, much more! And we’ve been playing so much, our chops are razor sharp right now. Not bragging, just a fact. Also, about 3 million people are showing up every gig.

That’s it. Keep on being your honorable self. Listen when others speak and respond in a measured, understanding tone. And don’t forget to vote! Other than that, do whatever you want.