Raising Objections Is Not Enough

There's a lot of criticism of callous rich people out there. From well-researched, well-written articles and editorials to scathing memes to trite tweets, all sorts of people in “the other 99%” (along with a few in the 1% who really do care about the rest of us) are pointing out the destructive behavior of the very wealthy and the corporations they run.

The main problem I see with all these creative jabs at the 1% is this: they don't care what we think.

In their world, we are beneath them. We, their employees and customers, serve only to make them wealthy. We work for them to support ourselves and our families, but in their minds we work for them to increase their profits. If we become sick, or are injured, it means profits from drugs and medical care. If we have children, it means profits from all the things we must buy to raise them. If we send them to college so they can hopefully find a career they love, it means more profits for the school and probably the student loan brokers. When we grow old, and our children put us in a care facility, it again means profits.

Very seldom does the real human factor in how they view us come into play. If it did, if they cared, they would reduce their profit margins in order to make things such as health care, homes, food, and a good education both better quality and more affordable for the most number of people.

What matters to them is their wealth and power. They only associate with those like themselves. They are an exclusive segment of society, patting each other on their collective backs for being who they are, achieving what they have achieved and having what they have. Their collective goals in life are wealth and power, and so each of them has plenty of like-minded people around, so they can look at each other and tell each other they are successful people and those who object to their greed and power-mongering and corrupting influence are simply jealous.

We are the little people who serve the 1% because we deserve our station and life and they deserve theirs. Never mind myths about how hard they worked to get there. Many achieved their status merely by being born into it. This is part of the reason why some of them are so elitist: they believe it's a gift from God that they were born wealthy, and with few exceptions the idea that God wants them to use that wealth to benefit all of mankind never enters their minds.

They love the Machiavellian concept that those who are smart and capable enough to rule become rulers over those less capable, by divine mandate, and that those they rule serve those who rule, not the other way around. This is why they have no hesitation in corrupting our elected officials and distorting the system in order to favor themselves. To the 1%, that's the natural order of things.

Even when they engage in philanthropy, most of the time it's for things such as museums or arts programs which will mostly benefit themselves and others wealthy and "cultured" enough to partake of the results of their philanthropy. It's a laughable event when Forbes and Fortune magazine run articles on philanthropy among billionaires, and we read that most of it consists of endowing a college library or donating artwork to a museum, with very little done to relieve the suffering of the needy. But these article commend the donors for their generosity, as though giving a few million dollars out of their billions is a great sacrifice.

There are wealthy people who give to charities such as children's hospitals, scholarships and other programs to help primarily lower and middle class people. Some support environmental organizations which in turn help the entire human race. Sadly, these are in the minority.

Yet, even when they do give, the majority give only 1% to 2% of their income. Sure, to the average person a donation of $1.5 million to a scholarship fund for underprivileged children seems like a lot of money. However, when the donation comes from someone with a net worth of a billion dollars or more, it's a paltry sum. Plus it's tax deductible, so in the end they aren't really out any money. It's a scenario not unlike the story Jesus told about the rich man and the widow. He commended the widow for giving the few pennies she had, not the rich man for giving thousands.

So, if the people in the 1% strata don't care what the 99% think, why am I bringing it up? Because I care what the 99% thinks, but even more importantly, I care about what we do. Just writing articles pointing out the problem isn't enough. I'm not saying we should stop pointing out the issues, but we need to make sure in doing so we also suggest solutions.

In war, a key to victory is disrupting he enemies supply lines. That's why, during World War 2, major bombing missions targeted factories, supply stores and train depots, rather than front line military targets. A strafing run which destroyed a train carrying food or ammunition did as much, if not more, to defeat the enemy than an attack on front line. Front line troops don't fight well if they lack food or ammunition. Even if they have plenty of bullets, lack of the beans will destroy morale: demoralized troops are more likely to surrender or run away from a battle.

I bring up the war analogy because we are engaged in class warfare, whether we believe it or not. Like most wars, it's not intended to destroy a populace so much as control it and so exploit the resources of the populace, including the people themselves. The 1% want to maintain control over us because we are their source of profits. Take us out of the picture and their world comes crashing down as profits disappear, and the sense of power gained through their wealth is lost.

Certainly we can't commit mass suicide just to spite the 1%. We can, however, stop feeding the Beast. We can look for ways to stop adding to the profits of those corporations, and their owners, which are the worst offenders when it comes to the matter of how they treat human beings. We can reward those corporations and wealthy individuals who truly support their workers and try to help mankind.

Some ideas:

• Shop locally instead of big, national chains. The prices may be higher, but not that much higher. Also, you will be making sure the money you spend helps members of your own community more. Most of it stays in the community rather than being funneled up a system that rewards a CEO far more than he or she is actually worth. If you are going to shop at a chain store, choose Costco or Aldi or other smaller chains which offer decent pay and benefits. Buying from locally owned businesses is all about beneficial relationships, as well, and you will find that making friends with the people who actually own the store reaps many benefits the big chain stores don't offer.
• Resist “consumeritis”. Do you really need that 52” TV while the 42” one is still working fine? Do you really need that premium cable package when you really only watch 6 channels? Is the need for a new car genuine, or just a matter that you are bored with the one you have? Are there shoes or clothes sitting in your closet that you haven't worn in over 6 months, season permitting? We are bombarded at many levels with a deluge of ads, articles and other things intended to make us think we can only be happy if we accumulate enough “stuff”. This simply isn't true: there is much research indicating that people who simplify their lifestyles are much happier than those who get caught up in rampant consumerism.
• Buy modestly. If you really do need that new TV, buy from a local dealer, or even a pawn shop. Local dealers are often willing to “horse trade” and negotiate a price below the one on the tag. You can walk out of the store with the TV, knowing that the few dollars extra you spent is helping someone in your town feed his family or save up for his daughter's college education. Pawn shops are great places to buy electronics, cameras, tools and especially jewelry. If you take the time to inspect the item, and do a little negotiating, you can walk out with nearly new items at a fraction of the retail price. To save on clothing, housewares, even furniture, try Goodwill, Salvation Army or local consignment and second hand stores. I bought a $300 coat at Goodwill for $8. It had hardly been worn: it looked brand new.
• A healthy lifestyle means big savings. Buying locally pays off in another way. If you buy as much local produce as you can, you are probably going to eat more healthfully than buying from a chain grocer. Also, taking the time to prepare you own food, using as much fresh produce and “naturally” raised meats as possible, is good for you. Being healthier means less likelihood of illness, which means less money spent on doctor visits and medications. Consider that reducing cancer risk or preventing a heart attack or diabetes, are much less costly than treating them.
• Garden. Growing your own vegetables is healthier, and cheaper, than buying produce at the grocer. It's not that hard, and with creative container gardening, even apartment dwellers can find some savings, even if it's just through growing fresh herbs in a window container. It's also a great way to get you outside and connected with the earth.
• Explore alternatives. As with the above topic of healthy lifestyle, there are a lot of herbs that can be introduced into the diet that can prevent, reduce, or even eliminate, the need for certain pharmaceuticals. For instance, turmeric used regularly in foods can eliminate a lot of inflammation for which people normally take ibuprofen or aspirin. (Always check with your doctor regarding serious conditions. Doctors much prefer diabetes be controlled by diet and exercise, rather than drugs, but will still want to monitor your blood sugar level until it stabilizes enough to be assured drugs are no longer necessary). Coops and bartering are other ways to save money. Need your washer repaired? Maybe you could get it repaired at “no cost” by trading a skill you have, or an unwanted item, with a member of a coop or bartering exchange?
• Reduce waste by learning to recycle/upcycle. The internet has a wealth of free information about how to turn broken or unwanted items into something else that you do want or need. For instance: old tires combined with a few cans of spray paint can become attractive planters or garden barriers, or even delightful toys. We are using old pallets for things such as the platform for a storage shed, fencing and building garden containers.
• Get off the grid as much as possible. Learning to reduce energy use not only saves money but helps preserve the earth. There are plenty of ideas to be found on the internet or in the library. Charge your phone while driving, rather than plugging it into a wall socket at home. Small, self-installed solar power systems are getting cheaper every year. They may not take you completely off grid, but they can reduce the need for utility supplied electricity. Passive systems can heat a home very well if done right. If zoning allows, you can install a wind system that further reduces the need to pay for electricity that usually depends on fossil fuel or nuclear power plants. One idea I plan on doing next winter is to make small space heaters out of flower pots, carriage bolts and washers and a candle. Placed near a computer desk or in a small room, they can provide enough heat, without electricity or gas, to replace a conventional space heater in some cases and help reduce the need for using whole house heat at a certain level.
• Vote for the right candidates. Don't just vote your party of choice based on a couple of issues you prefer. Do some research, think about the greater picture, the impact a candidate's actions will have on all of us, and our children and grandchildren rather than what you believe will give an immediate solution to your personal concerns. Don't be afraid to vote third party. Use your right to vote to send a message to leaders who cater to the wealthy and corporations that you want those who will stand firm in support a government that is truly by the People, of the People and for the People.

Alternate Reality

J.E.B. Stuart was a "Master of the Telecaster". He was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for a seminal Equestrian Blues group, "The Generals of Jam". He formed the group along with his friend Robert E. Lee (rhythm guitar, lead vocals) due to their combined interest in blues-based rock and horseback riding.  It was a unique and months long path from obscurity to fame and fortune, but the story is not all that uncommon.

Originally the two formed a country duo named simply "Lee and Stuart", with Lee on banjo and Stuart on acoustic guitar.After some moderate success in Lee's hometown of Arlington, VA, they headed to Nashville TN to seek a record contract. However, once there they received little recognition or work during this initial period, despite Lee's excellent banjo technique and enchanting vocals and Stuart's exemplary flat picking skills. Their manager Jefferson "The Prez" Davis, pointed out that male country duos were a dime a dozen in "Music City U.S.A, and that they had no original songs to offer. As a result they were far overshadowed by Flatt and Scruggs, among others, and their manager insisted they should find a gimmick to differentiate themselves from that legendary duo.

Both of them were avid equestrians, skilled riders since childhood. So, after watching a Gene Autry marathon, the pair decided to pursue a radically different approach to their act. They began playing and singing while sitting on horse back. Initially, the gimmick garnered a lot of attention, but soon the novelty wore off as people realized their act consisted of simply doing Flatt and Scruggs covers while on horseback. 

The addition of the horses also limited the available performance venues, as many of the Nashville bars that hired unknown groups had no room for the horses. After the infamous "Road Apple Incident" at the Bluegrass Inn, work in the local bars was impossible to find.

As a result Lee and Stuart were forced to perform almost exclusively at county fairs, equestrian events, mall openings and monster truck rallies. It was at one of the latter events that they met Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, an erstwhile rock drummer who was earning a modicum of fame by warming up truck rally crowds with his unusual act. He would allow trucks to jump over him while he played Charlie Watts covers. He earned the nickname "Stonewall" because he was oblivious to the constant torrent of soda cans and beer bottles that bombarded him during his performances.

 Lee, Stuart and Jackson hit it off immediately. Jackson also had a love of horses, and was skilled at at least sitting on one un-phased. After hours of discussion and several rounds of Corona Gold, Lee and Stuart made the momentous decision to switch from country to blues based rock (which was, in practical terms, the only way they could add a rock drummer to the act). Lee picked up a 1959 Les Paul Gold Top, and Stuart convinced his cousin to loan him his '64 Telecaster. 

They realized the needed a bass player to round out their sound. They found the perfect match in Nate Forrest, an under-appreciated bassist doing time gigging the hotel circuit with a Donnie Osmond tribute band. Lee, Stuart and Jackson immediately recognized that Forrest's talent was wasted in the group he was with. (Unconfirmed reports state that they hired Forrest after he was kicked out of the Osmond tribute band for falling asleep during a performance of "Soldier of Love" at a bar mitzvah.)

With the addition of Nate Forrest on bass, the group went into seclusion for an entire weekend at the Motel 8 near the Nashville airport, in order to tighten their sound as a group and explore future possibilities as an act. Nate was the one who pointed out that it was problematic adapting Flatt and Scruggs songs to their new format. He showed the other three members his collection of original songs, and they were convinced this was the key to future success.

There was one final obstacle to overcome. The use of battery operated Pignose 7-100 amps made playing electric guitar and bass on horseback manageable. On the other hand, finding a horse willing to let Jackson put his extensive drum kit on its back proved problematic. The solution came when Stonewall switched to a much lighter weight electronic drum kit. 

Next was the challenge of coming up with a name. Their initial choice was "Blues on Traveler", from the name of Lee's beloved stallion, but their agent informed them of the potential trademark violation. So too with their second choice, "The Dixie Hicks". They finally settled on the name which would soon become legendary, "The Generals of Jam". 

This name was chosen because three of the four, Lee, Stuart and Jackson, had all applied for West Point, having dreams of becoming Army generals one day. Forrest had no such military aspirations, but after watching an old video of Paul Revere and the Raiders, he liked the idea of dressing up in period military clothing. Fearing another potential trademark issue if they went with a Revolutionary War theme, they chose the uniforms of Civil War generals instead.

They had name. They had original songs.  They had a sound. They had a gimmick. Now all they needed was a gig. Their agent was quickly able to book them at an upcoming monster truck rally in Knoxville, TN.

Their plan was to play a short set of their original material while sitting calmly on horseback, but history, it seems, had other plans. It was during the group's iconic song "Bowling Stone" that a short developed in Stuart's amp. This irritated his horse, which began trotting back and forth in rhythm to his riffs in an attempt to elude the small shocks he was receiving. Lee and Forrest, believing this to be some new aspect of Stuart's performance, began following suit. The audience went wild over their roughly synchronized dressage in time to a blues number. They demanded an encore, but the band was only contracted for the one song, and the show's director had guaranteed "The Human Bomb" his fair time before the main event, so the audience was disappointed.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Fame came quickly as the band developed exciting and unique dressage routines to compliment their songs. Who can forget not only the iconic "Bowling Stone", but also the equally iconic "Imma King Me (Since We're Playing Checkers)". Their dressage routine to the iconic "I Got My Mower Working" is still unmatched by the many copycat groups that have come and gone. Their Grammy winning iconic song, "See, See, a Ryder Truck" featured dressage so remarkable, fans insisted the group be given a place on the U.S. Olympic Team. Finally, there is no telling how many young people were inspired to take up both guitar and horseback riding by Stuart's phenomenal solo turn in the iconic "Disruption" video.

However, fame often takes a toll on the band members, leading to various problems, and "The Generals of Jam" were no exception. Stonewall's refusal to participate in dressage, but simply sit immobile on his horse, frustrated the other members. They relented when they realized that he did have a nickname to live up to, plus the fact that it was much harder to perform dressage with a drum kit slung about the horse. Still, the tension between Jackson and the other members was there, smoldering, fueled in no small part by Stuart's antics and attitude.

When Jackson died tragically when a drunken roadie backed their horse trailer over him, Stuart especially was devastated. He refused to participate in auditions for Stonewall's replacement, instead engaging in increasingly outrageous behavior. Some blame is involvement in the notorious "Knoxville Drag Queen Fiasco" on his difficulty in dealing with his grief.

Jackson was replaced by Bo Pickett on drums, but the group just wasn't the same. Stuart, especially, was less than thrilled by the presence of Pickett.

Stuart's already flamboyant personality, combined with his grief over Jackson's death (and suspected substance abuse) led to him developing something of a prima donna attitude. "It's me they are all really coming to see" he said during an after show interview at an iconic performance in Fredericksville, VA. Stuart also made other remarks, including some about how he was carrying the rest of the band. He signed to do a solo record without first informing the rest of the band, leaving them wondering about his plans for the future. All of this greatly increased tensions within the group.

Lee, always the gentlemanly leader, did his best to smooth things out, but the last straw was when Stuart showed up late for a festival in Gettysburg, PA. Though he arrived in time to play their set, and performed admirably, his reputation with the his mates was irretrievably damaged. 

The Generals of Jam began struggling. They were overdue on their second album, but spent little time in the studio. Forrest's songwriting efforts seemed fruitless. Stuart became increasingly difficult to handle. Pickett added to problems by often failing to play songs correctly during concerts. They managed to put out a single, "There's a Booger in My Chili", but it flopped on the charts, further discouraging the band.

The final nail in the coffin for "The Generals of Jam" came when Stuart was shot and killed during an argument with John Huff in Old Yeller's Tavern, a Disney themed restaurant near Richmond. With the loss of their lead guitarist, the remaining band members lost direction. The group broke up a few months later.

Yet, the legacy of "The Generals of Jam" is not to be forgotten. Though they were only active a scant 4 years, they produced an album filled of iconic songs of their genre. Their full length concert video, "Gimme Halter" stands as one of the all time iconic blues dressage performance videos by any group, ever. Streets and stables are named after the group and individual members. An autographed pile of horse poo sits enshrined at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe.

 Several tribute groups have sprung up (most notably Seattle's "Nervous Anna") to keep the legacy of one of musics most iconic groups alive into the foreseeable future.

NOTE: Maybe this is the result of binge watching "Sliders" on Netflix in between practicing guitar.