In 1967, well into the Vietnam Excursion, Joe McDonald and his San Francisco based psychedelic rock group released his most famous album. A song from the release, he later went on to perform at Woodstock— it seems so appropriate for today. The “I-feel-like-I’m-fixin-to-Die Rag” is described as a black comedy novelty song about the War. McDonald spoke from first hand knowledge as a Naval Vietnam Veteran. It was a fun trip back in time to watch some of the 1969 acts performing at Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, NY. Yasgur stood up to the neighbors who did not want the festival in their world. When he heard the locals were selling water to the estimated 500,000 young people at the event, he offered free water. Country Joe passed away earlier this month but his music lives on.
I want to send this idea to Randy Rainbow but you get to give input first. The first chorus,“yeah, come on all of you, big strong men—-Uncle Sam needs your help again—-He’s got himself in a terrible jam—way down yonder in HolyIran—so put down your books, pick up a gun—gonna have a whole lot of fun….second verse asks the question of today “and its one, two, three —what are we fighting for?—-and concludes “five, six, seven—-open up those pearly gates—no time to wonder why—-whoopee, we’re all gonna die.”
If you can remember the words of the Credence Clearwater single, Fortunate Son, released in l969, it seems like history repeating itself. “Some folks are born to wave the flag…..and when the band plays “Hail to the Chief”—ooh, they point the canon at you, Lord.”…..It ain’t me, it ain’t me—-I ain‘t no senator’s son—-I ain’t no fortunate one.” I am Baron down on an important point here, everyone capable should serve the country in some way in a time of Legitimate War, one authorized by Congress. I am thinking especially the son of the convicted felon who started this war of choice.
On to discuss a different battle of attrition. The NCAA Basketball Tournament. There are a few teams who feel they should have been included and a few more who feel fortunate for a chance to play on the big stage. It is believed that the term “March Madness” originated from Illinois high school basketball, coined by Henry V Porter to describe the excitement of the state tournament. In l982, Brent Musburger, an iconic tournament broadcaster used the term that has stood the test of time. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, I believe you can enjoy the passion and excitement each athlete brings to the game. This year is off to a great start with a big upset in the books, a first win for a one major college program, and a few games decided by the very last shot. Watch the fans and the players and give a tip of the cap to Mr. Porter for capturing the feeling in two words that are ‘simply the best’.
I am now rooting for the Saint Louis University men’s basketball team. They had a great year at 28-5 but only earned a ninth seed and played the mighty Georgia Bulldogs. I did not pick them in my bracket but I am guessing I was not alone. Well, they handily beat the Bulldogs and move on to play the number one seed in their Region, Michigan. Most unique is the mascot of the team, they are the Billikens. The Billiken is a mythical good-luck figure who represents “things as they ought to be” on the campus and wherever he is found. An American art teacher, Florence Pretz, first saw it in a dream—one possible version—and created the cute but creepy gnome like creature. It seems like one of the first meme’s and Ai did not convince me otherwise. We could all use a Billiken as we struggle to save our country.
Karen’s belated birthday party was a clay modeling class. I have to admit it was not on my list of things to do, but the teacher was excellent and I made a passable clay pot using the coiled technique. Fortunately others in our group exhibited more skill. Hope you are enjoying this unseasonable but beautiful weather. Mike