I got rid of the damn thing years ago.I only use a vehicle for the economic activity which the government pays me to carry out.For that it is a luxury assuming I would have to do it without a vehicle otherwise.
Is that daft?
No, I admire thinking about consequences and making decisions to take action to be true to whatever it is you decide you believe. More of us should do it.
Do you think people are afraid of discomfort, or do you believe that most people genuinely don't care enough about anything or anybody else to be willing to endure any inconvenience to themselves?
The vast bulk of people I have met do not give a sod for anything but their own convenience.I don't include scientists in that.
BTW Cal-to put flesh on the bones of "nerdy" shallow is just fine.
One does have to put flesh on these words to be communicating at all don't you think?
It depends on the amount of discomfort and inconveniences aiden. If it leads to sacrifices, then I would pass.
Yes, Californians drive to everything, we actually have
no choice, as everything is in distance.
It's different in Europe, I know, but here we cannot do
without a car.
Hard to believe eh?
No, as I said, it was the same for me when I lived in the US.
How much does gas cost now?
It costs nothing.The government arrange for you all to get money to buy it with.And everything else.
It's like a grant really if you deserve it but there is no other source.
Did you not know that?
Spendius - I really don't think about things like that that much. It may sound cynical, but I've come to realize that we're all manipulated in so many ways by governments that I've just made up my mind to refuse to be manipulated. I just buy what I need when I need it.
Do you like to write?
CJ said-
Yes, Californians drive to everything, we actually have
no choice, as everything is in distance.
That is an admission of a structural addiction.You actually did have a choice when you planned your living accomodation but you thought oil was cheap and plentiful at the time so you have a lot more space.
That is what the boys are fighting for.To keep your addiction fed.
Didn't you know that either?
Oh God - I do know that and it makes me absolutely ashamed to be an American.
Are you trying to make me feel bad?
Not at all.Not bad.Wiser.More aware of what's happening and why.Then you can take some responsibility which you can't if you don't know obvious truth.Hiding your head away is not human.It's what ostriches do.
Have you ever seen a real ostrich?
Yes, at the zoo. Just so you know, I try to stay aware of what's happening and why and I do try to live my life responsibly. I am aware that to whom much is given, much is expected back. I live my life by that dictum.
Do you write on a regular basis?
I've been writing fairly regularly this afternoon.
Does that count?
Of course, every word you write prepares you to write more and better and with more facility.
Can I tell you I am impressed so much by what you've written today? (or will you get all weird and denying and Spendius-like?)
You can do anything you wish I think.
Don't you think it great what has been won for us by the long struggle?
Yes, that's why I kept struggling.
Have you ever heard that concept about people of the same tribe being connected by a red thread? I can't remember exactly, but it has something to do with certain people just being of the same tribe even though they might have been living across the world from each other. And those people are connected by a red thread. And when you come across someone of your tribe - and are connected by that red thread - it is a most wonderful thing that should not be taken lightly or squandered. I have met a few people of my tribe.
Have you?
Sorry to back track again - spendius, you cannot be without a car in California. I live right in the city up on a mountain and the nearest supermarket is down in the village about
6 miles away. I would get down there in about 45 min.,
no problem, but how would I get up the hill with at least
6 bags of groceries?
Driving to work would mean, getting up at 4 am to catch
the nearest bus, change the bus twice and if I'm lucky
I'd be in my office by 10 am. My time is too precious to
spend it useless.
City life is different than country life, don't you think?
Only for sure in books.Good few maybe's.But in books the thread transcends time so there's a wider choice.I feel connected to everything really-even the bad things but the red thread is reserved for my special people.My Tambourine Men.I follow them in jingle jangle mornings and all other mornings.Best song ever written.I have bootleg vids of Bob singing it on the '81 tour with that wondrous backing and it is just as good now as ever it was.It takes me soaring.
Ever seen it?
Can't say that I have. But it's funny that you mention that song. I was walking the other day and this family was having a cook-out in their backyard and Mr. Tambourine Man by Dylan was playing. It was neat - not the kind of music you think of as background for a cookout. I like it too. I also like "Just like a woman" - in fact love that whole album. I think it was my first introduction to Bob Dylan.
Do you remember how or when you first heard him?
Yes.I heard To Ramona on somebody's machine and I knew right away this was special.At the time I thought popular music to be simply dreadful.It still is more or less.I can imagine a world without any of it but it's hard to imagine no Dylan.I know loads of Bobcats.There are some pubs I have been in where they have most of the juke-box stacked up with it.An '84 Maggies Farm in a cacophonous pub sounds off the earth but it's just a racket to those who don't know it.Sometimes great music when it is half drowned by other noise has another type of effect almost like a beautiful dream.I don't know what does that.
Do you?
Your own particular brand of perception.
What do you think shapes that?
