LittleJoeSamson
550 posts
Mar 28, 2011
7:08 PM
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My buddy that went into emergency last Tuesday, and had to be transfered to I.C.U. at another hospital ( Fortunately rated VERY good for cardiac issues ). Was more serious than I had been previously informed. He actually had THREE blockages ...one 100%, and two 85-90%. He's very very lucky that he did not die.
[ NOW, pardon me for getting on a soapbox...but it is precisely because this 'generous', 'giving', 'talented', 'peace-full' person is and has been a working musician all of his life...NOT a part-timer with a job with bennies ( nothing wrong with that ), but he does not / did not have health insurance. Consequently, he put off getting checked up...doing preventive maintenance that could have forestalled this situation.
My friend was drained financially LAST year, with a house LITERALLY under water ( it flooded in January 2010 )that he lost in foreclosure.
Minor reprieve: the house was inundated this year after he was out, and now is uninhabitable.
People that are artists and musicians and GIVERS to the community are NOT humiliated in such a fashion in more civilized nations. Justin Bieber has is correct. Why would any SANE person that is not a millionaire want to live in a decadent, medeival nation of racists and bigots like the USA ? UNITED ? what a fraud ! ) End of rant.
I'm glad my friend is still with us. The best of us have come forward. Some opportunists have tried to step into the breach, but we smell them out, too.
Pardon my editorializing, Adam. I know you wish this forum to be non-partisan, and i certainly respect that. BUT, when my friends are being killed by stupidity, and gross partisanship, I have to interject something.
We should ask ourselves, " Why are we doing this benefit concert to raise funds for our NEIGHBORS and fellow workers ? "
If it was Bangladesh, or Sudan, or the Congo, or some other impoverished state, we would say " Yeah, those people are pretty poor over there " .
But, OUR friends ? OUR relatives ? OUR neighbors ?
WHAT's WRONG with us ?
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joeleebush
226 posts
Mar 28, 2011
7:23 PM
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If you find this place so WRONG and so partisan, there are a lot of other places to go.
Delta is ready when you are.
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"The degree of someone's "open mindedness" will be in direct proportion to how much they agree or disagree with the issue being discussed"...William F. Buckley
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KingoBad
664 posts
Mar 28, 2011
7:44 PM
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Your friend ultimately had the choice in any of those variables. We are in a sad state I'd affairs when we wouldn't be allowed to make those choices, OR not have to pay for the bad choices of others. That is what charity is all about, not governmental extortion.
I am sad for your friend, and will hold him in my prayers.
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REM
50 posts
Mar 28, 2011
7:54 PM
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Joeleebush, telling somebody that if they don't like something about the way their country works, then they should just leave, is a pretty ridiculous argument. If everyone thought that way, women still wouldn't have the right to vote in this country. And that's just one of the many things we've changed because of people who worked to make a a difference and change the way things work, instead of just moving somewhere else. That's a pretty important part of a democracy.
Well I can see this thread is about to be locked since this isn't really supposed to be a place for people to argue their politics.
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 7:57 PM
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Joe_L
1163 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:14 PM
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I suspect that this thread will be locked soon. A person can always get involved in the process. It's not hard. Very few bother to participate and lead, that's why most of the choices tend to be morons. Its not difficult. Often all it takes is a phone call. Leadership begins with you. Another nice thing about getting involved is that you can change things.
I'll be praying for you buddy.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 8:17 PM
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harpoon_man
16 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:24 PM
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I'll weigh in against my better judgement...
There are lots of things broken about the US healthcare system, but the solution is not having the government force all the rest of us to pay for those who can't afford it.
And I'm not saying this as some uncaring, ungiving ba$tard... I see it as my personal responsibility to help those who can't help themselves, not the government's responsibility. And I put my $$ where my mouth is. I gave more to charities that help folks in my community last year than I was forced to pay in state and federal income tax combined, and I would challenge everyone else to do the same. There's a big difference between being forced to give to the government and choosing to give to help the people that need it.
This doesn't have to be partisan.
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Mojokane
348 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:25 PM
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yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
just keep it civil..and pertaining to harmonica related subjects. I wasn't clear on whether your rant was about taking from the rich and 'spreading the wealth", or allowing the free market to adjust the inequities it invariably creates...
My conservative libertarian views have kept me off the dole, and working for what I have. For which I am grateful. Which is something not easily accomplished these days. People are getting laid off left and right.
As for nearly losing a friend...I wasn't so lucky..I have lost so many friends, it's surreal to think about. WTF?
My heart goes out to those who have lost friends. And I will make a silent cheer! for those who beat it...even if for a little while longer...
It's sad that the USA is so preoccupied with other countries business. Spending billions of our money. When we're virtually beyond screwed-up ourselves. Education, economy, health care, etc...but I would still make every effort to keep it out of governments hands. They can't do anything right!!
If that's the general message you're relaying, then I agree...and for that, we have the right to have the blues...
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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Joe_L
1166 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:35 PM
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This has been a lousy year in the Blues community in the SF Bay Area. In fact, Wednesday night, I'm attending a tribute show for a great guitarist who passed away last month. In January, another friend and fantastic guitar playing friend passed. They died young.
As sad as Pinetop's passing was, he lived a full life until the end. When it's my time to go, I hope I get to go like Pinetop. In my sleep and chasing women until the end.
2011 has been a messed up year.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 8:38 PM
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Mojokane
349 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:38 PM
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also, not having health care, screwed up a guitar player friends playing hand. Not as bad as your story...same situation with coverage, and the ignorance surrounding what he could have done, regardless of being uninsured.
He some how hyper-extended his index finger all the way back to his wrist, the wrong way.. broke it, and fucked up all the ligaments...really screwed up...and because he didn't have the common sense to walk in to ER, and worry about paying for it later, he has nearly permanently crippled his hand. It took him a month to go...I talked him in to it...he wasn't going to do anything...He's since been told he needs physical therapy for about threes years to fix it almost like it was.
It sucks...but don't find yourself running to Big Brother for help. He'll only make things worse for all of us.
enough of my two cents...
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 8:40 PM
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LittleJoeSamson
551 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:38 PM
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Lock it and continue to ignore.
Working musicians are among the MOST vulnerable people in our supposed "elite" medical community.
Anyone that is under the radar knowswhat a BUNCH of CRAP the promises are !
This Nation is a FRAUD! it protects the most WEALTHY, those in need of the least protection,... while it lets others die or waste.
WHAT A FRAUD ! WHAT A JOKE ! WHAT A TRAVESTY !
The United States is JUNK !
Yeah..LOCK this thread and remain STUPID ~!
Most of you CHOOSE to be stupid anyway.
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Mojokane
350 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:41 PM
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well, for one thing...'we' can't afford it....
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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LittleJoeSamson
552 posts
Mar 28, 2011
8:59 PM
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Who is "WE" ?
if 'we' are are the small and week that have to beg for crumbs, then i guess ..yeah.. health care is unaffordable like in medeival times. They just carted their dying relatives out in the middle of the street to be picked up by the garbagemen.
I guess we could do that today according to Randian precepts.
Or we could be HUMAN...
What a concept...caring for our fellow beings.
Novel.
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KingoBad
666 posts
Mar 28, 2011
9:12 PM
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-Working musicians could choose to do something else.
-The wealthy can help themselves.
LittleJoeSamson, you need to chill out a little bit. Do your part, or get involved in politics. You will accomplish nothing acting like this on a harmonica forum. We get your pain, let us sympathize and empathize with you, not infilct pain on us.
You logic only allows the people who do not agree with you to be "stupid." You obviously will not be swayed by our reasoning, and us not swayed by yours. Let's just agree to disagree and allow us to suffer your hurt with you, not your politics.
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Jehosaphat
28 posts
Mar 28, 2011
9:15 PM
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If you want to make a living blowing harp(or whatever) for 50-100 bucks a night (which is often lets face it)under the table out of reach of the govt..that is your choice.To then turn around and blame the rest of us scmucks who do the ,often shit jobs and pay our taxes ,well you choose the the lifestyle and you pay the price.
Hard but that is life..or death.
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bonedog569
288 posts
Mar 28, 2011
9:17 PM
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@ Joe_L Johnny NItro - great guy - very sad- Wish I could make it down to Redwood City - I have a practice I can't get out of. I hung and played with him a lot in the 80's - and almost started a band with him - pre door-slammers. Kept meaning to come down and sit in with him in recent years but never got off my ass. Did you play with him ?
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Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 9:18 PM
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LittleJoeSamson
553 posts
Mar 28, 2011
9:49 PM
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@ KingoBad ... I Don't know you. I won't Piss on yor parade...
BUT ,
I am intrinsically involved with politics.
I have personally met SEVEN Presidents,
Kennedy, Johnson *( shook his hand ) Nixon, Carter ( Face to face ), Clinton ( Multiple times ) Bush II, and shook Obama's hand ..and have the photo's to prove it !
You Randians are DEAD MEAT as far as I am concerned .
You care about yourselves and no others,
You are DEAD in anyone else's playbook.
Just maggot meat.
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KingoBad
668 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:10 PM
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Well you certainly have the venom for politics.
May I suggest you look at stronger medication?
I think you will find that many of us are very charitable and DO help the others around us in many ways.
It is using the power of government to force us to do it which we are opposed to.
May I suggest you are a little too close to politics then to break the rabid attitude.
I have worked in Guatemala and seen poor. Those people do not eat. Our poor have tvs, cell phones and a car.
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LittleJoeSamson
554 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:25 PM
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There are so many that think we are monoliths.
but we are not.
We are human. The Randians pretend that there are 'superhumans' in our midst.... that they are somehow "superior" or "Worthy" or "entitled" beyond others . They use use this pretext to keep their own worthless selves protected.
My friends DIE while these plutocrat, war criminal gangster slugs live ostentatiously.
Tell me that's right... go on.
Put it indelible.
I will put the Fascists DOWN. They NEED to be !
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Mojokane
352 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:27 PM
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never mind...I got it.
Yeah, I can see your side...you have a point for sure.
I'd still like to hear you play some blues now.
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 10:29 PM
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didjcripey
52 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:27 PM
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Hey, life is tough, and then you die. Perhaps that's why we are bluesmen.
We make our choices and we live with the consequences, both on a personal and political level. Ultimately it comes down to us.
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Lucky Lester
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KingoBad
669 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:37 PM
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Mojokane and didjcripey, I think you guys are right, this is why the blues are very relevant.
LittleJoeSamson I DO think that is is great blues fuel for you. While I might not agree with you, I do think you could make a Killer blues song out of it!
You've obviously got the passion and the pain. Put it down in music. You may not want to share it with us, but it certainly will be a great tool for your own personal efforts.
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 10:44 PM
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LittleJoeSamson
555 posts
Mar 28, 2011
10:52 PM
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@Mojokane..explain if I am wrong...please, help me to understand that FASCISM is the correct ideology ??
@KingoBad, I appreciate your concern.
That my friends are dying in many ways I am sure you are diligently interested.
Ho hum.
What a FRAUD !
This is a serious subject. Do NOT let these Randians hijack the issue !
Musicians are in the lower stream of healthcare in the USA .We turn to BEGGARS when we need help. So many here KNOW it . !! These Bully Randians are the WORST. They think they are are immune from what plagues the rest of us. They would kill us and leave us by the side of the road.
YES they would, because they have done it before.
SHAME ! SHAME ! SHAME!
We KNOW who the killers and the bigots are.
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LittleJoeSamson
556 posts
Mar 28, 2011
11:13 PM
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OK Kingo and Mojo.... I posted before your last.
I get emotional when I think about the mortality of good friends. I guess I am at that age. Don't mean to be personal.
I get pricky when the idea that " Oh,,,he should have been putting his $$$ into an investment account "
I got lucky. Some of my friends did not have the opportunity to "get lucky".
They got "unlucky"
One of my good friends blew his brains out with a magnum .38 ...because it was the only way his children could collect.
WHY oh why do we musicians need to do fundraisers ?
this is an Industrialized / hi class country .
But we need to have BAKE Sales AND OTHER NON PROFIT FUNDERS to provide
BASIC SERVICES ?
THAT
IS
STUPID !
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LittleJoeSamson
557 posts
Mar 28, 2011
11:40 PM
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"LittleJoeSamson I DO think that is is great blues fuel for you. While I might not agree with you, I do think you could make a Killer blues song out of it!
You've obviously got the passion and the pain. Put it down in music. You may not want to share it with us, but it certainly will be a great tool for your own personal efforts."
Thanks for the input.
I've had many songs recorded . Some stolen ( or tried to be ).
You'll never know the hits, poser.
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KingoBad
670 posts
Mar 28, 2011
11:49 PM
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Ok... Not sure what the poser thing means...
I was trying to find positive, constructive ground that related to the blues and harmonica.
My mistake. I guess we're done here.
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2011 11:50 PM
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LittleJoeSamson
558 posts
Mar 29, 2011
1:32 AM
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Kingo.... not to you , per se.
I'm just venting that so many are so selfish. They deny my friend, myself, and many others services and other perquisites that they find essential .
Well, if not for me; WHY for you, you bastid ?
Why should ANY be denied basic health care ?
Huh?
Cuz you have a corporate slave number ?
Oh good . you go somewhere on the pile .
Not to dump on you, Kingo or Mojokane; but you are part of the problem .
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Mojokane
353 posts
Mar 29, 2011
2:44 AM
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frankly, now that the kids have gone to bed...
I think the whole suicide bomber concept, is the next thing hardcore American Patriots will start doing. It's clear the moral, politcal, and economical correctness, is a front to the dark forces entering the stage from the wings. They've always been there.
My only advice..Fear no man, respect Mother Nature!!and make yourself a large duffle bag, with all your important stuff. Food, water, medicine, clothes, etc. You just might have to make a quick un-announced getaway.
Mother nature is only my fear, now.
It's all connected...really.
Mankind is nothing but a parasite...but an integral part of the organism we call Earth.
And...I believe, She is in 'shake it off' mode.
Not good for the human race as we know it.
Focus on survival, try to be centered, not self-centered. And be in synch with your needs and surroundings..
It wouldn't hurt being prepared for a tsunami, or an earthquake disaster. Who knows?
Beware our inner demons...our Self doubts, our inequities, whatever it is we suffer.. turn it around.
Cosmically, the planets are lining up like never before, too.
And it looks like we are all in for a rough ride real soon.
and ofcourse.....well said. LittleJoeSamson,
there should be more Fundraisers, for all the poor musicians!!
Give me some of whatever you been smokin..
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 29, 2011 2:56 AM
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captainbliss
486 posts
Mar 29, 2011
3:18 AM
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@Mojokane:
(8:25 PM) /just keep it civil..and pertaining to harmonica related subjects./
and
(2:44 AM) /frankly, now that the kids have gone to bed...
I think the whole suicide bomber concept, is the next thing hardcore American Patriots will start doing. It's clear the moral, politcal, and economical correctness, is a front to the dark forces entering the stage from the wings. They've always been there.
My only advice..Fear no man, respect Mother Nature!!and make yourself a large duffle bag, with all your important stuff. Food, water, medicine, clothes, etc. You just might have to make a quick un-announced getaway.
Mother nature is only my fear, now.
It's all connected...really.
Mankind is nothing but a parasite...but an integral part of the organism we call Earth.
And...I believe, She is in 'shake it off' mode.
Not good for the human race as we know it.
Focus on survival, try to be centered, not self-centered. And be in synch with your needs and surroundings..
It wouldn't hurt being prepared for a tsunami, or an earthquake disaster. Who knows?
Beware our inner demons...our Self doubts, our inequities, whatever it is we suffer.. turn it around.
Cosmically, the planets are lining up like never before, too.
And it looks like we are all in for a rough ride real soon.
and ofcourse.....well said. LittleJoeSamson,
there should be more Fundraisers, for all the poor musicians!!
Give me some of whatever you been smokin../
?!?!
EDIT:
*tongue very firmly in cheek, said cheek offered for a slap if offense is taken*
So... not the best of efforts on either count, then?
xxx
Last Edited by on Mar 29, 2011 3:24 AM
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thorvaldsen76
101 posts
Mar 29, 2011
4:30 AM
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Since I'm living in Norway I don't know that much about your healthcare-system.. But it surprises me that so many Americans believe in this "make-your-own-faith"-stuff.. Fortunately,I live in the best country in the world. No,I'm not being patriotic. Norway are among the top three countries when the UN rank the best countries to live in. And I pay my taxes gladly. Eventhough it sometimes goes to someone who has less than me. Has he made bad desicions and ended up on the backside? Perhaps.. Should he be left to his own? Absolutely not! Coming from a country with free healthcare it actually sickens me to see people being left to die just because they don't have enough money to pay their insurance.. Many of you talk about freedom.. Is it freedom to pay more every month in healthinsurance than I pay in tax? Not in my book!
I'm glad I live in a country that gives everybody pretty much the same treatment wether you have a lot of money or no money at all. Here in Europe we shake our heads when you guys compare Obama to Hitler because he wants to make changes in healthcare and so on. Many Americans see their country as the richest,greatest mation in the world. I think it's time for a reality check...
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captainbliss
488 posts
Mar 29, 2011
4:39 AM
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@thorvaldsen76:
Out of all the gigs I've played, the two where those running the show were the most organised, helpful, decent and respectful of musicians were...
Bergenfest and Vinstra Country Music Festival.
xxx
EDITED to correct grammar
Last Edited by on Mar 29, 2011 4:40 AM
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thorvaldsen76
102 posts
Mar 29, 2011
7:29 AM
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captainbliss:
Glad you enjoyed the stay:)
The country festival is up and running I think,not sure about Bergenfest..
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waltertore
1237 posts
Mar 29, 2011
7:43 AM
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LittleJoe: I feel for your pain. Sonny Rhodes is in constant pain as I type because he needs hip replacements. He can't gig, so he can't make any money. I have seen hundreds of great, dedicated musicians die in crap. One even asked me to break his leg so the county hospital would have to admitt him for his alcoholism because they would have to treat the leg and then the addiction. I lived the full time, no insurance, no savings, no house, no security, no kids, musician life for almost 25 years. Luckily when the dysfunction of the music industry took a toll on me I found inspiration to work with special needs children. That prompted me to go to college. Now I will have a retirement, good pay, a home we own in a storybook like village, and all the musical toys I dreamed of when I was playing full time. I lived in roach infested/no heat/no ac/ghetto housing for those years, laid in bed sick as hell in forgein countries praying I would get better. I did the same stateside. I stole at times to get food and harps when there was no day labor work available. Jimmy Carl Black, arguabely one of the most influenical drummers of the 60/70's with Frank Zapppa, was painting houses with arthur brown (fire was his big hit) in austin when I met them. Louisiana Red was eating canned beans 3 times a day when I lived with him. My friend Jeff Konkel who owns broke and hungry records tells me how impoverished most of the delta players still are. The stories go on and on. Our culture has always been one of self reliance and it values someone who makes a better tasting diet soda than a non pop hit artist. Life ain't fair but when one is driven to do something there is no future fear about security, which unfortunately has caught up with your friend. Walter
thorvaldsen76: I lived in your country for a spell and loved it. I lived in Brussels for 2 1/2 years as well. Both were with my band and I would gladly do like you if all could recieve what was needed to live a decent life. I remember my drummer Vidar (from Norway) was in a car wreck and hurt his back. I asked if he was going to sue the guy that rear ended him. He spoke perfect english and had no idea what I was talking about. He said his home, lifestyle would be maintained until his back allowed him to go back to work full time. I explained in our country if you don't sue for such a thing you will be out on the street as soon as your savings run out. He was truly perplexed by that.
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,600+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Mar 29, 2011 8:07 AM
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Miles Dewar
811 posts
Mar 29, 2011
8:05 AM
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You said it yourself. YOUR FRIEND WAS ABLE TO CHOOSE THE PATH THAT HE TOOK.
How are musicians "GIVERS TO THE WORLD"? We just make music. That's it.
People who volunteer, donate money/goods, are GIVERS to the world.
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"Pardon my editorializing, Adam. I know you wish this forum to be non-partisan, and i certainly respect that. BUT, when my friends are being killed by stupidity, and gross partisanship, I have to interject something."
How is your friend being killed by "partisanship"?!?!?!?!? Do you EVEN know what partisanship IS?
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NOT GOOD FOR NOTHING MUSICIANS.
Not going to regularly scheduled checkups because your buddy did not have insurance is HIS FAULT.
Not our Government or Country's fault.
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He chose to buy a house in an area that floods. (Did he check the history of the area before he moved there?)
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Where is the "Racism and Bigottry"? I've live in many places in the country and have NEVER seen widespread racism or bigottry.
You are being STUPID. Dont sport blatently ignorant ideas without facts. Your attitude sucks, and will no doubt make the attitudes of the ones around you Suck.
Maybe it's YOU.
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toddlgreene
2815 posts
Mar 29, 2011
8:08 AM
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OKAY, MY MODERATOR HAT IS ON. PLEASE STOP SLINGING INSULTS. THIS IS A HARMONICA FORUM, NOT A POLITICAL FORUM.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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Miles Dewar
812 posts
Mar 29, 2011
8:12 AM
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I Challenge ANYONE to produce examples of "Widespread" clearly prevelant racism and biggotry in the United States.
The fact is, there are many Mexican, Black, Chinese, Polish Americans that hold political office and NEVER had to overcome a racial issue to get there.
How many people encounter REAL racism? NOT from individual encounters but from widespread accepted racist ides.
Stop crying like a little baby. There ARE racist people. But ALL of us have to deal with it.
We ALL have friends and family that die, GROW UP AND DEAL WITH IT. Stop calling the GREAT NATION that we live in A Racist and Biggot nation.
Stop insulting the people who love this country for what it is.
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Zadozica
54 posts
Mar 29, 2011
8:17 AM
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"Why would any SANE person that is not a millionaire want to live in a decadent, medeival nation of racists and bigots like the USA ? UNITED ? what a fraud ! )"
Thank you for painting me with such a broad brush stroke - how tolerant of you. Should I now start acting like a racist and a bigot?
Only in America can Justin or you become one of those millionaires.
Sorry but your credibility has now moved to zero.
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