Stevie Joe and Robert Cray

I need someone to testify. Speak truth to me, Mr. Cray.



Amen,
Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe Wages Peace

War is the result of a lack of creativity. Many have argued that not only is war avoidable, but that every war has been avoidable. Peaceful means to resolve conflicts, including stopping genocidal dictators, are available and effective. Yet, many leaders do not have the patience to explore these and resort to the crude tool of violence.

It takes courage and strength to follow a peaceful path. How does one deal with today's world without resorting to violence? There is no easy answer. That's what makes it difficult. Extraordinary leadership is required to truly pursue peace.

John Lennon and Yoko One used to encourage folks to "declare peace." Today, the American Friends Service Committee challenges us to "wage peace." They have some interesting thoughts on the matter. Check them out.

From the AFSC exhibit Eyes Wide Open

Peace out,
Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe and the Dog Days of Summer

It is HOT in the Holler. As Neil Simon put it, it's Africa-hot. It's too-hot-for-Tarzan-hot. Of course, the heat is periodically interrupted by thunderstorms so severe that you start thinking about building an ark. So, we've got heat, and then we've got humidity. When you step outside from an air-conditioned building, your glasses steam up immediately.

Now, I generally prefer the heat over the cold, but this is getting a little out of hand. The local citizenry, which is not exactly stable in good times, is going completely bonkers. A lynch mob is on the hunt for Mayor Barney now that his Mudslide Estates is living up to its nickname. While no homes have gone completely downstream or anything, it is still not good news when the ridge of your roof starts to sag. This indicates that the foundation has gone mobile.

Over at the Junebug Cafe and Internet Lounge, folks haven't been interested in the usual fare of coffee and omelets as they don't exactly mesh well with the weather. So, Prudy has added iced coffee to the menu. She adds a bit of chocolate syrup and whipped cream, and, let me tell you, it is delicious. Unfortunately, it is so good that folks have been drinking them non-stop. Adding caffeine and sugar on top of the regular heat-induced lunacy is not helping matters.

As you might imagine, Junior and Dickie Jensen have gone completely nuts. Today, they decided to have a brat grilling race. You might think that this is a contest of cooking skill and speed, but you would be wrong. This race entails grilling some brats on a couple of those three-legged, kettle-style Weber charcoal grills while pushing them from one end of town to the other. The grills don't roll easily as only two of the legs have wheels. One hand must be used for lifting the stationary leg while the other is occupied with food preparation.

I don't think I am spoiling any surprises by telling you that neither knucklehead made it all the way across town, food was spilled, and flesh was burned. In other words, a good time was had by all.

Feelin' hot, hot, hot,
Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe and the Latest Nutball Theory

Some right-wing "think tank" posted an article (and then took it right back down) suggesting that everything would be so much better if Bush was President-for-life and/or dictator and could just nuke whoever he wanted. Evidence here.

Good lord!
Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe and the Coal Miners

While America holds its breath waiting to learn of the fate of six coal miners trapped underground in Utah, China faces the possible loss of 181 miners in a single mine disaster. Unfortunately, this is not news in China. On average, over 6,000 miners a year die there.

This is caused by both the need for cheap energy to fuel China's economic boom and the minimal safety standards protecting workers. These are the hidden costs of the cheap consumer goods that flood American stores.

I would like to think that the American people would never stand for US mines to have such a safety record. Yet, it is our insatiable desire for material possessions that causes it to happen elsewhere. When our most important value is price, then other values, such as environmental protection, workplace safety, and worker rights, will take a backseat.

What are you willing to pay for?

Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe Apologizes to Republicans

I've fallen into my own trap. After preaching about kinder politics, I went and said something nasty about Republicans. I recently posted a note about how Tony Snow intends to leave the White House because he can't make ends meet on $168K a year. In that post, I commented that only a Republican could have that problem.

That was wrong, and I'm sorry. I'm sure that there are some fine Republicans around somewhere, and there are probably some Democrats who cannot live frugally. I still maintain, however, that SnowJob is a nut. And Dickie Jensen is downright certifiable.

Mea Culpa,
Stevie Joe Parker

Stevie Joe and More of What the World Needs

What the world needs now
Is a new John Lennon.

Givin' peace a chance,
Stevie Joe Parker