August 23, 2007

Smiles of all shapes, colors, and ages came together for the last summer of festivities in Coney Island. Memories were heard as voices spoke to their children in the telling of how things used to be, how things are now, and what things are to come.

There was harmony in the street and on the rides as we saw each other as friend and fellow. Saying goodbye to a landmark is always difficult, but it does seem that condos and expensive theme parks are more important. Not that the locals can afford either.

It is sad that some of the workers who have been working in Astroland for 10+ years will no longer have a job. Where do the displaced go? Where will the poor and lower middle class take their children for cheap entertainment?

Patricia, an 8 year-old Hispanic girl, who looked much like my daughter did as a child spoke quite frankly in stating that "Bush is a bad man." If an 8 year-old can see it... She was not asked what she thought of Bush. Her statement was voluntary.

Manhattan proved to be a media center. What I mean by that is that everywhere I looked, there were TVs aimed at my head spewing useless information. Cabs have TVs that you can watch such as NEWS, but if you want more, just pop in your credit card into the machine located in the rear of the front bench seat and you can plug into "COW EYE" land. Hell, most people walk with cell phones glued to their heads anyway. I find it fucked.

Notes: A street vendor told me that in order to get a peddler's license, you have to have served in the military or you will be placed at the end of the list. He also asked me if I knew the sea level of Binghamton, New York. Perhaps he sees something coming as well. It was discussed. We hugged and left residue of ourselves on each other.

Two soldiers were standing not too far from where that bogus leftover cross with draping that was supposedly found under the rubble of the towers after the PULL was placed. As I passed, I decided to stop and question them. Who do you serve? "We protect the people." However, they did say that they do not serve their government as they don't believe that their government is always right. Well, at least they know that much, but I do see brainwashing here. Too bad they don't see that the people need protection from their government. This war serves no purpose.

While in Coney Island, I ran past a recruiting center flipping a peace sign. The soldier within did a double take of my action. I believe my action was justified. BTW, the rich neighborhoods don't have recruiting centers (as far as I could see). However, the low/middle income neighborhoods do. Perhaps the rich kid will head on out to the local hood to join up. Yeah right. See the world, gain experience, and get your college tuition. Nice lures for DEATH. ~ Maggie ~ Penned August 23, 2007