Live Free or Stay Put

Here in spring of 2014, a full decade later, I’m reassembling my impressions from diaries I kept of the key foundational Free State event in 2004, the first Porcupine Festival. Reviewing the text, I see that I was not all worked out spiritually—who ever is, even a man into his 50s at the time?—and may have stated harsh or overly judgmental impressions of people. I apologize for this, but I have to own my past mistakes and personal shortcomings. (Heck, in 2004 I still pretty much accepted the Official Big Lie of the 9/11 Attacks!) Many regrets to any and all I may have offended; chances are strong I have favorable views toward you today. Also I feel the text shows at the time, as a lot of other men with high hopes, I was in love (or something like it) with Amanda Phillips, the early heroine and spokesperson for the FSP. So please excuse the boyish gushiness in places. I’m sure she’s put all that behind her. 🙂  Continue reading →