The Mad Hatter's Pity Party

The Mad Hatter's Pity Party;
or,
Citizens with a Grudge.



I once heard a very wise man say (and I am sure it was not original with him) that a grudge is harder to support than a large family.  (That as I can attest, is hard enough!)  So why bear your grudge alone?  Come to the Teaparty, and get the support of family, friends, and frustrated citizens of our community who share similar interests and frustrations.  This can be called a "Pity Party", not because we indulge in self-pity, but because we pity those who haven't learnt the relief of finding that nearly everyone out there is dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in America.  Come talk and listen; it will do you worlds of good, it might even do a world of good for the world, in the long run.  It is ordinary people like us who make the difference when all is said and done, because there are so many of us.  Let's magnify the strength to be found in association with others.

I have always wanted to start a writer's circle.  I teach English, and am an Historian.  I like to compare ideas with others.  My view is that none of us are all that much smarter than each other, but when we get together and exchange ideas, we can generate an impressive amount of knowledge among us.  I propose a writer's circle, to be called "The Mad Hatter's Pity Party" (until someone can think of a better name that everyone agrees on), to meet at a great little shop called SubStationII on Dream Street in Florence, KY.  This would begin at 5 o'clock, p. m. on Monday evenings each week.  If that proves to be too much we can always change the schedule.  If even two or three people wish to show up, that is enough for coffee, a sub, and some of Mike's great onion rings.

For now, I propose that most of the topics be political.  That is because if we don't win the upcoming election writers probably won't have the freedom to exercise their occupation without government censorship; certainly on political topics.  The current administration has already made moves to limit internet speech, and this will soon lead to absolute censorship.  We must assert our freedom now, or fight against impossible odds, with little hope of winning, in the future. 

I am also encouraging a group I founded called "Citizens with a Grudge".  I don't see any reason why both groups can't work together, but the focus would be different.  It is my view that people who dabble in political matters "from principle" or to be "civic minded" usually have a hidden agenda.  I would much prefer to work with someone who has an acknowledged grudge.  If they have been mistreated by a local official or bureau.  If they are upset by misguided and harmful government policy.  If they fear "Health Care", or the EPA, that's the man or woman for me.  If they have a bleeding heart, and are in political affairs to "help everyone and everything", and make sure we are all protected from each other, etc., I am not comfortable with them.  Ronald Reagan said the words to be most feared in the world are:  "I'm from the government, and I am here to help you!"  It is a proven fact, and there are an almost infinite number of examples to prove it, that government must fail at "social policy".  When it tries that, it cannot even properly govern.

I invite you to the Pity Party for a discussion of politics, speculation on current issues, and stimulating conversation.  I think you'll like it.  Talk is great, but is doesn't always last long.  The focus will be on writing and publishing ideas that will be talked about by the thinking public.   We will help you support your "grudge" and give you an audience. Thank you.

James Duvall, M. A.

Professor of English and the Politics of Chaos

Big Bone University:  A Think Tank, Research Institute, and Public Policy Center

Big Bone, Kentucky

Nec ossa solum, sed etiam sanguinem.

25 Sep 2010