Hello again from my week of living dangerously. I’ve been out and about in the community. Getting a sense for what is happening with local activists. Very cool, really.
Monday was my first visit with our local anti-war chapter, as some of you read. Tuesday night was with a university war resistance movement that has garnered attention from the FBI — think the group of people from the Michael Moore movie, only younger. Tonight is a group trying to bring about a sustainable community.
But, the really interesting news of the day was just something I heard from a truck driving buddy of mine. He tells me that there is some kind of loosely organized general truck strike tomorrow (September 15). More after flip.
Basically, this could amount to nothing, but I love the idea of it. A bunch of blue collar truck driving guys (and probably some gals, but my actual knowledge of the truck driving scene ended with the movie “Convoy” and I don’t recall the chick drivers in that film, so I am stuck with the stereotypes foisted upon me in the 70s, or was that the 80s) have been talking it up on the CB. That’s right. They still communicate by CB.
Anyway, the way it is explained to me, they have been talking about this day for some time. Seems many of them (I believe independent drivers) are pretty ticked off at the price of gas, going back to before the Katrina shockwave hit the market.
The mechanics of it don’t sound wholly effective. Basically something like a sick-out tomorrow. So they are going to try to stop as much trucking as possible. Some talk of parking vehicles on overpasses and what not, from the more militant dudes (and dudettes, assuming again, things have changed since the “Convoy” era). So who knows what will come of it. Plus, it could be wholly localized for all I know, but my “source” makes it sound dire anyway, and I am happy for his enthusiasm. There is talk of crippling commerce and stocking up on food and gas today (September 14).
Well, just thought you here at the Frog Pond should know. Wouldn’t want any of you left alone, caught unaware by the great general truck strike of 2005.
As you can probably sense from my tone, I am not overly optimistic about the chances that such a thing will materialize. But, I love the idea. People acting to try to effect something, instead of listening to Hannity and sitting on their arses.
Well — off to find out if my community can sustain itself, through general strikes, peak oil, the Bush presidency, and the like.
P.S. Chocolate Ink tells me that there is nothing accidental about my latest exploits — wading into the community like Geraldo Rivera (but with much more sincerity, I assure you) so I can report back to you, in the Frog Pond. I know she is right. But, I like the ring of it. Reminds me of the Accidental Tourist and all. So I’m sticking with it. At least for this week. Peace. Out. (If you can imagine a 38 year old pudgy dude, actually saying “Peace” followed by “Out” and meaning it).
