The Mysterious Fog of Springfield, Illinois

Photo: JeromeProphet - The Mysterious Fog - Iles & Veterans Parkway - Springfield, Illinois

How many of those who lived in ancient times were lost to, and never returned from the mysterious fog I do not know. How many trains, planes, ships at sea, and automobiles have been lost to a similar fate I could not say, but I do know this - fog is a killer.

The mysterious fog compresses space into a finite zone as it fills every little space. Yet it is also true that the mysterious fog expands space in a most uncanny way, for what can not be seen becomes an idea - and ideas are infinite.



Photo: JeromeProphet - Automobiles In The Dark Mysterious Fog Of Springfield, Illinois

The mysterious fog creates beauty, by destroying the mundane. Light is transformed into beams of light, and halos. Within the mysterious fog light becomes spectacle, and darkness becomes enveloping.

The mysterious fog asserts itself into reality, yet it also evades our attempts to define it, for the mysterious fog possesses both substance and yet remains ethereal. The mysterious fog is magical.

The mysterious fog is alive, for it lifts, and descends upon us, it both surrounds us, and then disappears. We grasp at it, and find nothing. It is everywhere, yet nowhere.

The mysterious fog creates possibilities. Some too horrible to ponder, for there might just be monsters lurking within - waiting - for you.



Photo: JeromeProphet - Sonic in the Fog - Iles Ave - Springfield, Illinois

You say it's not so, that such things are impossible, but how can you be sure of anything - for you too are within the mysterious - fog.

End Of The Tunnel

Photo: JeromeProphet - Tunnel

One can't help but think what a long dark time it has been under the current regime. The people of the United States fall into three camps. Those that cheer on the destruction of the democratic republic, those that dread the end of their freedoms and rights, and those that couldn't care less.

I'd say most people living in the U.S. are so busy just trying to survive that they hardly have time to care much about greater issues. That's what those in power rely upon to stay in power, and to get away with the abuse, and neglect they call leadership.

It is precisely due to the fact that such an important decision as electing a President is left up to so many who feel that they could care less, yet vote, that we ended up with the buffoonery of George W. Bush, and Dick Cheney.

The nation went from a time of balanced budgets under President Clinton, peace, and growing prosperity to one of constant war, and deficit spending. A huge tax cut was made permanent for the ultra rich at the expense of social betterment for the rest of the populace.

Under the new regime the old GOP constituency, the military industrial complex, could be paid off again as defense spending went haywire - while our infrastructure was allowed to crumble.

Many thinking people lost hope.

Why not occupy Iraq using trumped up charges, and use deficit dollars to do so? The pork barrel would be filled for those connected to the traditional GOP lobby - in the name of the never ending "War of Terror" of course.

How could a people, as if frightened children, run to and endorse such a petty despot? How could a people sell themselves so short?

The right wing religious zealots who control the Republican party will no doubt pull off the nomination of their chosen candidate. The Democratic party will eventually select a candidate that is barely electable. We've seen it before - image over substance. People will look for the sound bite, and sound bites are what the people will get. The next President of the United States will be elected on image, just as the last one was.

And in November the people will once again take a stab at choosing the best candidate, and many will vote for what they feel is the lessor of two evils.

The nation's infrastructure will continue to fall apart, the health care crisis will not be dealt with, the raging trade deficit will not be reduced, the budget deficit restarted by G. W. Bush will not be ended, the war in Iraq will not be stopped, and on, and on, and on.

But the rule of the white Christian male will be continued, and that is what is so important to those who vote based upon image. They want the assurance of the great white father. They want to run to their great white daddy to take care of them in a time of never ending uncertainty - even if that great white daddy will betray them in the end.

The fact is, that no matter who wins this election the nation will be better off than the current regime. Given a choice most Republicans would have chosen another candidate than George Bush had they known what he was going to do.

I see light at the end of the tunnel, and it gives me hope, but when we reach it I'm not so sure if it won't lead us back down into yet another dark place.

We Were In That Crowd

Obama Campaign Advertisement

I'll never forget the incredible freezing cold of that morning. When I watch this Obama advertisement I know I was in that crowd, one of those freezing people huddled with thousands of others - hoping to see in the man something we could latch onto. Something that would give us hope that our nation wasn't beyond repair.

Nearly one year ago Barack Obama announced his run for the Presidency on the grounds of the old state capitol in downtown Springfield, Illinois. Now today the people of Iowa will vote for who they believe will make the best President. Let's hope they make the right choice.

The Three Kings - Minus One - Part Two

Photo: The Three Stooges

Disclaimer: All similarities between the characters in this sketch, and anyone living, ever have lived, or other fictional characters is purely coincidental.

Scene Two:

Knight: In the name of the Three Kings I command you to open this door!

Silence

Knight: Boy, go to the door.

Squire: Yes Sire.

Knight: See if it opens.

Squire: Might I try knocking first?

Knight: If you must.

Squire: (Knocking) Is anyone home? Is anyone here?

Silence

Knight: Just try opening the door.

Squire: Yes Sire. Sire, it appears to be locked.

Knight: Locked? Now that's odd.

Squire: Open this door! Open this door!

Knight: We know that you're in there. I command you to open the door!

Door creaks open slowly revealing just an eye.

Mary: Who is it?

Knight: I am the brave Knight RayShoop or west Springfield.

Mary: Who?

Knight: It doesn't matter who I am. The Three Kings demand your audience immediately.

Mary: The Three Kings? Last I heard we had but one King.

King of Canoe: We have traveled far good lady, and wish to speak with Mary, and Joseph.

Mary: Are you a King?

King of Satellite: Good lady, indeed he is, as am I.

Mary: (speaking to the Knight) And you would be the third king?

King of Canoe: Actually he's our guard. The third king was unfortunately indisposed.

King of Satellite: Good lady please tell us where Mary, and Joseph live.

Mary: Well it all depends upon why you need to speak to them.

King of Canoe: We mean them no harm. We wish only to pay homage to the baby Jesus.

Mary: The baby Jesus?

King of Satellite: Yes, do you know of him? We have traveled a very great distance!

Mary: I know of no baby Jesus, but I do know of Mary, and Joseph.

King of Canoe: Now we're getting somewhere. Just point us in the right direction then.

Mary: You need travel no further, for I am the Mary you seek.

King of Satellite: Splendid! And the baby Jesus?

Mary: Our daughter Jesus is no longer a baby. She was born twelve years ago.

King of Satellite: A twelve year old daughter, how very special indeed!

King of Canoe: Don't forget why we are here King Satellite!

King of Satellite: I meant nothing by it King Canoe.

King Canoe: I know you all too well King Satellite, but let the good lady continue.

Mary: I'm afraid you have reached us at a particularly bad time.

King of Canoe: Bad time?

Mary: Pardon me King Canoe, but your face seems familiar.

King of Canoe: I'm not quite sure what you're getting at.

Mary: Yes, now I remember, you're from these parts - just a few miles west of here!

King of Canoe: I assure you my lady we have traveled a great distance.

King of Satellite: Yes, a very great distance, and all this talk is tiring. Now where is Jesus?

Mary: I'm afraid I can't let you in. Jesus isn't feeling well.

King of Canoe: We won't stay long, we just want to bestow some gifts upon the child.

King of Satellite: Yes, upon the child.

Mary: Gifts?

King of Canoe: Yes, I have a jar of Sarcasm Balm mixed with oils of Witty Remarks to offer.

King of Satellite: And I have a box filled with Smug Superiority incense for the Christ child.

Mary: What kind of gifts are those? Please now, leave!

King of Canoe: You must let us speak to Jesus! Where is the man of the house?

Mary: Joseph?

King of Satellite: Yes, where is Joseph. He's bound to have more sense than you.

Mary: As I have said now is not a good time.

King of Canoe: Please explain. I am not used to being denied what I want.

Mary: He's gone mad! He's been drinking like a fish, and well, he's lost his mind.

- Mary Breaks Down In Tears -

King of Satellite: Joseph, or Jesus?

Mary: Jesus is our daughter. Joseph, my husband has run off threatening to do himself in.

King of Canoe: Do himself in?

Mary: Yes, and sweet Jesus is very concerned. She has threatened to do herself in too.

King of Satellite: But we have traveled very far, and have our sacred gifts to bestow.

King of Canoe: Maybe perhaps we could speak to the child?

King of Satellite: Yes, perhaps you could show me to her bedroom.

King of Canoe: Now that is simply enough. First my daughter, now Jesus?

King of Satellite: I meant no harm! I only seek a youthful bride.

Mary: Her arm has a slash mark from the wound she put upon herself. I think you should go.

King of Canoe: This has been one big waste of time. Let us go now.

King of Satellite: And I traveled so far. Perhaps then one of your daughters King Canoe?

King of Canoe: Just shut up.

End Scene Two

The Three Kings - Minus One

The Three Stooges

The Three Kings - Minus One
By JeromeProphet

Disclaimer: All similarities between the characters in this sketch, and anyone living, ever have lived, or other fictional characters is purely coincidental.


Scene One

Knight: Out of the way! Out of the way you!

Squire: Move out of the way! The three kings approach!

Peasant Woman: The three kings?

Squire: Yes, the three kings, and they've traveled far indeed.

Peasant Man: But I only see two.

Squire: Two? Oh yes, one failed to make the trip.

Knight: My good man can you tell us where to find Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus?

Peasant Man: Baby Jesus?

Knight: Yes, yes now do tell us where to find the Christ child.

Peasant Woman: Well, there is a Mary and Joseph living on the hillside to the west of town, but they haven't a baby at least not that I know of anyway. They do have a son named Jesus, but he's about twelve I reckon.

Knight: Twelve? You must be mistaken. My lordship this fool claims he knows of no baby Jesus.

King One: Just point us in the right direction will you?

Peasant Woman: Off to the west, you'll see them on the large hill to the west, but you won't find any baby Jesus.

Knight: Off we go then.

End Scene One