Thursday, December 23, 2010

Upside Down World

When I realized I was a reflection I wasn't sad, it answered so many of the questions buzzing in my head. Questions like why the goals I chase run away, but things I wasn't thinking about come effortlessly.

Why a dry heart produces tears? Why dirty hands create beautiful works that inspire purity?


Once I realized I was a reflection, that took all the pressure off. The outcome and I divorced. The journey became the love of my life, the destinations alone the way - just friends.


Once I realized I was a reflection, I wasn't even curious about who the "real" person was at all. I figured it didn't matter. Religions chase that real person, philosophies question he's existence. I guess knowing who I am is enough.


I figure just as long I do me, this reflection will always have a smile on it's face.

photo taken w/ iPhone 3Gs, Hipstamatic app (Melodie, Pistel)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Code Orange


It's been there for hours. People started crossing the street to avoid it. Whispers directing traffic.

No police were called in to investigate, just self imposed butterfly caution, zip-zagging around an unknown unknown.

When a man came with money for the meter, folks at the bus stop laughed. Feeling stupid is funny. Irrational fear and moving in herds opens a million year old window into us.

Sometimes the van is white, sometimes brown or beige; but to our mammalian eyes the unknown is always colored bad.

So we avoid and whisper, til some happenstance reveals the situation then we laugh, but we don't learn. The next van gets quarantined as well.

Only the drivers recognize this pattern, some exploit it, some try to teach. Historically, teachers are eaten by the ignorant because they get too close. By those standards the exploiters seem wise.

Let's not be afraid of the van.


photo: taken w/ iPhone 3Gs, Hipstamatic app (Melodie, Ina's1935)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Black Tea

Shadows and radio voices dissipate. Doors slam on black Explorers. Caravan moves with the White House in the rearview, Mr. Obama has had his day.

Taxes are raised by the new guy - silence. Middle and working classes carry an unfair portion of the national debt - crickets. Wars on borrowed money from China and Japan, but the media is hard pressed to find protests against fiscal irresponsibility.

There are a few chapters here and there, but mostly Black and Hispanic members now. They didn't realize that tea time was over once Obama left office. So the 'diversity' in the party was left holding the last tea bag.

It was never really about the money...

photo taken with iPhone 3Gs, Hipstamatic app (Lucifer VI, Ina's 1969)

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Commute


This cold wet suit, this nightmare of questions. How will I do? Will I remember the signals? Will I hear my guide clearly through this clay?

But I sat long enough in the sun. I've feasted on colors unknown in this dark world. I've heard universal intent like a bass in my chest. I have tasted all knowingness. Now I must go back.

Vertigo, spinning on this flesh wheel as the body develops. My thoughts go inward, I kick myself. Had to be done though, some things must be lived to be understood.

The time is near... Time? What a ridiculous concept, such a distraction from the happenings around you. Maybe I can ignore it this.. time.

Ok, remember the landmarks, will feel like Deja Vu. Remember my classmates, will be my friends. Remember my teachers, I will hate them. Oh yeah, must remember to cry, I hate being spanked on the ass...

photo: Metro platform subway. Taken w/ iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (Melodie, Ina's 1969)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

When We Were Kings


This is my first time in a time machine. "No it isn't." said the proprietor.

"But, it's very simple really, just put your money in the meter, select the time and place, hop in the vehicle and whoosh you'll be 'transported' to that era. How long you stay there depends on how much money you'll willing to spend. The scenes from your past appear on the windshield. And whatever you do, don't get out of the car."

I am alone today, my girlfriend... Who am I kidding, don't have a girlfriend. That's why I'm here. I want to see myself when I was on the prowl. I've allowed my work to dull my senses to the warmer sex. Been feeling off balance without some consistant female energy in my life.

One hour, I believe one hour of conversation got me into Melissa's sanctuary. I was pretty hot then, in my late 20's. Didn't spend a weekend alone unless I wanted to.

Ok, this is a rough guess, but my diary says I met her at this coffeehouse, at this time.. 100 credits for an hour.. In the car and here we go..!

Damn, I was slim back then. There she is, Melissa walking towards me, our eyes met then.. she turns away. Damn. That would have it for me if that happened today, but my past self seems intrigued by it. Ok, so I did go after her.

"Excuse me Miss, but you missed me. I was siting right there.." Ahhh, the shy type eh? I see I'm trying to get her to laugh, right there in the middle of the coffeehouse, a crowded coffeehouse.

Ok, my boldness gets rewarded. She agrees to let me buy her coffee. Hmm, a few more jokes, a compliment and the defenses start coming down.

Don't remember her touching me so early. Ok, I get her to come to the movies across the street. Some chick flick.

Aww, she crying on my shoulder. Oh Damn, no I didn't just look up and thank God...

Ok, I see now. Funny, don't even remember all the girls that turned me down. Guess winners do write history, even in our minds.

photo: taken with iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (Jimmy, Alfred Infrared)

Secret Window


Found this haunted house where all the ghosts are on the outside. Ok, maybe that makes it a haunted yard, but inside the house is amazing.

It's warm in there, very pleasant colors. The walls are ornate, its quiet, sound seems to get lost down the hallways.

So, how did the ghosts get on the outside? Two enemies shared this house back when it was new. Over time their hatred led to both killing each other in the house.

Some years later, children of the two found love and married. They moved into the now long abandoned house. A priest came to bless the house and discovered the disquieted spirits. He asked the couple how to proceed.

The couple had ignored the slamming doors and chairs moving by themselves. They were fearless. Once it was determined who the ghosts were, they had them exorcised, but not completely, just to the yard.

The idea was if the malevolents could see their love through the windows. Perhaps they could learn to find peace.

After that night, no doors slammed, no chairs moved, but the roses were trashed, grass turned brown. Even as the couple approached their golden years, flowers still died in perfect sun and soil.

Within three months of each other, the couple carried their love to the Other Side. But the stubborn generation continued to fight over rose petals.

So that's why the house is so warm and peaceful, because it's haunted by love. And why nothing grows on the outside because its haunted by unforgiveness. Funny, to some people even a rose garden can be Hell.

photo: taken with iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (John S, Alfred Infrared)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Artificial Dreams with Commercials




"Don't go to the Light! It's a trick!" my roommate said. Guess it's not a crime to be pessimistic on your death bed. But I could see the light, even with my eyes closed.

The light I saw had character, lights within lights. Nuances of color, nothing as garish as a rainbow. These colors were whispers of intent and they expected something of me.

Once I saw a man in the light. He made it clear that "his skin" was reflective and what I was seeing was my own projection. It was awesome.

Later, after much more listening, I didn't need the illusion. I perceived true spirit. Don't know what "he" is other than a friend.

When I spent more time in the real world than this dark one, my medication was increased. That made it harder to concentrate on our dialogue; I would drift off into artificial dreams with commercials.

I willed a pair of scissors. Slowly cutting each silver thread that kept me from floating away. My family weighed me down with prayer and ego.

A wise preacher moved these bricks away with psalms and comforting words for my loved ones. I became a mist - at last.

Wish I could tell them I'm really awake now, but they can only hear me in their dreams.

photo: taken w/ iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (Kaimal Mark II, Ina's 1969)

Zen for Critics




A train indecisive up a hill. I study her, she ignors, forward and upward. Stream whispers. I know it's just a dream.

In this hot kiss of summer, I sweat memories. Rewind buttons drip toward earth. My companion in this exercise, struggles against her own ingenuity. A little closer to a perfect angle. A little more naked before god.

Memory and whispers answer to no one, a free expression of mindlessness - zen for critics. When we lose ourselves in our labor, we be. We really just be.

I see the ass of the train, a beautiful way to imagine a brief companion. Whispers can't be seen now, must have stopped talking to herself. Convinced, of the rightness of her expression.

photo: taken w/ iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (Helga Viking, Afred Infrared)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Lion's Den


Sometimes I see more clearly in the shadows. Not because of any special ability, but because human nature is nocturnal.

I work and live amongst beasts who hunt their own because they think it's a famine. Fang play, smart remarks and digs made within ear-shot of bosses. Words that wound, warning newbies to shun alliances with this one or that one. If you have some talent, they want you in their Pride.

There's an abandoned temple just outside the city. It's long been taken over by lions. I go there but don't stay long. I'm not exactly a member of a pack.

We hunt together, that's it.. and only antelopes. When they start in on the weak, infirm cats, I fade to the savanna. Tree shade is my heaven. Work is my only hell, but it's not like it lasts forever. No hell does.

Alpha males and females are strange characters. You need my vote to stay at the head of the alphabet. I defer, I don't endorse. Because I don't need you like that; just want to learn from you.

In this shadowy place, I see the piss-lines drawn, lionesses hunting together, lions lounging talking shit and me, a lion with no pride.

I've been here 10 years, but still feel like a visitor. Strange as it seems, that's my most comfortable space. A Bill Bigsy outro, five days a week.

Rrrrr.

photo: taken with iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (John S, Alfred Infrared)

Tunnel Vision


Had this vision of the future. It was filled with a communities of people who spoke in twitterese. They viewed their blogs, open mics and photography as their life's work and their 9 to 5 as a necessary evil. Success is getting off the plantation. Everybody was counting down.

There was a these souls walking under a beautiful black sun, eyes a flame. Sharing tales of their escape and messages from the North star.

We huddle around the water cooler, warming our hands with stories of publishers returning calls and concert dates. Dreams are fire.

When one left the plantation. It was like we were all half way there. It made the electronic cotton lighter, backs ached less, vision got clearer.

I see the route for my escape. It's a five year plan, but should keep me and my family out of servitude for generations.

When I close my eyes, I see stars I need to follow out of here. There's joy in this journey and thorn scarred fingers make great fairytales.

photo: taken with iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (John S, Pistil)

Monday, November 29, 2010

Seeya Bitches


Fear is the last companion you have when you leave Gotham. You've always seen her around, but the timing wasn't right.

House sold, bags packed, in a hotel with nothing in your name but a car and a celly. All your friends in this 'burg were situational, so when they heard you were leaving, pretense faded. Your ego was disappointed, but the essential-self never looked back, like "Seeya Bitches and God bless!"

In a bar and later at a theater, I saw her; it was electric eye contact. Seemed like fate so the small talk was bold. We ended up in my hotel room using each other as a divine distraction.

She left her number on the dresser. I woke to the knocking of the cleaning lady - alone. Any dreams I had for myself in this town were left in a condom and flushed.

Driving with the visor down, I live on the horizon... And I left that number on the dresser.

photo: taken w/ iPhone 3Gs Hipstamatic app (Salvador 84, DreamCanvas)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Zeitgeist Opinion


Total Drag
I was listening to a weekly address* by Peter Joseph, producer of the Zeitgeist films and he depressed the fuck out of me. Why? Because he regurgitated the same problem analysis from his films, but when it came to elucidating the solutions, that shit was thin and dispassionate.

The conspiracy theorists exhibit this same behavior. I was a fan of Alex Jones, then fell off because his shit got repetative. I watched all the films about the Boheimian Grove, the Bilderberg Group, FEMA camps and of course the classic interview with Aaron Russo (RIP).

Again, alot of critique of the system by Jones and then ads for canned meat that lasts fifty years, shower head water purifiers... Sooo, the solution is the new world order is your sponsers?!

Thats when it donned on me, preachers, conspiracy theorists may start out with a love for the game, wanting to educate the people, but as soon as some bills or profits becomes part of the equation, the message and thinking submits to that gravity.

Now, I'm not saying the Zeitgeist Movement is like that, Hell, I haven't been to my first meeting. It's just that without as much time being spent on the solution in Peter's lectures and easy answer is a home water purifier.

Then Again...
Perhaps the answers lie with the local chapters. Maybe the answers shouldn't come from Joseph at all... if they did, it would be too easy for this movement to become a cult of personality. Maybe the bridge between Peter Joseph and Jacques Fresco is the people in the Zeitgeist movement.

A resource-based economy, which is the ultimate goal far as I can tell, of the the Zeitgeist movement seems alien. I mean like really, like little green men type alien. I'd be willing to bet my Loose Change DVD that visitors from other planets needed to get to that kind of social organization just to allow the creativity and innovation to evolve enough to develop interplanetary travel.

I'm so frustrated with the beligerent problem ananlysis that it drives me to find the answers on my own. I hope I make it to a Zeitgeist meeting soon, but if most of the time is spent fundraising and not finding solutions... well, God Bless, meet you at the circular city or the Rally to Restore Sanity, which ever comes first.

*http://www.blogtalkradio.com/peter-joseph/2010/10/13/101310--peter-joseph-8-lectures-3-a-profile-of-col

Photo: ZipCar I rent sometimes. Taken with onboard photo app in my iPhone 3Gs, edited with PS Express app.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Elevator Conversations


There is a meditation I use from time to time; after centering myself with slow deliberate breathes, I imagine an elevator.

In this elevator I press the sub-basement button, then I feel the downward sensation of the car. At each floor, the doors open and a wise man or prophet gets on and we chat; Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, my Grandmother and so on.

On a good night, before I get to the bottom, I become so captivated by the conversations I lose track of time and my body.

During one meditation session, once I reached bottom, there was no elevator. I looked "down" and saw stars. I decided to go to one of the stars. I would move toward them and they seemed to move away from me. It was beautiful and frustrating. I had little awareness of my body, but felt the need to escape from it through one of these shiny portals.

I did escape eventually, but not this time. For now, I'm just moving through space chasing stars.
Photo: taken with iPhone 3Gs & Hipstamatic app (Lens: John S, Film: Pistil, no Flash)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Remember


Waiting.. Waiting is like being stuck in someone else's dream until they wake up. I've been waiting for myself to wake up for years now.

Sure, I go through the motions: work, fatherhood, friendships, but I don't really feel awake - only when I write. Only when I make love with words do I feel... really feel conscious.

There are moments though, like the one I'm waiting for right now, when I get epiphanies like Pop Rocks: when my children whisper secrets from a past life, when I help someone who can't repay me or when someone reminds me that I am sleeping.

photo: street corner in Alexandria, Va. iPhone 3GS w/ Hipstamatic app: John S/Ina's 1935

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Red States, Blue States, Jaded States


In management you learn that alot of decisions are made before any jobs are posted, any meetings held, before any memos go out. I'm a manager and at times changing the system is antithetical to career advancement, so pick my battles. Enter the Politicians.

Before s/he is elected, most of the policy decisions have already been made. You can predict how much "change" the candidate will bring by looking at their major donors. Change is antithetical to funding next campaign, so they pick their battles; usually small ones that make good press, but don't challenge the system.

Winds of change many times comes from CEO's asses: more surveillance, more austerity, class warfare. When it rains it pours and every four years we vote for a new Weather Man. Dig?!

Thats why I like the Zeitgeist Movement; individuals free of religion, embracing technology and see class labels for what they are, a means to divide and conquer. With a mentality like that, voting is not looking sexy right about now.

All the angst and anger I had toward the Right; all the disappointment I have with the Left; leaves me with the notion of walking away from them both. That energy is better spent focusing on my business interests, family & friends. What makes me happy is election-proof.

There are some political activities that do appeal to me, one is total boycott and divestment in Israel. The Jewish State is this generation's Apartheid South Africa.

Going Green is something I'll work towards, not because of human induced global warming (don't agree with Gore), but going green because we can. There were electric cars in Henry Ford's time, guess oil had a stronger lobby.

"Net Neutrality is the First Amendment issue of our time" to quote Senator Al Franken, I agree. If the ISPs get their way, independent media and other non-establishment content providers will become the UHF of the Internet.

I enjoyed being apart of history by helping to elect the first African American President. Just didn't know the Powers That Be were integrated long before the Whitehouse. They will fund a Martian if he pledges to keep the status quo. Mr. Barak Hussein Obama may be the last President I vote for, but if my political action is multiplied by others, this won't be the last time I make history.

photo caption - taken w/ iPhone 3GS and Hipstamatic app

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Brand Loyalty


iPhone 4
I soooo wanted to drink the Kool-Aid! Steve Jobs was Jim Jones and I wanted that iPhone 4. Didn't want to think about Antenna-gate or how the screen size is still the same or why video chat only works on wifi? I wanted to pinch my nose and down another 2yr bid with AT&T.


But, in the end, after numerous visits to the Apple store temple, I couldn't do the deed. Surrounded by zombies and ditto heads, I couldn't partake in their bliss. The new iPhone wasn't delivering on it's promise to "Change everything all over again". I've had this feeling before.


Democrats
Mr. Barak Obama is the iPhone 4 of the Democratic Party. Again, promised to change everything. I remember watching President Obama's speech at West Point. He was sending 3,000 more troops to W's war in Afghanistan. Apparently 8 years of troop deployments wasn't enough, more blood was needed for the arid soil.


But the zombies and ditto heads in the Democratic party would say "See, Obama is tough on terror. He has high resolution speeches and better apps than the Bush Administration." Again, I was lost. This is just like the old iPresident! Wars without end, erosion of civil liberties, only now the Patriot Act has a back facing camera and if you hold the Democratic rhetoric the wrong way, you lose clarity - the Democratic Death-grip.


This all brings me to the poignant question I want you to consider, is Brand Loyalty something intelligent people should be participating in? Whether is a device manufacturer or a political machine, if their aren't continually providing real value, then they don't deserve our support. Now here's the tough part, that means the real change we are looking for comes from us, not Apple or Obama. We have to make different choices and let the establishment follow.

Change is scary, but it doesn't have to be EVO.

Photo - African mask taken on iPhone 3GS with Hipstamatic app (John S, Alfred Infrared, Standard)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Chitterling Reefs


This ark I was building for my ambition and to save my family was threatened by this hog. She kept kicking up mud and making my work place disorderly. I decided to kill the pig.

One problem, my co-workers fancied her and would have no parts of it. The pig would slip through my hands, idle were they, offering no assistance. They would even condemn my actions as rash and insensitive.

More mud on my shoes. The pig is dancing and my team looks the other way. PETA members all. I guess one pig doesn't stop a ship from sailing.

One day, I got some mud in my mouth. My frustration with pork and my team set my mind on fire. My attempt at ending the pigs life starts to alienate not only my team, but the crew as well. I feel like the pig.

One morning, in the mirror, I saw an Engineer who spent his time chasing livestock instead of building ships. I knew then I had lost my direction and was crashing on chitterling reefs. Picking up my tools, I began to work on the ship.

One afternoon, while resting in the boiler room, my lunch fell from my lap to the floor. I woke up to find a trail of crumbs where a hoagie been. I took out a piece of cake and felt the heavy eyelids again, a cold furnace got the cake and the crumbs I gathered from the floor. Thoughts of a clean ship comforted my sleepy mind.

A wonderful smell of protein woke me. I went to the ships kitchen to compliment the chief, but no one was there. I asked my colleagues who had ordered food. "None" they said. Curious, I asked how was the furnace working? They told me, they quietly turned it on an hour ago, tipping over my sleeping body. Maybe the smell came from there.

We all ran down below. Through the door we could see my foil wrapped lunch in a charred hog's mouth. She must have snuck in there after my food while I slept. I didn't feel bad since my colleague started the fire.

Alls well that ends well.

Photo taken with iPhone 3GS, edited in PS Mobile

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The King is Dead


Did you see him fall? I just heard this hush go over the crowd, this sigh. Like the whole world was a dream and we're just waking up.

When he fell, when our hero fell, we had to grow up. All of us.

We couldn't depend on him to inspire. We had to find the reasons on our own. We had to make our own religion.

photo: crystal chess set, beneath glass table - taken w/ iPhone 3GS and Hipstamatic app

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hell is a Hospital


I decided to call Hell. They picked up on the first ring, "How'd you get this number?"
"Let me speak to the Devil."
"There's no one here by that name." Click. They hung up the phone.
Ring.
"You again? How did you get this number?"
"Let me speak to the Devil"
"Look soul, there is no Devil, only Hell and the souls who choose to come here."
"Why would anyone choose to go to Hell?"

"Hell is a hospital. Where souls admit to themselves they've lost their way. Here tiny flames burn doubt and religion til there's nothing left but pure spirit. Then they go home."
"Where's home?"
Click.

photo: pay phone in subway - taken with iPhone 3GS & Hipstamatic app

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Agnostics



Everybody was looking up, when I got outside. A UFO crashing into the sun. No, more like an eclipse being caused by the craft. It was several city blocks wide, shiny and had apparatus hanging underneath.

As the vehicle covered Sol, our hearts faultered. All this time, we considered ourselves powerful, even superior. Well, this round disk just burst our bubble.

Slowly it moved, until we could'nt see our original god. We became agnostics; for what do you call a power greater than your Truth? Slowly it moves from theology to velocity, the ship sped off to some unknown star.

We breathe again. There were hundreds of us on the street that afternoon. All bonded; a family of strangers with a story no one would believe. The saucer was gone, but we could never go home again.

photo: curved awning of building facing street light - taken with iPhone 3GS & Hipstamatic app

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Tower


My Love. I know she's up there. Stranded in a midnight of concrete and steel.

My Scars. My Scars tell the story. Those archers, the knights without end, they all have wounded me. Liberating pieces of my flesh. Pigeons gather, eat the crumbs of my broken body.

Her smile. In the struggle, her smile was lost to me; only hate and revenge for comfort. They are my soul mates. When I finally free her from this mountain, will I be the man she once knew? How could I? When all that made me beautiful has beaten into swords.

photo: info column on underground subway platform - taken w/ iPhone 3GS & Hipstamatic app

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Apple Time Machine


I got this time machine that's always late. It's not the machine's fault. I've just been lazy with maintenance.

The vibrations from time travel cause the control dials to slide backwards sometimes. A screwdriver could've fix that.

The monitor doesn't turn or swivel easily, so I can't see if there are palm trees or dinosaurs ahead. Some WD-40 knock that rust right out.

Duct tape could have saved the Titanic. My multiple-dimensional side-view mirror keeps falling off: catastrophies are closer than they appear.

What's the point of having a time machine that's always late? To impress the girls, the iPad is too expensive.

photo: caught multiple reflections off subway train window, while riding in train - taken w/ iPhone 3GS. Adjusted image contrast, saturation with PS Mobile app

Train of Thought


Every evening, my mind rides the train. Crowded with thoughts of all kinds, rushing by sitting there. Each one caught up in its own thoughts of itself. Crowded. Some won't move over for the new thoughts, so they have to stand, wait their turn for comfort.

I got this bad vibe, she didn't even want a seat. Just standing there basking in apprehension. Stared at her for awhile, but she didn't want to gave it back. Other thoughts got attracted to her, then lost in her. The train was clearing out.

Her gravity was strong. Rocking, rotating with the uneasiness of cowboy on the Rez. This idea served no real purpose, being a creation of the ego. But even illusions get respect, if they demand it.

After I snapped a picture, my attenion turns to other passengers. The bad vibe goes away. Sometimes I forget: the universe is mental.

Photo: officer in subway train car - taken w/ iPhone 3GS. Image adjusted using PS Mobile app. Microsoft Paint on my PC for black bar.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Who Is Elena Kagan?

Lindsey Graham Questioning Elena Kagan - 2/10/2009

I'm not jumping on the Elena Kagan bandwagon, because Liberal media says so. What are her views, Man?! Here's a quick video from Kagan's Solicitor General hearings. Peep the point about reclassifying folks as enemy combatants, so they can be imprisoned forever. Video from 2/10/2009.

Friday, May 14, 2010

It's Only a Ride


Why are politics and religion so divisive? Because they make us so insecure. Anytime a mental construct contradicts Nature, we become insecure. In Nature, diversity is a rule, multiple solutions are a principal and there is very little inter-species killing. Religion and politics forces us to violate all these. You can be talking to a person about family, the weather or love and have a beautiful vibe with them; bring up religion or politics and get stamped with a label "Oh, you're one of those types who think the government should take care of everybody, huh?"
What would religion be without Hell or the dogmatism that sends you there? What of politics? What if engineers resolved issues like speed limits and technicians worked on how resources get distributed? Why would we need Dems and GOPs? Seems like a pipe-dream, but so was the light bulb.

Don't Drink the Kool-Aid (tea)
The tumor taking over the GOP: this TeaParty, isn’t a new phenomenon. The Base* has always been there, they resisted the Emancipation, 40 acres and a mule, Civil Rights, Social Safety net programs and immigration from non-European countries. They’re against big Gov't, but pro big military and pro expansion of police powers. The same forces arrayed against you by a big gov't when it turns on you – smart huh?
These are basically some white people (and 6 Black people) who can be convinced to vote against their economic interests due to their faux-identification with the ruling elite. They can be tricked into voting for a W. Bush cause he's a rich "white boy", but his father, former CIA head and US President reps for the Saudi Arabian royal family... Arabs. It's not about money or culture, it's about ego and power aggregation.

That being said, who gives a damn, as long if your kids are healthy, your job or business is doing well and you gettin regular lovin. If you aren't, well… that's when the aberrant behavior creeps in - so someone goes "Postal" or "Jihadi", same thing. From my comfortable Western environ (for which I am very grateful), I vent about Palestine, Greece and Afghanistan. But there no war in my children’s eyes, no bombs in their ears and I can't help but be stilled and humble by this. My worst days on this planet are often washed away by laughter and I remember that this life - it's only a ride.
*Al Qaeda translates into "the Base" in english.