Infinite Monkeys

An arrest has been made.

And it wasn't Deuce? No, apparently it was some guy who plays Hunter S. Thompson in a one man show, and who wasn't happy with those who run Burning Man. Hmm, that still sounds like Deuce...

That's the funny thing about the BMorg people. They're control freaks. If their reaction and this arrest don't expose the convoluted nature and hypocrisy of much that is the current state of Burning Man, nothing will. Does anyone remember the time I pretended I jumped out of the crowd to "participate" in the lingam tower burn by acting like I was going to try to knock it down with a pole? While I was in the arms of two BRRangers being escorted away, the sculptor/artist guy assaulted me. It was my most glorious solo guerilla theater ever. (I have to admit, I had also thrown a big piece of firewood through one of the spire walls a few minutes earlier.) But no, I was expected to stand down and stay in my place as a spectator.

Yes, once again I get to play the "I was there - I served" card. I was a Black Rock Ranger (different year), promoted to Senior Ranger. The org is everything that people think they're getting away from by going to a freaky art festival in the middle of nowhere. I never served a second year. I hooked up with the dark side, the Disgruntled Postal Workers, the next year. They even got grief about their toy guns. At a place that used to have a slogan, "Granola, Guns & Videotape." Last I heard all you're allowed now is granola.

Sure, it's still unique and has its good qualities, but [cue another BM mantra] it's just not as cool as it used to be. [variant of "it was better last year."]