Mike Barskey arrested 02-01-09

[Russell Kanning]

soon he will be in front of the judge again and we can see what happens ... we can bring popcorn and tomatoes to throw

[Sam A. Robrin]

I've written a little song parody to be used on judicial occasions, if you're of a mind to.  If you need the melody, you can find it here:

CALL A KANGAROO COURT

[Spoken] There's an old politician, straining, campaigning, and he calls in a favor from a judge, and he contacts a few cops who are eager to bust some heads, and he says:

Toss 'em all in a cell, Mel,
Toss 'em all in a cell.
Cuff and Taser 'em well, Mel,
And toss 'em all in a cell.

[Chorus] All together, now: Call a kangaroo court, sport.
Call a kangaroo court.
No justice here to report, Mort,
Just call a kangaroo court.

Stack the charges like brick, Mick,
Stack the charges like brick.
We're bound to make something stick, Mick,
So stack the charges like brick.

[Chorus]

Set the bail at ten mil, Jill,
Set the bail at ten mil.
We know they can't foot the bill, Jill,
So set the bail at ten mil.

[Chorus]

Hand the trial to Burke, Dirk,
Hand the trial to Burke.
It's guaranteed he's berserk, Dirk,
Let's hand the trial to Burke.

[Chorus]

Ban the videocam, Sam,
Ban the videocam.
It shows me just as I am, Sam,
Must ban the videocam.

[Chorus]

Charge contempt if they fuss, Gus,
Charge contempt if they fuss.
Rules are for them but not us, Gus,
So charge contempt if they fuss

[Chorus]

[Becky Thatcher]

That's brilliant, Sam.  Love it.  I love the original, and your version is hysterical.   

+1

[Daien]

That's brilliant, Sam.  Love it.  I love the original, and your version is hysterical.   

+1

What she said!!

(Hi Becky!!!)

[Mike Barskey]

Thank you, everyone, so much for your support, letters, and especially comments on this thread. I'm not "unproud" of being imprisoned by violent people for being a non-violent person, I'm "unproud" that I wasn't strong/brave enough to sit through their punishment and then scoff at their impotency. I started to, and indeed was very brave a number of times, but eventually I had had enough. Obviously, with so much time to do nothing but think, I had considered most of the positions mention in this thread so far. Would I be more valuable to liberty outside jail? Would paying a bail actually be giving the govt anything (I get the bail back if I appear in court)? Would staying in jail cost taxpayers more? If anything I did actually does cost the govt more, does it matter (since they print their own money or steal more whenever they want)? Etc.

When I did decide to give in, I was very disheartened. Coincidentally, that night I found a book of US Authors in the "jail library" (which was a cardboard box containing about 15 tattered books in a shower stall). Of the essays/poems/short stories in that book, I chose to read an excerpt from "Civil Disobedience" by Thoreau and "Self-reliance" by Emerson. Thoreau's piece reminded me that my fight - however strong or weak it was at any moment - was essential. And Emerson's piece comforted me by reminding me that we are what we are. If it is in my nature to be "this brave," than I am simply no braver (as well as no more cowardly). If that is all I have to offer, then that is what I will offer.

Thanks for the virtual cookies, the letters/postcards (most of which I have read, the rest I would love to read once they get returned to you by the jail - you can scan them or re-mail them to me at my home address), the photoshopped pix, the T-shirts, the protests, attending their arraignment for me, standing up for your own rights even at my arraignment (Jesse's and Charlie's arrest were absofuckinglutely rifuckingdiculous! I'll be there to support you guys!), being patient with me if I missed an appointment with you, etc. You people are an amazing bunch of friends and supporters to have. It's almost overwhelming, but it's a great place to be.

[dalebert]

I was picturing exactly what you said. We all have our notions of what we will endure, but until you're in a cell with a LOT of nothing to do but think, who really knows?

[Mike Barskey]

Hey Barskey, I played "Time" at Harlow's tonight for your time served

Thanks, man! How appropriate: not only do I love the song, but if you take "Time" out of context, I was doing it while you were playing it.

[Ogre]

Hey, look everybody!  Mike's back!   



Welcome back!

[Mike Barskey]

Thanks!

[Peacemaker]

Hey Mike!  Just wanted to say I was glad to hear you're a "free" man again!  I think it's great you had the guts to do what you did and it definately is another positive step, in the proper direction...in showing those with the monopoly on the use of force that people are not happy with the way things are being run and are willing to stand up to them. 

I"m want to start a thread entitled "Jail Time" for those who have been in the Slammer as I'm curious to see/hear what it's like exactly.  Anyway, Welcome Home and keep up the great work!

[Sam A. Robrin]

You might be disappointed Mike, but they only got a little money . . . as a senior member of the  brass balls committee ... you might have only earned half a pair so far

As the waiter shouted through the hall, you don't get bread with one brass ball . . .

[Mike Barskey]

Thanks, Peacemaker. Maybe you could organize a get-together (over pizza or something) where people who've been jailed can form a "panel" and compare notes, and everyone else can ask questions.

Russell: Ahhh, so that's the committee that's still out.

[Friday]

I'm not "unproud" of being imprisoned by violent people for being a non-violent person, I'm "unproud" that I wasn't strong/brave enough to sit through their punishment and then scoff at their impotency.

Screw that; I think you made the right decision.  Don't be a martyr; be the Barskey!   

[Mike Barskey]

Screw that; I think you made the right decision.  Don't be a martyr; be the Barskey!  

"The Barskey." Cute.

I am leaning strongly, now, in the direction of I am what I am. I am only so brave. If I want to be braver, I'll practice to be. Also, I'm becoming less and less convinced that staying imprisoned it the way I want to react.

[Ogre]

If I had a convertible (and if it were a bit warmer), I'd pick you up, Mike, and drive ya around some...