Not seeking incredibly in depth reply above. Just an explanation of the juxtaposition between what was, I assume, a (mid 60's?) Marxist back-to-the-land sub-movement, and a (late 70's) song which derides it. I will be honest. I enjoyed the literature very much, as a near-epiphany for my young mind, tho I am also captivated by the song, which in my somewhat later years I now seem to see as an equally legit insightful truth:

One can leave the dominant society behind (or its economy, or anything else), but if the majority decide not to follow, one is eventually left floating away from it, ever further, until it becomes something alien. This is probably a large burden for anyone without a large apriori self-sustaining amount of accessible financial wealth, and then necessarily evolves into what can easily be labeled as dysfunction by those who do not share these alternate values.

Remaining as defiant outlanders in this way, whether as an individual or as a family, a cult, or even a city or region... in my mind anyway, can probably result in all manner of negative manifestations... drug abuse, family strife, inability to remain employed, criminality, homelessness, or mental illness as a result of extreme life-stress due to an ongoing current social reality not being in line with one's personal or shared overarching moral imperatives. Do we see these social problems becoming a small epidemic anywhere today? If so, where are they most prevalent?

What of child lovers? Is the situation a similar one, or is it readily tended to differently, with better possible results? Does child love even have a particular political or economic leaning? I've seen it expressed from all quarters myself.

What should happen if one's ship comes in on the coast of Maine, but it turns out there is nobody on board.

I have not reached any definite conclusions. I only see uncertain sails on the horizon.


As a side note, I really don't like to sit at the feet of those who hold court. Better you than me. Still, I can sort of affirm that you might sometimes be better served, Dissy, by choosing particular points and owning them, instead of squashing each and every ant every time, making unknown numbers of possible new allies X-out your posts prematurely when their migraine, dyslexia, or ADD hits them. Switch it up once in a while perhaps, and possibly gain more of an audience, rather than taking it as an insult.

Yes, of course I read your entire posts. I'm also not the new normal.