via Lee Mulcahy:
"Let me tell you on this first Sunday in Advent, when we celebrate hope, when we remember in the church how Mary and Joseph left Nazareth for Bethlehem, why I am in Liberty Square.
I am here because I have tried, however imperfectly, to live by the radical message of the Gospel. I am here because I know that it is not what we say or profess but what we do. I am here because I have seen in my many years overseas as a foreign correspondent that great men and women of moral probity arise in all cultures and all religions to fight the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. I am here because I have seen that it is possible to be a Jew, a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu or an atheist and carry the cross.
The words are different but the self-sacrifice and thirst for justice are the same. And these men and women, who may not profess what I profess or believe what I believe, are my brothers and sisters. And I stand with them honoring and respecting our differences and finding hope and strength and love in our common commitment.
At times like these I hear the voices of the saints who went before us.
The suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who announced that resistance to tyranny is obedience to God, and the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who said, “The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”
Or Henry David Thoreau, who told us we should be men and women first and subjects afterward, that we should cultivate a respect not for the law but for what is right.
And Frederick Douglass, who warned us: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
And the great 19th century populist Mary Elizabeth Lease, who thundered: “Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master.”
And Gen. Smedley Butler, who said that after 33 years and four months in the Marine Corps he had come to understand that he had been nothing more than a gangster for capitalism, making Mexico safe for American oil interests, making Haiti and Cuba safe for banks and pacifying the Dominican Republic for sugar companies. War, he said, is a racket in which newly dominated countries are exploited by the financial elites and Wall Street while the citizens foot the bill and sacrifice their young men and women on the battlefield for corporate greed.
Or Eugene V. Debs, the socialist presidential candidate, who in 1912 pulled almost a million votes, or 6 percent, and who was sent to prison by Woodrow Wilson for opposing the First World War, and who told the world: “While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”
And Rabbi Abraham Heschel, who when he was criticized for walking with Martin Luther King on the Sabbath in Selma answered: “I pray with my feet” and who quoted Samuel Johnson, who said: “The opposite of good is not evil. The opposite of good is indifference.”
And Rosa Parks, who defied the segregated bus system and said “the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
And Philip Berrigan, who said: “If enough Christians follow the Gospel, they can bring any state to its knees.”
And Martin Luther King, who said: “On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ And there comes a time when a true follower of Jesus Christ must take a stand that’s neither safe nor politic nor popular but he must take a stand because it is right.”
(Chris Hedges)
I am here because I have tried, however imperfectly, to live by the radical message of the Gospel. I am here because I know that it is not what we say or profess but what we do. I am here because I have seen in my many years overseas as a foreign correspondent that great men and women of moral probity arise in all cultures and all religions to fight the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. I am here because I have seen that it is possible to be a Jew, a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu or an atheist and carry the cross.
The words are different but the self-sacrifice and thirst for justice are the same. And these men and women, who may not profess what I profess or believe what I believe, are my brothers and sisters. And I stand with them honoring and respecting our differences and finding hope and strength and love in our common commitment.
At times like these I hear the voices of the saints who went before us.
The suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who announced that resistance to tyranny is obedience to God, and the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who said, “The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”
Or Henry David Thoreau, who told us we should be men and women first and subjects afterward, that we should cultivate a respect not for the law but for what is right.
And Frederick Douglass, who warned us: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
And the great 19th century populist Mary Elizabeth Lease, who thundered: “Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master.”
And Gen. Smedley Butler, who said that after 33 years and four months in the Marine Corps he had come to understand that he had been nothing more than a gangster for capitalism, making Mexico safe for American oil interests, making Haiti and Cuba safe for banks and pacifying the Dominican Republic for sugar companies. War, he said, is a racket in which newly dominated countries are exploited by the financial elites and Wall Street while the citizens foot the bill and sacrifice their young men and women on the battlefield for corporate greed.
Or Eugene V. Debs, the socialist presidential candidate, who in 1912 pulled almost a million votes, or 6 percent, and who was sent to prison by Woodrow Wilson for opposing the First World War, and who told the world: “While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”
And Rabbi Abraham Heschel, who when he was criticized for walking with Martin Luther King on the Sabbath in Selma answered: “I pray with my feet” and who quoted Samuel Johnson, who said: “The opposite of good is not evil. The opposite of good is indifference.”
And Rosa Parks, who defied the segregated bus system and said “the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
And Philip Berrigan, who said: “If enough Christians follow the Gospel, they can bring any state to its knees.”
And Martin Luther King, who said: “On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ And there comes a time when a true follower of Jesus Christ must take a stand that’s neither safe nor politic nor popular but he must take a stand because it is right.”
(Chris Hedges)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
16 comments:
I had plans for Aspen winter holidays and Snowmass and SkiCo -- but not now. Thank you Lee for exposing the fascists for who and what they really area. Kaplan, you cost your company thousands my family and I would have spent over the next few months. Oh well. Hope it's worth it, as my word is gold to my business associates and partners, my friends and my distant family -- who also would have spent obscene amounts of money in your town and with your company. Not now.
Thanks again Lee! See you in the funny papers!
Lookout Vail, here we come!
- BBouler
My husband and I boycotted a season pass each this year.
We bought the Epic over in Vail.
And a condo.
Did an extensive remodel and hired all Vail Valley businesses. Love the end result and now spend at least a weekend a month there while we live and work in the Aspen area.
The family and extended family (14 of us) traditionally brought in every year for the holidays in Aspen and Snowmass are housed in our new venture and having a marvelous time in Beaver Creek. We're packed and ready to hit the road tomorrow afternoon as soon as we can escape.
See you back in Aspen on January 4, 2012!
Merry Christmas, Paula and Jim!
Just got a little birdie in my mail box filling me in on the harassment to Lee from the Aspen Art Museum.
Let's see if I've got this straight now. After all, a bunch of area blogging commentators made a plan back with the Aspen Art Museum folks slipped more love Mick's way and the Pitco commissioners way and got their atrocity approved to comment daily on how b*** ugly the design is, how inappropriate the building is and how unwanted in Aspen the whole eyesore is, every time a shovel full of dirt flips over or a single nail gun pops during the build.
Better have all the blogging facts straight.
Way I hear it is that even though some other guy confessed to the signs problem on the new site and even though the Occupy Aspen group has been in no trouble and has been pretty stellar in their conduct, Paul Schorr and John Phelan have taken it on themselves to boot Mulcahy from the properties and events. Citing his threatening and erratic behavior.
Just so I'm clear. This is the same Paul Schorr that did a major remodel a few years back up in Snowmass? The one with Ray Lavender as the interior desecrator from a dark place? Same Schorr whose conduct on that job has him pretty much on every legit construction builder in the valley's "if they call, the schedule is full for the next two decades" list?
Personally, Mr. Schorr. My crews and I would be a whole lot more terrified to meet you at the grand opening of that newly designed building that looks on plan like a strong wind will blow it over and with a few drinks on board than we would ever be worried about Lee Mulcahy.
Aspen needs an enema. That may offend the "doo-doo" doesn't smell crowd but what can we say out here?
When the truth speaks. Listen.
Good to see that there are some getting out of town and heading to Vail.
Operation Snow Job avoided.
Try Breck for New Years. Excellent fun. Just excellent.
Last week I spotted a truck parked at the site of the future art museum, sporting on its tailgate a sign with statements about the building’s insensitivity to the scale of Aspen and indifference to the mountain views it would block. The sign was not on museum property and I don’t know if it was the work of artist-dissident Lee Mularchy, but I rushed home to add to the mix, only to find the sign gone, never to return.
For the record, the statement, in accord to another expressed in a letter by Richie Cohen, read, “Heidi Zuckerman deplores secret and cowardly acts. How, then, does she characterize her own role in getting an oversized and massively unpopular building approved by City Council without a public hearing? People who live in glass museums should not throw stones.”
Bruce Berger
Aspen
Lee, my husband and I had a chance to read our mail late yesterday and saw the notice of what the Aspen Art Museum has done to make you their scapegoat. What a disgrace.
You would think that atrocity of a new museum that they slithered in on a snake's belly under the radar of the people would have
been enough.
The only thing we can do in hands on ways is to continue to speak up and we think the idea of doing that every time a nail goes in on that venture is the best way to do it.
Though a campaign of "Ugly Aspen? Visit the new museum" bumper stickers is not a bad idea. If it's any consolation, people will never be able to forget the disgrace of this board and employee's behavior.
We have that new building to look at for the next 100 years or more to remind us.
You may become a hero instead of a martyr. If there's one thing that can always be counted on when anyone tells just a partial truth and distorts the rest of what they don't want the public to know.
It is that sooner or later they will be caught in their own web.
Won't speak for anyone else but anytime you want to quote my comments anywhere, Lee. Feel free. No problem.
You know what really is the problem with all this social b.s.?
If the general population knew even 1/10th of what the commons do about these self-proclaimed pillars of society who pull the kind of stunts like they are on Mulcahy.
Those self-proclaimed pillars of society would be outcast in Aspen society faster than they could turn around.
Feel fortunate to be a common man, Lee. You do not want to be associated with these people. Trust those of us who serve them.
You have no idea what they're really like in their private lives and you're a lot better off using your hard earned money to directly support hungry artists that can't get in the door with these guys.
Happy New Year. Count your blessings.
little bird told me this was $625 bucks the museum soaked you for and hasn't paid it back yet since they kicked you off all events and property.
that's a seriously good idea from mack, lee.
what would happen if you started not a co-op or non-profit for common artists that are really good? you want to fight cronyism not capitalism. Be for profit so you can do more for people. the concept of non-profits is wrong on a lot of levels but is also one of the most corrupt factions of the USA that we have. nobody watches over them. nobody, not really. especially the 501C-6's.
how many people who're really behind you from the shadows, like all the old ski clients and art-goers would donate to a company that had alternate art choices in aspen? more than you think is my guess.
don't make it political. that will come on its own and these people like crowns and shorr, hanle and klug already know in their gut that's coming. people are so fed up they just won't put up with this any longer. if it's not a blog like this one and comments all over the globe it will be a mainstream media at some point, especially international. Aspen has to change or it's not going to survive the new economy.
start a smart, sleek company that rivals the museum and every other art sector in the area.
then bust the glass ceiling with it.
you can quote my stuff anywhere you like. it takes a lot of time to comment and blog in all the places that are my interests. I don't care where you want to use what my thoughts are, for what they're worth. I do give that permission to people I respect and trust. feel free.
sent from my verizon blackberry
Great idea. Don't be another mercantile or co-op. They just don't work in our area. Don't suck into overhead by being in a rented or owned space. Be for profit so these artists involved can support themselves.
Take the price list of the museum and slice it in half. That's what you charge for an annual slot to an artist and give them options. Build a beautiful and retail website. Display in area professional offices and public spots like restaurants and retail. The only thing like it is the CMC gallery in Glenwood and that's not even making the best use because they treat it like a gallery. Show's over and the artist disappears. You need retail on a classy web presence and glossy promos stuck on every spot you can get them, including common folks spots. need to have an event? Then hold it at the restaurant or professional spot you're displaying in. Split the costs for the food and drink between everybody including the free advertising for the restaurant or professional. Hospitals waiting rooms, doctors offices. Know any world class artists? Talk them into displaying at the Jerome or Jimmys or Johnny McGuires. Where all those museum patrons go every day. Think outside the box.
$625 bucks they won't give you back?
Go get some shirts printed up and start wearing them around town:
"I went to the Aspen Art Museum, paid $625 bucks to get in the door and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."
Make sure you stand 1,000 yards away from anything owned by the museum or the Crown family.
Aspen does have to make major changes if they want to survive.
What do people think? That a good year or two in a rebounded economy or jobs market is going to put everything back on to easy street again?
This collapse and recession completely eliminated the savings and retirement portfolios of most Americans. They've lost homes and lives. Just when approaching the last decade or two of their working life span.
It will take at least a two-term phenomenal leader in Washington before we are even well again. A decade or better before we are even recovered. Most will never be able to rebuild fully again in this lifetime.
For nearly three years, those who could afford vacations have shown Aspen that they do not care for what they see here. Instead opt for Vail or Breckenridge and Crested Butte. Even Jackson Hole. People really do care where there money goes and most people do not care for snobbery, elite mentality and entitlement attitudes.
Add the definition of a social bully and careless regard for crime and enforcement and the whole Aspen scene becomes a recipe for "spend your money somewhere else".
Yes, Aspen must change if Aspen wishes to survive the new economy and new tourist.
Lee, email FCE and I at formerchamberlady@gmail.com .
We've got an idea for you on a marketing niche that would be amazing if you run with this great idea of mack's.
Happy New Year. So sorry this has happened to you but we agree.
Count your blessings.
Sometimes true gifts come in the least expected ways.
Thanks sun, hammer, and glenwood22. YOur kind words are most appreciated. I'm trying to get my windows on my house this week so I count my blessings daily. thanks again guys!
update: The City of Aspen's Jim True is looking into the lease with the Art Museum with the Art Museum's attorney. Of course, in Denver. LOL.
Jim True is a good guy and understands that it's our town too---not just the uber 0.01%. I hope the AAM got some big $ out of this banning in their fundraising. LOL
Despite the fact that I'm banned from the Art Museum [my neighbor's first question---Isn't that city property? Don't you pay taxes? ---the next was: Aren't they an ART museum?] ----I'm actually optimistic that the community can all work it out as one big extended family ---and you know with family ---there's always bickering. I loved a post-it note on the Histo...rical Society's poster board: “a community in conflict is a healthy caring community.”.
Witness the community picnic this summer. Socialites and smokestack people---all breaking bread together. Granted I did not kick back and have a beer with Paula or Jim, or for that matter, Michelle Obama. But then again, don't you have to pay 10K to go to that barefoot picnic at General Dynamics Villa Royale on Tiehack Drive? I wonder if they put little toy soldiers, bombs, airplanes, or at least a scud missile in the gift bag? Why not? One of Paula's friends told me that she's doing her PhD at the Art Institute of Chicago and is on Obama's council for the arts. It could be situationist art with the theme: Democracy these days is just one big auction and I'm laughing all the way to my PhD in....art.
I was working on my roof and one of our neighbors flew over my roof on his way to the private airport in a......helicopter. I guess the traffic on Castle Creek...
As we say in Texas, "Money is like manure — it does no good unless you spread it around." LA just passed a living wage law. Aspen? Time for the limousine liberal crowd to own up.
Update on Big $ in Aspen: I just came from a church fellowship gathering. It's alotta of us Texans so the pastor loves to joke about me being a criminal. When the Crowns forgot to laugh @ my "let them eat cake" sculpture and demanded that the City tear it down, the City sent me a letter "requesting" I take it down copying 3 executives @ Skico; I refused. Then, in a company town move, Mayor Mick Michael Ireland got on the radio calling me a tea partyer. LOL. I accept that claim; but I'm no racist & to the left of Jesus. I was the co-architect of occupy aspen. Please note that the sculpture was public art commissioned by the City for a public place. The limousine liberal City PR person claimed it was different than what she expected. Huh? It's art. Now, Paula Crown's fabulous sister-N-law, Susan Crown, says she's not cool with Obama. Apparently, she feels he's not pro-Israel enough. Please. The Crowns own GD, a merchant of death; GD sells weapons. To both sides. Since 1904. In late July, Suz is hosting nearly a fundraiser a day here in Aspen to disguise all that war profiteering. OK, but why is my money not good enough to go to even my religious congregation's annual fundraiser @ her digs? LOL: I even joked I would not bring flyers. Later, I was told that statement was not funny. ROFL. In contrast to that hilariousness, under the category of "big money ruins everything," Paula Crown tweeted she's now an artist. And then tooted the fact that she's on President Obama's Art Council. As my mom said, bully 4 her. In addition, our local Marie Antoinette did a big deal website on her student exhibition at SAIC [School of the Art Institute]. Go big $. Wait---it gets even better. Her student art is what she did from her helicopter. Yes, her helicopter. I know---you think I'm making this up. I nearly peed in my pants in Ohare when her fellow student Aspen Music Festival and School SAIC told me about it. Trying to find Paula's website, googling "Paula Crown art sight", a website [posted on my facebook page! please friend me on fb and sign the petition ---google stop the ban. protect our free speech. ---i know, i know about fb but i am in a struggle with billionaires and it's a tool] came up first. Not her site---which is not good 4 Paula; but it makes me chuckle @ the power of social media.
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