I am in a Police State of mind

-further notes from Seattle-

Well friends we are under our third day of martial law here and boy are my first amendment rights tired! There are a bunch of national guard boys locking down the blocks around the Westin - you know - the hotel that looks like twin big-dick towers...strangely President "We welcome your opinions but please stay behind the police-lines while me and the representatives of oppressive-regimes world-wide dine on exquisite Northwest Cuisine and slurp delightful Chardonnays." Clinton's favorite hotel in Seattle. Yes indeed, strange that wherever Clinton goes these days he is followed by martial law and police lock-downs effectively keeping the residents of Seattle or Athens or wherever out of their own cities.....no wonder Clinton wants 100,000 more cops on the streets....if he plans on doing any traveling or tourist activities at all next year he is going to need them....this whole thing has made me rethink gun-control too - I am only for it now if the police disarm also. At least take away their rubber bullets - those things hurt! A waitress at The Two Bells Tavern was shot by a rubber bullet on Tuesday for serving a hamburger that was slightly under cooked - she showed me the welt - oddly it was the color of raw beef.....

Oh well - I want to go down to the ArtBar today but first I need to a get a permission slip signed by Police Chief Norm Stamper....Martial law makes getting to one's favorite taverns somewhat difficult...I also need to go to the downtown library and return some overdue books - but I believe I only need the signature from a deputy-mayor for that activity so it will not be as difficult. I also need to deliver some cartoons to one of my editors downtown but I am afraid to mention this to the police....they might ask to see the cartoons and then where would I be? On a bus to our new temporary lock-up facilities at the Former Sand Point Naval Station that's were! And I don't get paid enough for these things to make bail!

My goodness but assuring the free speech and free movement of trade representatives from oppressive - and even Communist! - (where is Salvador Dali when you need him?) regimes world-wide taxes the first amendment that is for dang sure! We probably should just rewrite the thing....I am sure our next do-nothing congress will be glad to do that!!!