InMotion

Discussed: security policy at music festivals. What is the role of the state in limiting individual freedom to pursue happiness and pleasure in ways that do not impact others negatively? Specifically, what about the use of drugs? Is the consumption of mind-altering substances always neutral regarding it’s effects or potential effects on others?   Of course not; the quick example of course would be vehicular manslaughter caused by drunk driving.   In that case, had the drunken person not obtained the keys, had not started the car, had not pulled out onto the road, no death.   So presumably, in this case there are multiple points where other factors “caused” the death just as much as the drug did, because without those factors and only with the drug, there is no death.   I and many others argue that placing draconian limits on the use of cannabis (in many areas of the country the drug is altogether prohibited) is blatantly hypocritical, due to the magnitude of ...

Long post (1500 words) 2019 NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL I am not a jazzoid , the term used by Dick Stein of Tacoma, Washington’s independent radio station KNKX to denote true jazz fans.   A degree of deep knowledge is assumed if one is to claim that title.   I remember when I lived in Maine at the beginning of my medical career.   I would shop for music at The Record   Connection (as I recall), a small record store in Waterville for new music and for albums recommended by my friend and music guru, David C. Post (also the local postman, I’m not shitting you).   David lived in a small house off the main drag between Pittsfield and Hartland, where I was a General Practitioner at the community owned medical center.   David organized his music cassette collection on high shelves that surrounded the house, on the upper walls near the   ceiling.   Just like those toy choo-choo trains that lined some destination family restaurants.   Steeped as I...

Still here in Maine,  on the road.  Working on a piece inspired by our attendance at the Newport Jazz Festival last week.  Almost read to post.  I'm here in a coffee shop in Dover-Foxcroft running out of fuel on my laptop.  Next few days and the piece will be ready, but I just can't pull it off today.  An aside: I ran into Leslie Fernow earlier today.  Leslie was a close associate of mine when we were both members of Physicians for Social Responsibility and campaigning against the proliferation of nuclear weaponry in the early '80s when I lived in Hartland, about 30 miles from here.  She gave us a tour of the Dover-Foxcroft community center she and others have worked to save and renovate.  Beautiful!  Tomorrow night there's a contra-dance at the center, and we hope to attend.  More pictures on the way.  This is just a teaser post.  -Rob