‘Philosophical’ thoughts on national, local issues

By Alonzo Weston

I saw Bag-Head Jheri, The Messanie Street Philosopher, coming out of a Downtown restaurant Tuesday afternoon. As usual, he had plenty to say.

“Hey Weston, let me bend your ear for a minute, brutha,” Bag shouted loudly to me.

“What is it, man? “ I asked distractedly.

“Aw man, the world is turned upside down and done gone down a rabbit hole,” Bag said emphatically with hands waving frantically.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“For big starters, how is Donald Trump still allowed to run for president with all his criminal activity? Shoot, I could run for president if he can,” Bag said.

“I don’t know. I guess many people prefer him to Joe Biden, our current president,” I answered.

“How whack is that?” Bag said. “Bill Clinton had one indiscretion we know of and the church and everybody was ready to run him out of town on a rail. Now the churches even embrace this guy,” Bag said.

“I know. Wonder if Obama had done the same things as Trump how it would be?” I asked.

“Brutha woulda been drawn, quartered and hung,” Bag said, shaking his head.

“I suppose so,” I said.

“And what about ‘dis economy? Went to the store the other day and one banana cost almost a dollar. Gonna see more homeless before its over if this keeps up,” Bag said,

“I know. I bought a Coke and a bag of chips and it cost me about $5,” I agreed.

“Can Trump fix that? Do we need anotha’ stimulus check?” Bag laughed.

“Don’t laugh. Heard a young man the other day say he’s waiting on another stimulus check,” I said shaking my head.

“None of these young cats wanna work. ‘Dey’s plenty of jobs out here. Why, you can’t get good service. Everyone’s short-handed for help,” Bag said.

“I know. Too many people wanting a handout I suppose,” I said.

“Yeah I’m retired and I don’t beg fo’ nuthin,” Bag said. “I peddle my cans and get along pretty fine.”

“I remember when I could buy contentment and fit it all in a small paper bag from Jake’s Drugstore,” I said. “I’d buy a Coke, a Hostess cupcake and a comic book all for less than a dollar. Now it’d cost me about $15.”

“Yeah, I know. And what are they gonna do wit Lake Contrary? I hear all this dredging talk and stuff but nothing happening,” Bag asked.

I don’t know. Hope they do something. I miss our lake,” I lamented.

“And they destroying Krug Park by allowing fishing on the lagoon when we have Corby Pond blocks away,” Bag said. Krug lagoon ain’t for fishing, it’s for swans and paddleboats,” Bag said.

“I don’t like it either but I guess many people do,” I said shaking my head.

“As I said, whole world going down the rabbit hole. Yeah, I just peddle my cans and keep it movin’,” Bag said as he walked away.