Apollo BBS Archive

Apollo BBS Archive - July 8, 1991

Mail from Nick Ianuzzi
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 03:27:50

Hi Rod,

Thanks for the message. How's things?

Nick
[A]bort, [C]ontinue, [I]nsty-reply or [Z]ap:Insty-reply

Enter a line containing only an [*] to stop
 1:Hi Nick,   Things are okay.  I'm still trying to figure out the universe but
 2:some of the questions and answers are tough.  At least I don't have to worry
 3:about being graded because I've never met anyone who had the answers.
 4:
 5:How'd it go in court?  Solomon goes to court this Friday for auto theft.  
 6:Neat, eh?
 7:
 8:What is JT doing these days, have you heard from him?
 9:                Rod

Mail from Roger Mann
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 05:59:30

Groucho or Karl ?
[A]bort, [C]ontinue, [I]nsty-reply or [Z]ap:Insty-reply

Enter a line containing only an [*] to stop
 1:Grocho, of course.  He says that we are proletariats.  Some joke, eh?

Mail from Melissa Dee
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 19:03:22

Ick.  I won't work there.  
Hey, I'm getting married.  I'm the soon to be Ms. Dog.  Pretty weird, eh?
[A]bort, [C]ontinue, [I]nsty-reply or [Z]ap:Insty-reply

Enter a line containing only an [*] to stop
 1:Wow, wow, arf, arf, Mrs. Dog.  Congradulations although you know how I feel 
 2:about marriage, I suppose.  But, if you want then do.  If it gives you a 
 3:happy thought then that is what you should do.  Just don't tell me that it 
 4:will be a full blown Catholic ceremony, that I can't handle.
 5:
 6:When is the wedding?
 7:
 8:Will it be parachuting from an airplane?  That would be cool.

$tatus Club Bulletin Board command:$C

Message: 7516
Author: $ Nick Ianuzzi
Category: Last....
Subject: cheeseburgers
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 03:34:01

If you smoked a cheeseburger, it would probably be at least as bad for you
as pot.

Message: 7517
Author: $ Ann Oudin
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Rod on pot
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 09:21:28

During the early 70's when pot smoking got started, we sampled it a couple
of times. My first thought, no lie, was that it was certainly better than
booze and I mean safer and in the long run, CHEAPER! I felt that it would
take over alcohol pretty quick with young and old alike. But they kept it
illegal which was a surprise since so many people were using it at the time.
I prefer booze over grass, but that is just my preference. I think if given
the choice legally, people would choose grass. It would be safer in both
body and mind - not including saftey to other people. Booze makes men think
they are invincible and they will get behind the wheel and try to prove it.
Marijuana mellows a person out. Heck, they don't even want to drive most of
the time - just want to kick back and enjoy. You also do not have a grass
hangover like booze gives you either - at least I don't think so - maybe it
does if you use a lot of it during the course of the evening.
                             *>>> ANN O. <<<*

Message: 7518
Author: $ Michael James
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Rod
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 11:14:48

The *TIME* magazine I picked up at the airport yesterday had an article
about what we should be eating versus what we've been told to eat. 
Apparently, the USDA's "four basic food groups" taught to children in public
schools overemphasize the role meat and dairy products play in a healthy
diet.  The USDA has known this for some time, but has been reluctant to
publicize the current view of nutrition because it doesn't want to hurt the
industry it is supposed to protect us against.

Message: 7519
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Nick/cheeseburgers
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:36:50

I'll have to smoke one and get back to you.

Message: 7520
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Ann/pot
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:45:42

Pot, to my knowledge, does not have a hangover associated with it even if
you are a frequent user.

In the late sixties I mellowed out by drinking alcohol in the form of
Bourbon and Beer.  Once I tasted pot I totally quit alcohol.  Pot is a mind
drug wherein I like to ponder my thoughts.  With alcohol I, like you say,
feel daring and macho and can't drive worth a #hit.

I tried cocaine and discovered there was more of a negative side, for me,
than a positive side, but I'm glad I tried it.  I have never tried anything
that involves a needle as it is logic that tell me whatever gets past the
natural defenses of the body and straight into the bloodstream is dangerous.

Thomas Edison and Sir Arthur Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes) were, among
others) both into cocaine.  Edison would invent all night and Doyle would
write some great stories.  All that happened to me was nervousness.

Message: 7521
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Michael/USDA
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:51:12

THEN, then a story is planted in the Republic, front page, top, that says
that eating fat and meat will only add 3 to 4 months to a person's life.  I
had to laugh although a number of idiots will naturally believe it and
re-change their diets again.

Jasmine's question was, "well, what about how one feels after eating that
crap, isn't that important?"

If (and I think it is happening) the majority start eating better, leaving
red meat and slimy dairy products alone, milk and cheese included then this
alone will cause what I would think would be a big depression in the nation.
Government has to look at that information and act accordingly.

Message: 7522
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Cliff
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:37:36

Re: "Taking Rod's word for it."
 
Never take on FAITH anything you hear from an atheist.
                         - me

Message: 7523
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Daryl
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 02:14:05

Good Christian philosophy, there.

Late Night Bulletin Board command:$C

Message: 2056
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Burkett
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:39:41

Fine. She can come over to my house and LISTEN to it.

 
 
Melissa, if I can find my ORIGINAL copy around here somewhere, it's yours.
 

Message: 2057
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: last
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 02:15:30

Case #666, C L O S E D.

End of the Universe Bulletin Board command:$C

Message: 1894
Author: $ Nick Ianuzzi
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Epstein-Barr
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 03:40:34

Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis.  It had been thought
that infection with Epstein-Barr could become chronic, and was the cause of
chronic fatigue syndrome.  Most medical researchers no longer believe
Epstein-Barr is the responsible agent, but the syndrome is very real
nonetheless.

Some researchers speculate that chronic fatigue syndrome could be a type of
autoimmune disorder, or perhaps be caused by a virus that attacks the immune
system.  Some have referred to the syndrome as "AIDS-like," but not a fatal
disorder.

Message: 1895
Author: $ Nick Ianuzzi
Category: Answer!
Subject: Paul
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 03:48:19

I never said that everyone infected with HIV is innocent.  Many are guilty
of frequent ill-advised behavior.

I don't think that there is even a remote possibility that HIV is a
punishment from God, and I don't think anyone deserves to die such a slow,
painful death.

Message: 1896
Author: $ Paul Savage
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Melissa
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 05:34:52

 I'm sure that I saw you refer to multiple partner sex in a post some time
ago, but if I misread that, or was mistaken, you have my apology for that
reference.
 You are absolutely correct in your assumption that I disagree with you
referencing any homosexual activity as "fulfilling".
 The only portion of my present wife's past that affects me is the very poor
self-image that, thanks to her past marriage, she brought into ours. That is
a problem the correction of which continues as my #1 priority. (We're doing
quite well with it, too, by the way.)

Message: 1897
Author: $ Paul Savage
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Nick
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 05:43:10

 I don't recall ever bringing "punishment from God" into the equation, Nick,
and I still think that every action precipitates a reaction. Every privelege
we enjoy as individuals carries with it a responsibility. Abrogating that
responsibility is an action that one should avoid unless he is prepared
fully to accept the resultant reaction, which in the case of irresponsible
personal contact, is quite often AIDS. More than enough has been well posted
and advertised on the subject that noone can say that they have never been
warned or informed. If they then continue to pursue their irresponsible
actions, they can certainly expect the inevitable to follow. Whether or not
they "deserve" the result is of little consequence.

Message: 1898
Author: $ Roger Mann
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Nick/Epstein
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 07:29:09

Sorry. I was confusing the Epstein-Barr virus with another syndrome that
is manifested by uncontrollable grunts and obscenities.

Message: 1899
Author: $ Ann Oudin
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Nick on Barr
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 09:28:39

I have a friend that has Epstein-Barr and I guess I am confused to the posts
here with the reality of his disease. He tells me the doctor told him they
think this disease is linked to Valley fever somehow. And yes, he does get
fatigued, but as far as the disease resembling AIDS, I don't think so. His
legs will hurt at times to where he needs a cane. His fatigue doesn't stop
him from functioning in his daily life. He will go for months without
symptoms and then they will hit him and stay around for a time. I will have
to ask him about if his doctor told him it was an autoimmune disorder. It
probably is. *>>> ANN O. <<<*

Message: 1900
Author: $ Roger Mann
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Ann on Barr
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 13:25:25

If it is an autoimmune disorder, it would be the opposite of an HIV virus.
The HIV virus results in the inactivity of the immune system. An auto-immune
disease results in the hyper-activity of the immune system to the point
where the immune system attacks the body it is supposed to protect. It is
entirely possible that the treatment of an auto-immune disease would result
in AIDS since the immune system would suppressed to keep it from attacking
the host body.

Message: 1901
Author: $ Gordon Little
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Roger/e.b.s.
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 13:40:07

No, I didn't make it up.  See Nick's message.  In England there's a disorder
floating around with some of the same symptoms, and they give it a different
name (can't remember what now).  I suspect it may be the same thing as
Epstein-Barr, but the whole disorder is ill-understood.
 
I've also heard references to "Yuppies' Disease"...

Message: 1902
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit-Chat
Subject: Epstein/Barr
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:57:01

I think it is a disorder thought up by the Jewish God for punishment of
certain sins.

Public Bulletin Board command:$C

Message: 76431
Author: $ Nick Ianuzzi
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Mondo 2000
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 03:32:06

An interesting magazine.  I've seen it on newsstands in L.A., and Santa Fe. 
Glad to see someone carrying it.  I'll drop in soon.

Message: 76432
Author: $ Paul Savage
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Annie/self-righteous
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 05:20:58

All depends on where you're coming from, Annie. I could probably never
explain that to  you, so I won't try.

Message: 76433
Author: $ Paul Savage
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: BBB
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 05:22:57

Anyone who refers to a person who believes in the Word of God as a "Boob"
has absolutely No right to refer to anyone else as "self-righteous"!

Message: 76434
Author: $ Roger Mann
Category: War!
Subject: Paul/BBB
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 06:03:53

I don't follow your reasoning. Just what does using the term "BBB" have to
do with your self-righteous attitude ?

Message: 76435
Author: $ Bill Burkett
Category: Politics
Subject: Rod/Puhleez State
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 08:11:21

Sorry, Rod.  You're not answering the questions I posed, but are merely
spouting anti-establishment truisms.  Some of what you say is true, but we
really don't have any basis for reasonable discussion until we agree on what
a "police state" is.
 
Do you want to try again or shall we just call this quits?

Message: 76436
Author: $ Bill Burkett
Category: Question?
Subject: Peter-Metropop...
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 08:12:18

> NOW OPEN AT 128 E. TAYLOR (2 blocks North of Van Buren between
> 1st and 2nd Sts.)................ M E T R O P O P H O B O B I A
 
Is Gallery X history?  Have you gone chic mainstream on us, Peter?

Message: 76437
Author: $ Bill Burkett
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Peter/Grant Nominee
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 08:12:41

> I nominate Mark Adkins...
 
Sorry, Peter.
 
While I have great respect for Mark's intellectual curiosity and reasoning,
he's shown time and time again a disposition toward name-calling and
nastiness when others in a discussion don't fully agree with him.
 
Thanks for the feedback, though.

Message: 76438
Author: $ Gordon Little
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Rod/bored
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 13:42:33

Are WE bored?  That must vary from one person to another.

As for God knowing everything, here we're getting into deep theological sh
speculation.  Does the party line say He knows all of the future, as well as
all of the present and past?  Or does He only know about what's happened up
to now, so that it's still fascinating to watch the future unfold?  I prefer
the latter answer myself.  Otherwise, what was the point in giving Man free
will in the first place, if He knew the exact outcome in advance?

Message: 76439
Author: $ Apro Poet
Category: Politics
Subject: Robber Barons
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 17:49:36

  Henry Demarest Lloyd noted that the Bryan nomination was
subsidized in part by Marcus Daly (of Anaconda Copper) and
William Randolph Hearst (of the silver interests in the
West).  He saw through the rhetoric of Bryan that stirred 
the crowd of twenty thousand at the Democratic convention
("we have petitioned, and our petitions have been scorned;
we have begged, and they have mocked when our calamity came.
We beg no longer; we entreat no more, we petition no more.
We defy them!").  Lloyd wrote bitterly:
       The poor people are throwing up their hats in the air
     for those who promise to lead them out of the 
     wilderness by way of the currency route....  The people
     are to be kept wandering forty years in the currency
     labyrinth, as they have for the last forty years been
     led up and down the tariff bill.
  In the election of 1896, with the Populist movement 
enticed into the Democratic party, Bryan, the Democratic
candidate, was defeated by William McKinley, for whom the
corporations and the press mobilized, in the first massive
use of money in an election campaign.  Even the hint of
Populism in the Democratic party, it seemed, could not be
tolerated, and the big guns of the Establishment pulled out
all their ammunition, to make sure.
  It was a time, as election times have often been in the
United States, to consolidate the system after years of 
protest and rebellion.  The black was being kept under 
control in the South.  The Indian was being driven off the
western plains for good; on a cold winter day in 1890, U.S.
army soldiers attacked Indians camped at Wounded Knee, South
Dakota, and killed three hundred men, women, and children.
It was the climax to four hundred years of violence that
began with Columbus, establishing that this continent 
belonged to white men.  But only to certain white men, 
because it was clear by 1896 that the state stood ready to
crush labor strikes, by law if possible, by force if 
necessary.  And where a threatening mass movement developed,
the two-party system stood ready to send out one of its
columns to surround that movement and drain it of vitality.
  And always, as a way of drowning class resentment in a 
flood of slogans for national unity, there was patriotism.
McKinley had said, in a rare rhetorical connection between
money and flag:
     ... this year is going to be a year of patriotism and
     devotion to country.  I am glad to know that the people
     in every part of the country mean to be devoted to one
     flag, the glorious Stars and Stripes; that the people
     of this country mean to maintain the financial honor of
     the country as sacredly as they maintain the honor of 
     the flag.
  The supreme act of patriotism was war.  Two years after
McKinley became President, the United States declared war on
Spain.

((end))

Message: 76442
Author: $ Dean Hathaway
Category: War!
Subject: Rod
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 21:17:35

  I didn't mean you were negative in person, I meant your posts on the
board. That's why I said "I know he isn't really that bound up in despair,
but he sure comes across that way." I should probably have added, "on
Apollo" to the end of that line.
  By the way, I got a cheap pair of blue-blocking sunglasses and wore them
all day today. It's an easy way to modify reality.
  See You Later,
    Dean H.

Message: 76443
Author: $ Melissa Dee
Category: My Dinner with...
Subject: Peter's Place
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:03:21

My stories and poems can also be found there among the racks...
 

Message: 76444
Author: $ Melissa Dee
Category: News Today
Subject: Engagement
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:07:36

As of Sunday, July 7th 1991 at 9:30 or so, Ron Harvey, aka Beauregard Dog,
and Melissa Mychele Davis, aka Melissa Dee, Mychele Nickels, Nikki Kalua et
al, are engaged.  The where, when, how, etc have not yet been determined. 
We will keep you posted...
 
Ain't that neat!!!

Message: 76445
Author: $ Beauregard Dog
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: God & Time
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:11:56

(Well, for the sake of discussion, let's assume that Time exists...)
 
I think the majority opinion from Christians on the subject is that God is
"outside of" or "not bound by" Time.  I assume this means he knows the
future, or could know it if he wanted to.  Then again, it may have just
meant whatever the person wanted it to mean just for one discussion...

Message: 76446
Author: $ Beauregard Dog
Category: News Today
Subject: Engagement?
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 22:14:22

What?  Why!?
 
Congratulations!

Reverend Beauregard Jackson Culpeper Dog, Colonel, CSA, retired

Message: 76447
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Bill/Gallery X
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:00:47

No, Peter's Gallery is still there and operating.  Peter and two of his
friends, Peter and Peter went together and opened Metropophobobia.

If you phone, don't ask to speak to Peter.  Use last names.

Message: 76448
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Bill/lice state
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:06:01

I don't want to drop it.  My large dictionary is a tad more liberal than
yours, it seems.

I will type something off line on the subject, perhaps 1 of 255 or something
like that and win just by wearing you out.

Just kidding.

I will do a bit more research and thinking on the subject now that I know
what your latest comments were.  Thanks.

How about if we just hold our degrees up and whoever has the most letters
wins?

PROLETARIATS UNITE!

                                Rod

Message: 76449
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Gordon
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:07:46

I was just taking a sentence from your 1 of 5 message where you stated that
if man knew everything that he would be bored.  Don't worry, it's a joke and
I'm an atheist.

Message: 76450
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Apro/Robber Barons
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:09:58

Excellent posts.  I have printed out all that you posted on the subject and
I plan to read it over now that it is finished.  Next could you do one on
Rubber Barons?  Just kidding.

Message: 76451
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Dean
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:20:16

Thanks for bringing up me coming across in a negative way.  I, as you know,
do not feel negative and I was somewhat unaware that my posts reflected
negativity.  I just thought I was being a realist.

Do the sunglasses really do something or are you making that up?

I see life as a forever proposition and I see life, here and now, as a part
of the pits.  One reason it is that way, as I see it, is because humans
think their physical bodies must be kept alive at all costs and the fear of
death makes them do and act in an unbecoming manner.

I mean, this little, short term planet of ours isn't that great.  It's
either too hot or too cold.  Keep those doors locked and arm yourself
because of our uneven society and eat flesh and other living things then go
to the bathroom and dump the excess.  Come on, what a joke and most people
actually think it is something that's special.

Here we have all eternity to look forward to (nothing dies) we are blowing
it so bad here and now that it isn't even humorous, in the least.  People
are slaves to many things.  Humans are weak, illiterate animals.

Well, was that negative?  I enjoyed it and I had a smile on my face the
entire two minutes it took me to type it.  I'm still smiling because this
place is some kind of cosmic joke and you know who the joke is on, us. -Rod

Message: 76452
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Ann/76393
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:45:17

    Wife is doing fine; likes her job some days, hates it others. She works
at an elderly retirement center in Sun City.
 
    Daughter is doing well. Still not walking yet, but getting there. Hates
lettuce. Loves her "Molly Dolly."
 
    Bird is ok, but not getting the attention he deserves? Anyone with a
cage and the time to spend with a cockatiel...want one? He's yours if you
are willing to spend time with him.
 
    Dogs are ok, I guess. Bear is getting senile, Natalie likes to drink out
of the toilet when we're not around.

Message: 76453
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Religion
Subject: Beaudawg / 76410
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:52:28

    Well, that rules me out.  I'm Lutheran.

Message: 76454
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Petrisko/Serrano
Date: 07/08/91  Time: 23:57:45

    I see a crucifix in a jar of urine. Tell me, how much more research need
I make?

Message: 76455
Author: $ Daryl Westfall
Category: Religion
Subject: 76433 / Paul
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 00:08:26

Amen, and amen!
 
Notice, the reference to us as "BACs" (Born Again Christians)?  Seems Roger
never read John 3:3.  But then again, we know his opinion of the Bible, so
it wouldn't matter anyway.

Message: 76456
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Religion
Subject: last
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 02:19:24

A  stain seems to be covering that particular sentence, perhaps you
could enlighten us heathen.  (Now look what I've done; opps, sorry people.)

Message: 76457
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Chit Chat
Subject: Bill/ police state
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 02:21:06

I thought about it and again looked up the definition.  The next four
messages sums up my feeling at this moment.

Message: 76458
Author: $ Rod Williams
Category: Answer!
Subject: Police State (1)
Date: 07/09/91  Time: 02:22:10

Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, 1989
edition defines Police State as: "a nation in which the police, esp. a
secret police, suppresses any act by an individual or group that conflicts
with government policy or principle."

If you will accept this definition then I have already answered you.

If my answer must reflect a police state which exists on a political
agenda then I can only guess and conclude what the answers more likely are,
based on what I see, hear, smell and touch because I am not involved with
politics. 

I would guess that some long established, powerful families are in the
arena for world dominance just as it has been since man first set foot or
club onto this planet.

It is man's desire to be the best, the strongest, toughest and most wealthy
on the globe.  It seems to be a natural instinct.  If everyone is not like
this then they are subservient to the powerful unless born into that fold
and protected by it.

I, like many, many others compose the toiling class, the workers who run
the mills.  A program was written for us and it goes something like this:

Ages 1-5  Pre-school or daycare if mother is unfortunate enough to work
for paper money.  Father required to work at least five days per week and
some six days per week, 50 weeks of the year.  If he is 'buying a house'
then those two weeks of vacation may be spent making those needed repairs or
rushing off to boating for an intoxicating but short time.  Fifty weeks on,
2 weeks off, 50 weeks on, 2 weeks off, weekends off and some holidays but
government will only allow workers to have so many days off per year.  The
days we do have off are called something like, Patriots Day, Freedom Day,
stuff like that.  The workers have to be happy but they aren't.

Ages 6-12  Sent to school to be taught what the state wants you to
believe, mixed in with reading, writing, and aritmetic.  All certified,
so-called legal schools that are within the working class options are not
anarchic in nature otherwise they would be investigated and shut down by the
secret political police.

13-18  More school to determine interests whether it be on the factory
line or at a desk or perhaps in the field.  Children who were abused (and
many are and were) have special problems in school but there are no mandates
on providing special education and solving the problems.  These children are
not given privileged jobs unless their childhood insanity opens their
channels to music or comedy or other.  As a child is growing up, complete
with unformatted mind, he see hardship and toil and does not understand. 
Many kids have special invisible friends to talk to so that everything will
be alright.  Sometimes these special friends take the place of Mother and
Father by telling the child that, "everything will be okay.", instead of,
"Clean your Room!"
Some of us work at Jack-in-the Box.  Some are great poets, musicians and
scientists.  The school knows that so many must become the workers, the
people who hot tar the streets in the summer, the roofers, the carpenter,
and the clerk.  Without the ordinary worker the country would shut down,
pronto.  This is also the period when the military looks you over.

18-65   Either more school or begin your work career, get married, have
children, retire and die.

The power structure which constitutes the United States of America is
running a business and I strongly suspect there are more stores than one (or
groups of power), just as there has always been in our past history.

Just as there is a power structure in the ant colony, the bee hive, among
apes and birds, there is with the human animal.  The strong who are
entrenched in power set the rules and ideas (laws) for the working class. 
They have advisors from every field known to man, scientists, engineers,
spys, including secret police, and lots of workers.  Some of us even manage
workers but are managed ourselves by the next rung up.

We each have a rank which is non-binding and have the capability to move up
or down the ladder of position.  Those doors should be open to everyone. 
As Andy Warhol said, "everyone should be famous for at least 15 minutes",
loosely quoted.

The best goal I can think of would be to eliminate hunger, achieve racial
equality, do away with the economic ownership of others, recognize every
life form as special and unique and have a fun world.

But when there are police who enforce government dictates on what
substances can be put in one's own body, and which ones can't, among other,
"must be followed laws," then oppression exists.  And oppression exists,
therefore we live in a police state.       -Rod