Monday May 21 2012
Oakland, CA
Vol. XII1 issue vii

This is a re-edited encore edition for Memorial Day 2012.

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After years of people asking me to re-print the old generica T SHirt I have finally done it.  You can order it in short sleeve Tank Top and Long sleeve.  All 100% Cotton Pre shrunk Made in USA and hand silk scrrened in Oakland, CA by an old Punk rocker in his basement.

I want a generica shirt!  or pasting : http://www.celticartstudio.com/store/benoit-cds/

you can also get the new Matadors CD there.

For the earlier titles go to: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chrischandler12

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T.H.E. .M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T.
May 19, 2012
Oakland, CA
Vol. XII1 issue vii


Memorial Day
By Chris Chandler

I believe that on Memorial Day it is important to remember there are many ways to die in the service of your country.  I do.  But perhaps my definition of "Service" is - well, shall we say not traditional.  

I say, we should not only honor, remember, celebrate and lay wreaths upon the tombs of our fallen military veterans, but also our fallen veterans for peace and justice.  

I can at least intellectually wrap my head around honor in serving your country. But, I also recognize (at least by odds) that inside Unknown Soldier's Tomb lay...
                ...a conscript.

I am aware of the naiveté of my pacifism.  

Yes, The United States did do her fair share liberating Europe and  vicariously Russia from brutal tyranny just sixty odd years ago.  

But most of our military campaigns have been dubious at best.

Perhaps we did need to step in a century ago and mop up that awful squabble over the shifting powers of  the newly industrialized European Corporations (I mean countries.)

Perhaps Abe Lincoln was justified in raising troops and marching them against his rebelling people. (Though people much smarter than me have pondered that one for much longer than I have. Could the slaves have been freed without a war?)

But The War of 1812 – AKA the failed land grab of Canada?
The Seminole Wars?  
The Texas Revolution?
The Invasion of Mexico?
The Indian Wars of '65 to ' 90?  
The Invasion of Cuba?
The Philippines?
Countless occupations in Central America?
The Korean War?
Vietnam?  
The Cold War?
Oil War I?  
The Occupation of Afghanistan?
Oil War II?

How can we justify any of those?

Throughout human history poor people have been drafted to fight in rich people's fights.  And I hate that.  

Yes, in my younger days I might have jumped up on a bar stool and decried all warfare on Memorial Day.  Today,  I think of conscripts forced to fight.  Economic conscripts caught between Incarceration and Kandahar – Bankruptcy and Baghdad.

They are martyrs too.  

They should be honored.   As Abraham Lincoln said, "It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this."

However, there are many ways to die in the service of your country.  Many people in the United States have taken on many battles that are just, proper and good.

The fight for the 8 hour day.
The fight for child labor laws.
The fight for women's suffrage.
The fight for civil rights.
The anti war movement.
The Fight for Gay Rights.
The Fight for Immigrants' Rights.
(to name a few.)

Not to mention
The war on Poverty
The War on Drugs
The Drug on Wars
The War on Christmas.

No seriously, on this Memorial Day I remember not only our fallen Veterans of War, but I also remember Sacho and Vanzetti.  Joe Hill, and John Brown. August Spies and Albert Parsons and the other Haymarket Martyrs.  I remember Rachel Corey. I remember Alison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer, and William Schroeder who were killed at Kent State.

I remember James Earl Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Henry Schwerner - young civil rights workers - who were arrested by a deputy sheriff and then released into the hands of Klansmen who had plotted their murders.

I remember Emily Davidson who in 1913 martyred herself  in protest of women's right to vote.

No, I can't name them all.  And there are countless activists that have died in the line of duty.  

But still - on this day, I ask for a tomb of the unknown activist.  I ask Barak Obama on Memorial Day to lay a wreath in Utah where Joe Hill was killed by firing squad.  "Don't mourn.  Organize," he said.

On this Memorial Day I ask Michelle Obama to lay a wreath for the victims of the hunger strikes of the Suffragettes.  She could not have voted for her husband without them.  They are veterans who died in the service of their country.

On this Memorial day, I remember Medgar Evers, who directed NAACP operations in Mississippi when he was shot and killed by a sniper at his home. He is a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember the armed rebellion  of 10,000 West Virginia coal miners against company thugs and then the US Military. "The Battle of Blair Mountain,"  in May 1920 is still the largest insurrection this country has had since the Civil War. The battle included aerial bombardment of US Citizens by the US military. I remember the war on the Matawan.

I remember that on November, 23 1887 The Louisiana Militia, aided by bands of "prominent citizens," shot at least 35 unarmed black sugar workers striking to gain a dollar-per-day wage. I remember the victims of the Thibodaux Massacre.  They were martyrs who died in the service of their country.

I remember  the first openly Gay politician to hold elective office in California who was assassinated in 1978 after passing stringent anti gay policies.  I remember  Harvey Milk a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember the first black person registered to vote in Humphreys County Alabama who used his pulpit and his printing press to urge others to vote. White officials offered protection on the condition he end his voter registration efforts.  He refused and was murdered in 1955. I remember Rev. George Lee a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember the activist and independent book store owner in Chapel Hill, NC in 1991 that spoke out against the popular Persian Gulf War on television and was murdered later that night.  I remember Bob Sheldon a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember the victims of a fire in 1911 whose death brought to light working conditions as well as child labor laws. I remember the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire.

I remember that on July 6, 1892 Pinkerton Guards opened fire on striking Carnegie mill steel- workers in Homestead, Pennsylvania. I remember the victims of The Homestead Strike.  They were all veterans who died in the service of their country.

I remember that on December 29, 1890 as many as 500 Lakota Sioux American Citizens were mowed down with machine guns by the United States Army as the attempted to practice their religious freedom. I remember Wounded Knee I.

I remember that on April 23, 1973 between eight and twelve individuals  trying to break the siege of Wounded Knee by The US  Armed Forces were intercepted by vigilantes. None were ever heard From again.  I remember Wounded Knee II.

I remember that on June 21, 1877 ten coal-mining activists were hanged in Pennsylvania. I remember the "Molly Maguires"  They were veterans who died in the service of their country.

I remember that on March 5, 1770 five labor leaders including one abolitionist were killed while protesting the British Military.  I remember the Boston Massacre.

I remember that on January 13, 1874 as unemployed workers demonstrated in New York a detachment of mounted police charged into the crowd, beating men, women and children indiscriminately with Billy clubs and leaving hundreds of casualties in their wake.  I remember the victims of The Tompkins Square Riot.

I remember Paul Guihard, a reporter for a French news service, was killed by gunfire from a white mob during protests over the admission of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi.

I remember the member of the American Indian Movement stripped naked, tortured and beaten to death- found a week later stuffed in a trunk.  I remember Raymond Yellow Thunder a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember civil rights activists who protested the building of a segregated school by placing their bodies in the way of construction equipment but failed to stop the bulldozer.  I remember Rev. Bruce Klunder a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember that on June 8, 1904 A battle between the Colorado Militia and striking miners ended with six union members dead and 15 taken prisoner. I remember the Dunnville Massacre.

I remember Elijah Lovejoy abolitionist murdered for publishing his beliefs and his printing press destroyed in 1837.

I remember a Unitarian minister from Boston, who joined Civil-Rights marchers in Selma and was beaten to death.  I remember Rev. James Reeb  a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember an African-American activist was assassinated as he lay in bed in his apartment. I remember Fred Hampton a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember that on November 11, 1919 members of the American Legion attempted to force their way into an IWW hall in Centralia, Washington during an Armistice Day anniversary celebration. Four armed intruders were shot dead by members of the IWW, which prompted a local mob to publicly lynch IWW organizer Wesley Everest. I remember The Centralia Massacre.

I remember a housewife and mother from Detroit, drove alone to Alabama to help with the Selma march after seeing televised reports of the attack at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. She was driving marchers back to Selma from Montgomery when she was shot and killed by a Klansmen in a passing car.  I remember Viola Gregg Liuzzo, a veteran who died in the service of her country.

I remember that on  September 10, 1897 Nineteen unarmed striking coal miners and mine workers were killed and 36 wounded by a posse organized by the Luzerne County sheriff for refusing to disperse in Pennsylvania. The strikers, most of whom were shot in the back, were originally brought in as strike-breakers, but later organized themselves. I remember the victims of the Lattimer Strike.

I remember an Episcopal Seminary student from Boston, had come to Alabama to help with black voter registration in Lowndes County. He was arrested at a demonstration, jailed in Hayneville and then suddenly released. Moments after his release, he was shot to death by a deputy sheriff. I remember Jonathan Myrick Daniels a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember that on February 24, 1912 Women and children were beaten by police during a textile strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I remember the Bread and Roses Strike.

I remember Vernon Ferdinand Dahmer, a wealthy businessman, offered to pay poll taxes for those who couldn't afford the fee required to vote. The night after a radio station broadcasted Dahmer's offer, his home was firebombed. Dahmer died later from severe burns.

I remember that on August 19, 1916 Strikebreakers hired by the Everett Mills owner attacked and beat picketing strikers in Everett, Washington. Local police watched and refused to intervene. In response, the IWW called for a meeting. When the union men arrived, they were fired on; seven people were killed, 50 were wounded, and an indeterminate number wound up missing. I remember the Battle of Everett.

I remember the bricklayer who had attended civil rights meetings sponsored by the Congress of Racial Equality. He was found dead on a roadside, shot through the head.  I remember Clarence Triggs a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember that on November 21, 1927 picketing miners were massacred in Columbine, Colorado. I remember the first Columbine Massacre.  They were veterans who died in the service of their country.

I remember that on October 12, 1898 in Illinois  - 14 were killed, 25 wounded in violence resulting when mine owners attempted to break a strike by importing 200 nonunion black workers. I remember the victims of the Virden massacre.

I remember that on April 27, 1973 Buddy Lamont-AIM member was hit by M16 fire at Wounded Knee, Bled to death while pinned down by fire. Still no investigation.

I remember that in July of 1877 A general strike halted the movement of U.S. railroads. In the following days, strike riots spread across the United States. The next week, federal troops were called out to force an end to the nationwide strike. In Chicago, federal troops (recently returned from an Indian massacre) killed 30 workers and wounded over 100. I remember "The  Battle of the Viaduct."

I remember Malcolm X though killed by people within his own cause, the institution of racism and the "Hate that hate produced" was the ultimate culprit in his demise. He was a veteran who died in the service of his country.

I remember that on April 20, 1914 the Colorado State Militia attacked a union tent camp with machine guns, then set it afire. Five men, two women and 12 children died as a result. I remember The "Ludlow Massacre."

I remember that on July 22, 1916 a bomb was set off during a "Preparedness Day" parade in San Francisco, killing 10 and injuring 40 more. Thomas J. Mooney, a labor organizer and Warren K. Billings, a shoe worker, were convicted, but were both pardoned in 1939.

I remember IWW organizer Frank Little lynched in 1916 Butte, Montana.

I remember United Mine Workers organizer Ginger Goodwin was shot by a hired private policeman outside Cumberland, British Columbia in 1918.

I remember that on December 22, 1919 approximately 250 "anarchists," "communists," and "labor agitators" were deported to Russia where several of them died. I remember the first day of the 70 year Red Scare.

And finally on Memorial Day, I remember the Baptist minister who led and inspired major non-violent desegregation campaigns, including those in Montgomery and Birmingham. He won the Nobel peace prize. He was assassinated as he prepared to lead a demonstration in Memphis. I remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a veteran who died in the service of his country.
Yes, these are battles – and yes let us remember.  

This list is far from complete.  There is no way it could be.  It is by no means all of them.  But it is important we remember them all.

To paraphrase Utah Phillips, (who was paraphrasing someone else – making this a "Folk" quote) "The most dangerous thing in the world is a long memory."  

Let us not forget.  It is Memorial Day.
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A.N.N.O.U.N.C.M.E.N.T.S.

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Paul and I still have some holes in our calendar.  
Check the dates and see if you can help.  This is you opportunity to have us at a house concert or your favorite venue.
drop me a line Baldchandler@yahoo.com
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After years of requests I have finally made another run of Generica Shirts.  100% Cotton Preshrunk, Made in USA
You can get them at our shows or here:

http://www.celticartstudio.com/store/benoit-cds/

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Jen's new website is really going well. However it will have a major update very soon.   Please check out www.celticartstudio.com


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Looking for a Chandler CD? How about checking out   I want a chandler CD  or copy and paste: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chrischandler12



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T.H.A.N.K.Y.O.U.
Jen Delyth, Anne Feeney, The Alameda Street Festival, The Sonoma Festival, Jason,  Paul Benoit, Kirsten Schipper

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H.E.R.E.'.S. .D.A. .D.A.T.E.S.

Friday, May 25th, 2012  7:00 PM
Northwest Folklife Festival
Bagley Wright Theatre
Seattle Center 305 Harrison Street 

Seattle, WA 98109
website: http://www.nwfolklifefestival.org/
This will be a half hour set with Paul Benoit

Northwest Folklife is a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for all people to appreciate, share, and participate in the evolving traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Every year since 1972 we have presented the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle Center on Memorial Day Weekend.



Sunday, May 27th, 2012  7:00 PM
Northwset Folklife Festival
Intiman Choral Courtyard
Seattle Center 305 Harrison Street 

Seattle, WA 98109
website: http://www.nwfolklifefestival.org/
This will be a "Voices of Occupy" round robin Hosted by David Rovics.  

Northwest Folklife is a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for all people to appreciate, share, and participate in the evolving traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Every year since 1972 we have presented the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle Center on Memorial Day Weekend.



Tuesday, May 29th, 2012  7:00 PM
with Paul Benoit
Egan's Ballard Jam House
1707 NW Market Street 

Seattle, WA 98107
phone: 206-789-1621
website: http://www.ballardjamhouse.com



Wednesday, May 30th, 2012  9 PM
with Paul Benoit
Laurelthirst
2958 NE Glisan. St

Portland, OR 97232
phone: 503-232-1504 phamer@cascadeaccess.com
website: http://mysite.verizon.net/res8u18i/laurelthirstpublichouse/



Thursday, May 31st, 2012  8:00 PM
with Paul Benoit
Cozmic
199 W 8th

Eugene, OR 97401
phone: (541) 338-9333
website: http://www.cozmicpresents.com
Cozmic Pizza
http://www.cozmicpresents.com
199 W 8th
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 338-9333



Friday, June 1st, 2012  8PM
The Matrix Presents
The Matrix
434 NW Prindle St

Chehalis, WA 98532
phone: 360.740.0492
website: http://www.matrixcoffeehouse.com



Saturday, June 23rd, 2012  8:00 PM
A House Concert with Caroline Aiken
The Home of Chris Chandler and Jen Delyth
1095 E 33rd St

Oakland, CA 94610
phone: 240 476 4976
website: https://chrischandler.org
I will do a brief opening set - but this show is for caroline!
$10 Suggested Donation



Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
A Celebration of Woody Gutrie's 100th Birthday
Reality Kitchen
245 Van Buren

Eugene, OR 97402
website: http://www.realitykitchen.org/
with Anne Feeney, Brian QTN, Mark Ross, Larry Penn and others


Thursday, July 12th, 2012  8 PM
The Pre-Fair Party
Private Party
phone: RSVP 541 767 2198
RSVP 541 767 2198



Friday, July 13th, 2012
Oregon Country Fair
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/



Friday, July 13th, 2012  12:00 PM
Main Stage
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/
I am honored to be doing the legacy set with Paul Benoit and many special guests



Friday, July 13th, 2012  12:00 PM
Chez Rays with Anne Feeney celebrating Woody Guthrie's 100th Birthday
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/



Saturday, July 14th, 2012  4:00 PM
Community Village
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/



Saturday, July 14th, 2012  1 PM
Shady Grove
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/



Sunday, July 15th, 2012  11:45
Hoarse Chorale with Anne Feeney Celebrating Woody Gutrie's 100th Birthday
Oregon Country Fair
Outside Eugene, OR
website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/



Wednesday, July 18th, 2012  8 PM
with Paul Benoit
Applegate Lodge
HIghway 238

Applegate, OR
phone: 541 -761-9394
PRICE: $10.00
website: http://www.liveatthegate.com
$10 Cover
Applegate Lodge
Info – 541 -761-9394

The Applegate River Lodge is located between Grants Pass and Medford, Oregon near Jacksonville and overlooks the Applegate River and historic Pioneer Bridge on Scenic Hwy. 238.



Sunday, July 22nd, 2012  7:30
Victoria Folk Music Society Presents
Norway house
1110 Hillside Avenue
Victoria
phone: 250-413-3213
website: http://www.pacificcoast.net/~vfms



Thursday, July 26th, 2012  7:00 PM
with Paul Benoit
Egan's Ballard Jam House
1707 NW Market Street 

Seattle, WA 98107
phone: 206-789-1621
website: http://www.ballardjamhouse.com



Friday, July 27th, 2012
with Jen Delyth
Seattle Scottish Highlands Festival
45224 284th Ave SE

Enumclaw, WA
website: http://www.sshga.org/home.htm
65th Annual NW Scottish Highland Games at the formerly known as the King County Fair Grounds showing off Jen's Fabulous Art Work



Saturday, July 28th, 2012
with Jen Delyth
Seattle Scottish Highlands Festival
45224 284th Ave SE

Enumclaw, WA
website: http://www.sshga.org/home.htm
65th Annual NW Scottish Highland Games at the formerly known as the King County Fair Grounds showing off Jen's Fabulous Art Work



Sunday, July 29th, 2012
with Jen Delyth
Seattle Scottish Highlands Festival
45224 284th Ave SE
Enumclaw, WA
website: http://www.sshga.org/home.htm
65th Annual NW Scottish Highland Games at the formerly known as the King County Fair Grounds showing off Jen's Fabulous Art Work



Friday, August 10th, 2012
shambhala music festival
Salmo, BC
website: http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com



Saturday, August 11th, 2012  2:30
Rock Pitt Stage
shambhala music festival
Salmo, BC
website: http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com



Sunday, August 12th, 2012
Spokane WA
TBA
Salmo, BC
website: http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com



Wednesday, August 15th, 2012  8 PM
with Paul Benoit
Axe and Fiddle
657 East Main Street
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
phone: 541-942-5942
website: http://www.axeandfiddle.com/



Friday, August 17th, 2012  8 PM
WITH SHELLEY DOTTY
Caffe Trieste
2500 San Pablo (@ Dwight Way)
Berkeley, CA
WE ARE ON FIRST
Caffe Trieste Berkeley

2500 San Pablo (@ Dwight Way)

8pm-10pm

(NO COVER! Tips please!)



Sunday, August 19th, 2012
Tentative
Hop Monk Tavern
230 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95473
phone: (707) 829-7300
website: http://www.hopmonk.com
Hop Monk Tavern
230 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95473
(707) 829-7300
www.hopmonk.com



Tuesday, August 28th, 2012
Songwriters At Play
Kreuzberg
685 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: click here



Wednesday, August 29th, 2012  8:00 PM
Berkeley
Starry Plough
3101 Shattuck Ave (between Prince St & Woolsey St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: click here
website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Berkeley-Poetry-Slam/56551409302
This is a Poetry Slam Feature.  I will be doing about a half an hour as a feature on a terrific evenings entertainment.  Seating is usually tight.  Doors at 8 PM I will likley be on at about 9 PM