For at least the last month Worcester has had a new character trolling our urban street scene and if you travel lower Chandler Street where it meets Main, you’ve certainly seen him. Dressed like the ghost of Mardi Gras past, with a ridiculous giant hat, a beard that must be home to 13 squirrels and a neck full of beads this literal clown darts in and out of traffic soliciting donations for the cause he has scrawled in marker on a giant piece of poster board. I’m not sure if he’s homeless or maybe he just got left behind at the last Dead show. Up until tonight I couldn’t figure out what exactly his sign said, resembling the kind of artful scribbling one would expect to find in the journal of a kid hopped up on mescaline.
But tonight, while waiting in traffic I finally learned the mystery of this mans fundraising efforts.
“Need money for beer or pot. Honest.”
When I read that, my heart fluttered a bit. Here we are in the midst of economic turmoil watching every species of vermin at every level of government and the private sector go out of their way to hoard every lost/last penny from every living room sofa. Not an honest man or woman in the bunch and yet we the citizenry still willingly comply and turn over our cash. And then there’s this guy, not only does he just want a beer and a bowl pack but he’s willing to admit as much in simple language anyone can understand.
Honesty. Even if misdirected, it’s quite refreshing. I suggest we find this man a consulting gig in City Hall.
—
Unrelated, I want to apologize to those of you who actually read my drivel from time to time. Since I started this site way back in July of 2004 I’ve always found it a great release of sorts and enjoyed the conversations and friendships it’s spawned. It was never intended to be a local political blog but just the musings of another dude living in Worcester before there were many dudes living in Worcester doing much musing online, however the former prevailed and the tone was set. Over the last few months it seems like there’s less and less time in the day (parenthood) and fewer and fewer local political stories of interest bubbling to the surface. Frankly the political scene in worcester, both the politics and the politicians have become a bore in the most abysmal sense. I find myself thinking back to Mulford vs Levy battle royals on tuesday nights and when trying to compare that period to what we have today, it’s simply amateur hour on all fronts. So while I’m not throwing in the towel on this site, I will be backing off a bit and trying to regroup. I’ve got a few other projects in mind that I think will be more satisfying and hopefully for you, more entertaining. And if not, look for me at the bar and offer to buy me a beer, I’d much rather talk your ear off in person.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I always try to avoid that intersection due to traffic backups, but I’ll have to make my way by to check him out!
Good luck. It’s been more than entertaining for me. Look forward to the next incarnation.
Worcester politics boring? Gery Rosen n Rick Rushton running for school committee sounds like a it could be pretty entertaining to me this year! How bout this for entertainment?
http://www.parcbench.com/article_details.php?mode=Added&RId=261&topic=front
You and I would probably not agree on what constitutes entertainment, Gordon.
The great thing about Worcester is I can think of two possible panhandlers who fit that description!
I don’t know Brendan wait till that School Comm. race heats up that opens up 2 at-large seats could be a barn burner this year! Several of your posts on local politics have been very interesting, you don’t have to wonder where you stand on an issue that’s refreshing and very entertaining.
Um gotta take a ride by. Whip a roll of pennies at him.
No need to apologize, it’s been a fun ride pal.
And you’re plenty right about the lack stuff to write about our braindead politicians – its al been said. Me I just call them nasty names and throw rocks at em when I see em.
Whatever there is to say about Wusta, has already been said… the only thing left to do is pick on the bloggers. They too ain’t got much or anything worth saying… pathetic in fact… nonsensical ramblings… incoherent… probably LSD flashbacks… maybe early stage senility.
But what’s depressing is that folks around here are satisfied with the status quo… politically and culturally. Folks in Wusta are good at fooling themselves into believing this place is a thriving metropolis – a city on the move. LOL!
But haven’t they been saying that crap for some 20 years? Wusta is a boring fucking place.
Wanna buy a house? Lots of room for kids – big yard, plenty of storage, and nosey neighbors.
for a guy who is always bangin’..what makes you so much brighter than everyone else Will?? You got a house you evidently can’t sell in a town you hate…who is the dummy and who isn’t the dummy?
I guess if ya can fool a few dumb locals to buy into that NOLA whatever nonsense you’re peddling, maybe you can sell the guy’s house too.