Back in the early 1970s, there was a series of four full-length motion pictures loosely centered on the character of Billy Jack, who was a half-Indian, ex-Green Beret, who was a closet or “teepee” existentialist.  Because death was his ever-present occupational companion, there was that easy familiarity, helping him to learn emotional detachment from everyday life — while enjoying the very tiniest pieces of it.

But, the movies were of the good-versus-evil genre, where sweet, simple students were deemed a threat by the powers-that-be.  The over-powering force of government eventually overwhelmed the people but not before there was much tearful bluster.

Sparing you the details, I saw some reminders of those old, left-wing movies and was reminded of the modern right-wing Tea Party, i.e.,the over-powering force of government overwhelming simple, hard-working people but not without much tearful bluster.

Being born in a revolution from England, I guess it is normal for us to always fear the government somewhat.  At times, the left is paranoid, and at other times, the right is paranoid.  But, what is the value of this paranoia?  Government is just a collective tool, like a screw-driver is a tool.  I might be paranoid about many things but never a screw-driver!

So, when will the right-wing surrender this paranoia back to the left-wing . . . in fact, the left-wing is calling, and they want their paranoia back . . . “and the beat goes on.”