These are such sad times for our beautiful country. We have walked away from everything we learned in the 60’s and 70’s. How did this occur? We made such social progress in such a brief amount of time.

One thing that happened is that the drugs changed. The late 60’s and early 70’s were fueled by marijuana and LSD. These are mind opening drugs, though not without their inherent dangers. (Kids—do not try this at home). In the early 80’s cocaine made its way into society. Although it has a psychedelic edge the first few times, cocaine soon exists solely for its own continuance. LSD gave way to PCP and methamphetamines, some chicks started getting hooked on pain pills, valium and “ludes.” Alcohol, almost shunned by hippy purists became popular with a new generation.

The kids didn’t know it, but the drugs that potentially help you to think in broader, more expansive ways, were replaced or used along with drugs that numbed pain and loosened inhibitions, but without the perspective-expanding edge. People began looking for ways to get by, instead of ways to get real. Then, in the mid-eighties, the Federal Government got into the population drugging business by putting sodium fluoride into public water supplies. Sodium fluoride is a motivation depressant. It makes lab rats docile and lazy and their offspring hyper. No wonder 70% of us drink coffee! Please note: sodium fluoride is not the calcium fluoride your dentist gives you.

In the end, the one truly impacting thing you can do is to buy local and natural. Support your neighbors, keep your money in the Valley. Do not support Big Ag, Big Pharm, Big Paper, or Big Businesses busy destroying your Saturday afternoon off. Think about how you are going to be getting food should the food distribution system break down. And just say no.

These essays were written for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Vermont Soap, its employees, board of directors, our Web host, Web designer, the neighbors who live up the road; or any of the thousands of people who use our stuff. Originally published in edited form by Comic News. Many thanks to Seasoned Books, without which, life in the Holler may never have become a reality.