I called my Dad yesterday. He is all up in arms about politics nowadays. One of the gifts of being almost 80 and in relatively good health is that you have the time and energy to actually follow the political process with the kind of dedication that a democracy deserves. Generally, I am pretty much satisfied when I can spell the names of the candidates with no glaring errors and label them with the basic "moderate", "fiscal conservative", "socialist", "libertarian", etc. monikers. It really isn't the stuff of which a good voter uses to make an educated decision. The founders of the country clearly had a more developed idea of an electorate than what we now are experiencing. (You had to be a man. You had to have a certain amount of land to vote. This usually meant you were well educated. Less fair, but that was the basic idea.)
Anyway, my Dad was an Independent for 20 years, a Democrat for 30 years and a Republican for the last 10 or so. It is interesting for me to watch the slow shift in his politics. More interesting to me is that his personal philosophy hasn't changed that much from when I was a kid, but politically he feels so abandoned. (Can anyone relate to that?) He told me a story yesterday which I loved.
My Dad taught Latin and World History at Fonda-Fultonville High School in upstate NY for about 10 years during the beginning of his teaching career. His teaching career spanned more than 3 decades. He always pushed the edge when working with the kids because he wanted them to think. In History one day they were discussing Karl Marx's dictum "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." My father was playing the devils' advocate, kind of encouraging them to consider the rationale of this notion. The kids were very impressed with the systemic compassion of a government that would take into consideration the plight of the needy and less fortunate in society.
The next day in Latin class (many of the kids took both classes since it was a small school) "Mr. Uveges" gave a test. He took the test home that night, graded it, and brought in the results the next day. As the tests were handed out, the kids saw that they had gotten a 70, that is every kid in the class had gotten a 70. Now for the better students a 70 was a rather poor grade, but for some kids that was a pretty good grade. My Dad started the days' lesson, but after a few minutes one of the brighter students raised his hand and asked my Dad, "Mr. Uveges, why do I have a 70 when I didn't get anything wrong?" My father pointed out that since the class had so liked Marx's philosophy in History class, he had decided to grade based on that idea. "John, you didn't get anything wrong, so I took 30 of your points and gave them to Don who needed them. You would still pass with a 70 but without your 30 points, Don would have gotten a 40 on the test. I also knew that Don would be pleased to have those points given his performance on tests of late and, most importantly, this way EVERYONE PASSED." There was dead silence for a moment, then, an uproar as the kids who'd worked hard to learn the material realized that all their work had gone to supplement the performance of the kids who hadn't worked hard at all or who simply couldn't master the material. It was bedlam. My Dad quietly let them rant and finally when things had settled down a bit he calmly pointed out that they had just experienced exactly what was wrong with Marx's idea. It is not the job of government to reallocate goods (in this case, grade points). Each of us has differing desires, different abilities, and a different work ethic. My father pointed out that if he decided to continue to grade tests this way, the kids who were doing well in his class would eventually stop working because they would see that their hard work was not rewarded.
I have already belabored the obvious lesson in this story. Suffice it to say that I understand why my Dad feels abandoned in the political process. He likes the idea of personal responsibility and personal generosity. (By 'personal generosity' I mean that it is one thing for John to give 30 of his points to Don as a gift. It is another thing for the teacher/government to take the 30 points and give them to Don.) Last week I heard a quote from Mr. Obama who I have found myself really intrigued by as I'm sure do some of you. He made the comment that he'd like to set up a $12 billion dollar governmental program to help bail out those individuals who had purchased a home that was beyond their means.
I can just see my Dad in front of his students 40 years ago. "It is not the role of government. . . ."
There is a wonderful You-Tube of "The Librarian Song " recorded by Jeff Tschida at the CD release concert. 2300 hits now! Below is a quote I received from the United States Library of Congress re: the You-Tube video:
Dear Mr. Uveges:
Thank you so much for creating and sharing your outstanding "The Librarian Song"! You've truly captured the essence of librarianship in a clever and catchy tune -- great performance, too! I'd like to forward the YouTube link to my colleagues, who will undoubtedly be guffawing and singing along before the tune wraps up, just as I did. On behalf of librarians everywhere, I send my sincerest gratitude for your wonderful and flattering song. Congratulations on a fine job!
Again, many thanks, and best wishes for continued inspiration in your future!
Kevin LaVine
Senior Music Specialist
Library of Congress, Music Division
http://www.youtube.com/v/SB4HvVEMFig&rel=1
My buddy Mike Tcacik has written a book that some of you may find interesting. It is neat play on having an Instant Message connection with the Supreme Divine being. It is called "IM with God". Check out the site below if you're interested and let Mike know you found out about his book here. I'm getting a . . . wait a minute. . . I'm not gettin' nuttin! I met Mike because we both had an interest in writing songs. He is a very good writer, not only of songs, but of prose.
www.booklocker.com/books/2980.html
"Journey to the center of The One (God) who loves you deeply. IM with God is The One's gift for all readers. If you loved "Conversations with God" you'll enjoy reading IM. Order your copy of IM today!"
Upcoming shows.
DENVER Thurs. Night April 3rd. Swallow Hill Cafe (Corner of Yale and Broadway) 7PM $5-10
My first night back at Swallow Hill in almost 2 years.
SALIDA, CO. Friday Night, April 4th Rissman, Uveges and Braithwaite at the STEAMPLANT THEATRE $12 7:30pm The last show I played at the Steamplant with Jim and Phil has been hailed by some as the most magical night they've ever seen at that venue. We ended the night by walking outside and doing a sing along next to the river with 150 of our favorite concert attendees. All bets are off for this show. This new trio is HOT and the new CD is just ridiculously good.
Sunday April 6th Community for Spiritual Living Service at 9AM with Rissman, Braithwaite.
Theme 'Waking Up' . . . Jeanine and N. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs
Friday, April 11th First Congregational Church 30 E. St. Vrain 7pm CD release concert with Susan Rissman, KJ Braithwaite, myself, Marty Sarlette(Sax) and Ken Janzen (keys). Celebrating (that is an understatement) the release of "Driving", an eclectic album of 11 originals and one cover that is the most commercially viable product that I've ever been involved with. There are at least 4 cuts on this CD that could get national radio play. The production is incredible, the songwriting outstanding, and the performances across the board are strikingly musical. Ranges from slow Hip hop to blues, folk to country and even features a couple bump and grind dance tunes. Cost $12 for entry or $16 for CD with free entry. Call me for reservations or simply send a check to Joe Uveges 222 LaClede Ave. CS CO 80906
Boulder, CO Sat. April 12 The Center for Light and Truth 3360 Fourth St. 6pm potluck. 7pm concert. Joe alone. Contact Robin Collins at ctrlboulder@msn.com for directions and furthur information.
Swallow Hill April 13th Benefit for Henry Barrett who lost his hand in a freak tug a war contest. Featuring numerous Denver based acts. Contact joanna@swallowhill.com for furthur information. I will be playing sometime in the late afternoon. Donations. . .
Sat. April 26th All Day Earth Day Event at Palmer High School I'll be there 11:30AM
Thurs. May 1st Gallupville, NY The Gallupville House Time: 7pm. $10 donation Call Jackie Deagel at 518-872-1687 for reservations or furthur details.
Fri. May 2nd Westborough, Mass. House Concert Todd and Maura Snell. 7:30pm $15-18 toddnmaura@hotmail.com
Sat. May 3rd Durham, NH. House Concert Helen and Russell Mason 7:30pm $15 helen@familymason.org
Sun. May 4th United Church of Christ of Durham. Sunday Service and Concert in the late afternoon. $10 Contact helen@familymason.org for information. It was at this church one year ago that I wrote a version of and performed "Were You There", the old hymn about Jesus' death on the cross. The pastor Rev. Mary Westfall offered me the opportunity to do it during the service. When I returned to Co. Springs I sent a copy of it to a publishing company in California called "Goodnight Kiss Music" who promptly decided to include it in a compilation disc of old hymn's done in new ways. The disc, I've heard, is simply wonderful. To be out in the next month or so.
Songwriter in the Round with Carla Sciaky, Bernice Lewis and Joe Uveges
Place: Olive Branch Restaurant 23 S. Tejon St.
Date. Thurs. May 8th
Time 7- 9pm
Suggested donation $10 (Via pass the hat)
Reservations 475-1199
Dinner seating early. Concert seating 7-9 pm.
This wonderful restaurant in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs has hosted a Thurs. night live original music night with local Singer/Songwriter Joe Uveges on and off for more than 5 years now. This particular night is a special evening with long time Swallow Hill Diva, Carla Sciaky, and Mass. based Singer/Songwriter Bernice Lewis who has been teaching an incredible class on songwriting at C.C. Catch a night of songswapping and storytelling with these 3 long time performers.
Sunday June 1st Manitou Community Congregational Church Contact Bob Stellick at bob@stellick.net for time and directions. Downtown Manitou just off Manitou Ave. across from the public library.
Sunday June 1st Warren Barta House Concert Rissman, U. and Braithwaite (5-9pm) $15 Contact Warren Barta at 112 N. Meade 632-3602 Bike Club Concert Outdoor!
Friday, June 6th Albuquerque, NM Faith Lutheran Church Coffeehouse 10000 Spain NE 7pm Showtime. Contact Cinda Haggren at chaggren@aol.com for information and directions. It's been a few years since I've been in Albuquerque. Can't wait to drive south again. . . Suggested donation $5-10.
Sat. June 7th Jeff and Ashleigh Curry House Concert Los Cruces, NM. 6pm showtime. Contact ash@jlgray.com for information/directions etc. Long time friends who've moved to Los Cruces. Spread the word if you know folks in Los Cruces.
Sunday, June 8th Los Cruces Unitarian Universalist Church. Sunday service. www.uuchurchlc.org Contact Haney Pearson for directions/information. 575-522-7281 Is the church phone #.
Sat. June 14th Father's Day concert Manitou Community Congregational Church. Manitou Springs, CO. 6pm $10 suggested donation. Geared to Father's issues. Nothing I know anything about. . . . . . . . . oh my Lord . . . . .
Uveges News Archives:
July, 2008 Uveges News
"Swimmer's Ear, The RUB, etc. "
June, 2008 Uveges News
"THE RUB, plus the updated summer Schedule,
N.Mexico, Spokane, Missoula Penrose"
May, 2008 Uveges News
"Summer Schedule, Touring and 'Driving' Now Available"
March/April, 2008 Uveges News
"Karl Marx Lesson, Colorado Springs
and Denver shows, N.East tour"
January, 2008 Uveges News
"Portland OR, HPUUC, Soul Link, and NASCAR"
October, 2007 Uveges News
"When Freedom Calls CD Release Concert "
September, 2007 Uveges News
"The End of Summer . . .Portland,
Black Forest, Monarch"
August, 2007 Uveges News
"Working Boys (Cont),
Aug./ Sept shows, Olive Branch Returns every Thurs"
July, 2007 Uveges News
"On summer projects, boys, and schedule"
June, 2007 Uveges News
"Ducks in trees, the Philharmonic, and schedule for june, july"
(click here)
April/May, 2007 Uveges News
Late April, Early May shows
and the story of the "Stinking Ant Eater"
(click here)
March, 2007 Uveges News
This weekend in C.Springs, and New Hampshire end of March
(click here)
February, 2007 Uveges News
Soul Link with S. Rissman, N. Hampshire etc.
(click here)
November, 2006
Pre-marital Sex, Tours and End of Year Shows
(click here)
September, 2006
CABOOM!!!
(click here)
August, 2006
August 06 Co.Springs, Creede, Trinidad
(Click here)
July, 2006
On Maggot Farming and the summertime schedule
(Click here)
June, 2006
Summer Musings and Schedule Through Late August
(Click here)
April, 2006
Music and Rafting on Bighorn Sheep Canyon
(Click here)
March, 2006
March shows and Monarch Ski resort
(Click here)
January, 2006
Soul Link
(Click here)
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