This piece was written for the weekly photo prompt from The Unicorn Challenge.
We didn’t need conspiracy theories in the 60’s; we had sure and certain knowledge spread through reliable networks of people just like us. We didn’t need the internet to know that The Man was behind everything that ailed the planet. And he was out to get us all. Remember, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that they’re NOT out to get you.
Using marijuana as an excuse not to grow hemp, which could clothe the world. Damming the rivers so they could sell us the water. Denying patents for razor blades that never dulled and light bulbs that never dimmed.
And the wars to supposedly ‘liberate’ the people of resource-rich countries that just happened to involve the sacrifice of the young unemployed in their thousands, killing several birds with one attempt to bomb the ‘enemy’ back to the Stone Age.
But the one idea they feared the most was that the auto industry would collapse and that oil would no longer be the neon god to whom they prayed. They denied patents for cars that ran on water and pooh-poohed the idea that the sun’s energy could be harnessed to drive the grid (and cars).
Standing before you is a fine example of an idea that sent shivers down their spine. A bicycle that could take you around the world, solely driven by flower power. But The Man took over all the seed companies and ensured flowers no longer gave out free energy. That would be worse than Communism!
Six Crooked Highways 
Excellent write, Doug. Insightful look back in time.
Clever use of the S&G phrase.
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Thanks, Nancy. And well spotted. 🙂
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An honest, hard look at progress and power – and where it has to stay.
And a wonderful use of Flower Power.
Who knew flowers were communist!
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Thanks, Jenne. Roses were the worst. 🙂
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lol
well remembered.
seems like some things (about organized society) never changes
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Thanks, clark
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Shhhh Doug, They might hear.
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Nothing was worse than Communism back then. This made me sad: “But The Man took over all the seed companies and ensured flowers no longer gave out free energy.” I don’t even like to think about that.
Your story reminded me of (and I’m sure you’ve heard it?) the song “San Franciscan Nights”. And you referenced one of my favorite songs which was very nice. We sure do worship at that destructive alter 😦
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Thanks, Michael. We sure do.
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I don’t know what’s worse, looking back or looking forward. Seems we’ll always be in the hands of The Man.
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And of course it was a Man. If women ruled the world…💗
(Joan Armatrading)
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Hmmm. Maggie Thatcher and the sinking of the Belgrano? Golda Meier and her denial of the existence of Palestinians? 😉 ‘The Man’ is a state of mind for all political thuggery.
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Truth. But I like Joan Armatrading’s sentiment…we need to manifest hope through our art…
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