Today I left for the Post Office to mail some presents, and the American Flag that was given to me after I paid for Hollis William’s funeral. Hollis was a homeless Veteran that I adopted after his family could not be found. I finally located his sisters who had not seen their brother in thirty five years. They were six and seven when their brother disappeared after he got out of the service. I bought a brand new store-bought box to send Hollis home to his family for Christmas. Inside are photographs, and the Stars and Stripes. I took a picture while I was waiting in line, making sure I get Mr. H’s town in.
There was a crowd outside protesting the closure of the Post Office, seeing there was a long line inside, I only briefly spoke to them. I asked the guy in from of me to watch my boxes while I ran out to snap a picture. I was told folks were being arrested right now, and I could be arrested to. All I had to do was go to the loading docks. I could see my boxes inside. Should I? Then I saw Hollis shaking his head, he knowing I have a nack to get myself on T.V.
So, I went and got back in line, like a good boy. Forty minutes later, I am saluting Hollis as the clerk takes H’s box and throws it in the canvas bin.
“Farewell my friend! Bon Voyage, my son!”
Rushing outside, I whip my camera out and – here they come – fresh out of jail. I am getting the shot of a lifetime, these arrestees standing together holding up a clenched fist! Unfortunately, I didn’t hit the record button properly! I missed my interview with Peggy, who was dressed like Mrs. Samaclaus. I told Peggy about my homeless friend being kicked out of the EMX station while sitting there listening to the World Series, and asked of she would hold a pic of Hollis I made copies of for Elizabeth and Rossetta. Above is that shot that says it all. Hollis fought for the United States Government and was harassed for being homeless. Peggy got arrested for wanting to keep the Post Office open, if not just for someone like me, who wants to send a Soldier home, along with the Stars and Stripes he fought under.
God save the Post Office!
Here is the letter I sent my Congressman, Peter Defazio, and Mayor, Kitty Piercy.
Jon Presco
Last month my friend Hollis, and other homeless people, were evicted from the premises of Safeway market where they sat outside. Hollis is a Veteran, and part Cherokee. He is trying to get of the tribal rolls. Two days ago he and his constant companion, Steve, were asked to move off the bus bench they sat on while listening to the baseball game. Steve and Hollis are avid sports fans, and I have had them over for dinner to watch America’s favorite pass time. I took our wayfarers to see the Ems. Last Saturday, Hollis and I drove around for an hour looking for the place where they were having a Military Stand Down. If we could have found this out of the way place, Hollis could have been treated to many free serivces by the United States Military – our Government.
Yesterday, we put our minds together, trying to come up with an idea that would make the plight of the poor and marginal people in America more visible, because there appears be a policy by some big business men, and members of big and local government people, to pretend there are no people being hurt by our poor economy and draconian cuts instigated by the Tea Party, so called patriots who first appeared at the Springfield Post Office. I went to see them, and heard how they are for the People. But, it looks like they are for big business and big bank – and doing away with the United States Post Office that gave them a Sanctuary for their new ideas!
Posts Offices can become a Stock Market for the Poor and Disenfranchised. Lady Liberty welcomes these people! What I suggest, is that Hollis and other invisible people who are in need of help, come to the Post Office, put down a blanket, and trade or sell donated objects. For every dollar the Post Traders collect, 40 % percent will be used to save our post office nationwide. Consider this a Postal Tax that is willingly given in exchange for a place The People can come to exchange information and ideas, seek, and offer employment, and collect food for poor families. I am going to send this idea to my Congressman, Peter DeFazio, and suggest he instigate a year round Military Stand Down at Post Offices all over Oregon.
If the Republicans can spend two trillion dollars bringing the Iraqis and Afghanistan, “God’s gift of Liberty” as George Bush put it, then our Blessed United States Government, can bring God’s gift of Mercy to American citizens give them Sanctuary in a storm. I am going to suggest to the Wall Street Demonstrators that they align themselves with the Trading Post Movement, and barter and trade in the park they have used as their headquarters. Elected officials are trying to pass a law that forbids these demonstrators to put their possessions on the ground in order to put an end to those who are camping. Consider the Native Americans who came to Trading Posts to barter their wares. It is said, the new comers cheated the Indians, and bought the Island of Manhattan for a string of beads.
We the People can offer all Americans a Better Deal! We need to gather around the old pot belly stoves and give help to our fellow American directly. I suggest all post offices that are on the verge of closing, be turned into Trading Posts, second hand stores, that cut out the middle man, and make the least amongst us – visible! My Rosamond ancestors were Real Patriots who fought under the Francis Marion. Unfortunately, they also fought against the Cherokee Nation, the first people that God brought to America. My ancestors evicted them from their land. We also owned slaves we brought here against their will. This War on the Poor must come to and end.
When those who have, go to the post office to mail a package or letter, bring a can of food, or an item the have nots can use for barter. Contrary to what the Tea baggers are saying, the first European settlers came to America to escape religious persecution, and not make a killing on the Stock Market, or promote Capitalism.
Rosamond Press 
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