Stumpy's Mid-Tour address Dateline, November 15, 2000 As I am sure most of you are aware, there has been a huge monkey wrench thrown into the machine known as the "Democratic Process" down in Florida this past Tuesday, but what you may not know is that monkey wrench has a name: AJ "Stumpy" Johnson. I have to admit, even I was impressed by the success of my little "experiment" on Election Day. I mean, I was in the area anyway opening a new Stumpy's Acres Retirement Village so I figured "What the Hell?". While those dolts in the major parties are spending countless millions on their campaigns in 2004 all I have to do is ensure that voters are so confused by the setup of the ballot that I win - it's so simple! I can't believe I didn't think of it back in '60 when I had the chance... Admittedly, I couldn't be sure how this would affect the outcome of the election but that was an afterthought - after all, any resulting chaos is a bonus in my favor. George W. is decidedly "un-smart" (his word, not mine) so it has been easy work convincing him I'm his best friend... I could have a field day if he wins. Al is a little different in that he definitely fears me more than likes me, but at least that spares me long conversations about UFO sightings in Texas and how they relate to the Bible. It's a tough choice, but that's what makes this country so great, isn't it? A.J. "Stumpy" Johnson Blue Note Show Webcast on DigitalClubNetwork.com Our show on Tuesday, November 14 has been archived and is viewable at digitalclubnetwork.com. To view the show you have to register and download realplayer if you don't already have it. The entire show with Pomeroy and Hairy Apes BMX is available. KTCL Not So Silent Night Show Dec. 8th, Denver, CO The J's will be joining the Bloodhound Gang, Harvey Danger and Dexter Freebish in Denver at the December 8th show of KTCL's Not So Silent Nights. Details of the show can be found at ktcl.com. See you there. 2 Skinnee J's, Napster and E-Bay The whole Napster controversy is a little weird to us. We're not quite sure who's really getting hurt. After all, who can feel sorry for Metallica and Dr. Dre? They're already making millions off of record sales, and we're not ever inclined to feel sorry for the rich. And other bands like us, who don't sell enough records to make even one red cent from their sales, should appreciate the free promotion that Napster provides. In a perfect world music would be shared freely by all so that we all can benefit from it's beauty and inspiration. So what do we say about Napster and our new album that hasn't even been released?? That's right, go ahead and download it. Let us know what you think by contacting us on our website. We hope you enjoy it. We'll even give you the song list and order. Here it is: Horns of Destruction 3 Minutes Girl with the World in Her Eyes Stockholm Love Big Beat Evangelist Brew Ha Ha! Pass the Buck Secret Frequency Sugar & Candy Loud Neighbors Coming Home One fan in Charlottesville, VA even provided a novel way to keep the music simply between the bands and their fans - cutting out the middle man by simply handing us a few bucks. Voluntary donations can be made to Stumpy at the merch table (in our Napster Tip jar). Of course, we're just happy to get the music out, so no need to if you don't feel like it. And the greatest part is that now the kids in the front row who already know all the words to all the new songs don't have to look sheepish when we notice them from stage. Believe us, we're smiling too. Now the stuff on E-bay is an entirely different story. In this case, a small number of money-grubbing assholes are taking our work and gouging our fans by putting for sale online a number of copies of the record that were meant to be promotional items. Some people have paid upwards of $45 for a copy of the album. Somebody has even gone to the lengths of burning bootleg copies of the record. Make no mistake about this, we, the 2 Skinnee J's paid personally for each and every copy that is on the market through this means. We find it repugnant that someone would sell our work to others for their own gain, when we are a blue collar working band - not triple platinum selling artists. For now, we suggest you go to where the music is free and in the spirit of sharing and don't reward these people who are exploiting you and us for their own selfish gain. An Open Letter To Our Fans For many years now I have been acutely aware that my own political thoughts differ substantially from the mainstream, and in particular from the mainstream thinking of the majority of people in my home state of Nebraska. Still, though, as I have wandered through my life, much of it through the harried bustling streets of New York City, I have always been proud of my gentler upbringing and the kindness I always seemed to see around me as a child. But for the first time in many years I am ashamed of the connection I have to my home. This election year the people of Nebraska, by an overwhelming majority, passed a referendum that would put in the Nebraska Constitution a ban on same sex marriages. I am appalled. In these moments I am always struck by the human capacity for cruelty; the strange desire to torture the dispossessed by actively reminding them of their second class status. Believe me, they already know. Gay people are already well aware that they enjoy fewer rights than the majority - for their rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness are always subject to the whims of prejudice. They know this from years of hearing unknowing bystanders and even "friends" talk disparagingly about "fags", "homos", "queers" and "dykes." They know this from watching people mock "gay" speech patterns. They know this from musical artists who go out of their way to talk about "fags" and what they'd do to them if one of them hit on them. They know this from the desire of many public figures to keep their sexuality to themselves for fear of destroying their careers. They know this from the beatings and harassment they and those they've known have endured at the hands of bashers. They know this from the murder of people like Matthew Sheppard, WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THEIR HOMOSEXUALITY AND SOMEONE ELSE'S INTOLERANCE. And now, once again, they are reminded by Nebraskans that they are an unwelcome part of their community. That Nebraska will most certainly not extend to them the rights that others have. The message to gays is loud and clear -- make no mistake about it, you do not belong here and even if we can't keep you out of Nebraska, we can at least make sure that we don't endorse your debasement. As if they didn't know that already. Let's be clear. Right now Nebraska state law does not recognize gay marriages. Barring the passage of a law that actively endorses same sex marriages in Nebraska, the state will not perform or recognize a same-sex union. (And considering the fact that over 70% of Nebraskans voted in favor of the anti-gay referendum, passing a law like this seems highly unlikely). So why, then, do people feel the need to push through a constitutional amendment to stop what is already not happening and cannot happen without a huge change in public sentiment? Nebraskans say they are concerned that if another state recognizes a same-sex marriage and that couple subsequently moves to Nebraska, then Nebraska, too, will have to recognize the marriage -- as if that would be so terrible. In reality, the measure is much more sweeping and has the intended effect of making sure that gay marriages in any form (and some forms of heterosexual domestic partnership) will not be sanctioned by the state. The state's recognition of marriage, however, should have absolutely nothing to do with religious moral ideas. It is merely a legal recognition of two people's commitment to one another. The way in which our contract-laden society recognizes love. That's why some people get married in a church - because they believe in a God that sanctifies the institution - while others choose a PUBLIC ceremony, one that recognizes their commitment to one another, but that does not incorporate the notion of a higher being. Why people have a problem with that simple notion would require pages of discussion about prejudice that I won't go into here. The capacity to see beyond the self and to care for others -- especially for another individual who makes one feel complete -- is a wonderful human trait. It is, indeed, rare and as such should be nurtured and revered, not squelched by fear. Nebraskans ought to be ashamed of their reflexive and, frankly, hateful behavior. Luckily for all of us, though, People of Nebraska, while you can legislate your own limited capacity for love, you can't stop others from finding love on their own terms. And for this I am thankful. Special J Street Team We'd like to thank all the members of the Street Team who have come to the shows on the tour thus far. We look forward to meeting you all in the coming months. If you want to join to help us out, contact Street2sj@aol.com. WWW.2Skinneejs.com for all your online needs. 2sj.com coming soon!!!!! Call the Hotline 212-560-7494 for updates and the sweet sound of Stevie Spice's voice. Letters can be sent to 2 Skinnee J's at: P.O. Box 1033 New York, NY 10009 All merchandise checks should be made out to Stumpycorp. To Book 2 Skinnee J's contact Bob Engel at Variety Artists Intl. 805-237-4275. This letters attachment is great. 2sj in their free time doing what they love best. Those receiving the attachment- go ahead and download. Those not receiving it or who choose not to download it may view it on the web at http://members.aol.com/FamousRT 2 Skinnee J's Webpages online. If you have a 2sj page, I urge you to email FamousRT@aol.com and your URL will be added below. 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