Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot has aroused a controversy that has gone global. Months ago they stormed an orthodox church and performed a punk prayer near the altar in protest of the church leader’s support of Vladimir Putin. The lyrics urge the Virgin Mary to throw the Premier out. Three female members of the ten-piece band were arrested and charged with hooliganism, the equivalent of disorderly conduct. They have been incarcerated ever since, and today received a sentence of two years. Paul McCartney and Madonna have spoken out in their defense. Protestors around the world have taken to the streets in support of the women. While Putin and the church leader are certainly not above criticism, I think the band went too far. If they had set up outside, the protest would have had greater resonance and legitimacy. They tarred all who worship there, especially those who seek only solace and have no interest in politics. Those parishioners are not at fault if their leader chooses to be a puppet. Of course, the authorities have completely botched the situation. A slap on the wrist would have been wiser. It looks like and probably is an attack on free speech. Now protesters worldwide are howling. Then again, does a thug like Putin even care about the opinions of foreigners? He is ex-KGB. Shame is not likely in his DNA. The entire affair manifests why it is better to let free speech go too far than to curtail it. The stupid, venomous things some say eventually go away, are replaced by other controversial remarks. To dwell on them only makes a situation worse. Of course, as a writer, my opinion is biased. A sound argument can be made that such speech has coarsened society. Still, it is better than repression. However, the inside of a place of worship should be off limits to demonstrations of this sort. Take it outside.
Sheila, a middle-aged woman who lives in the other wing of our building, purchased Close to the Edge two years ago. Although she said she liked it, I thought she was just being nice, as she didn't inquire about my other books. Today she passed the floating book shop and we exchanged greetings. She crossed East 13th on her way home. Suddenly she turned around and re-approached. "You wouldn't be doing this if you didn't have to," she said, holding a twenty, having no idea of an artist's madness. I assured her I would be promoting my books as long as health allowed. Again, I don't think she believed me. She bought both Killing and A Hitch in Twilight, and refused to take any other books as gifts. Thanks, madam, and to my other customers on an afternoon where the heat and humidity came roaring back. It had been a month between sales of my own books. They have often come in bunches in the past, and I hope will so again.
Visit Vic’s sites:
Vic’s Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic’s Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic’s Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic’s 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic’s 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic’s Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
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