The Writer's Life 10/20 - Free Speech

Tonight the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC is staging a performance of a controversial work: The Death of Klinghoffer. In October 1985 Leon Klinghoffer, 69, and his wife, New Yorkers, booked a cruise on the Achille Lauro to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. The ship was hijacked by Palestinians, who murdered the wheelchair bound retiree, a Jew, and dumped his body overboard. The work in question, first produced in 1991, is from the point of view of the terrorists. The creators try to get into their mindset. Its critics claim it is anti-semitic and plan protests outside the venue. I have not seen the work nor will I. First off, outside of an aria here and there or a rousing overture, I’m not a fan of opera. Second, I think those who believe there is a moral equivalence between terrorists and their targets is hopelessly naïve. In films and TV shows I derive great visceral satisfaction when terrorists get their just desserts. However, as I writer I must support free speech, and this is a rare instance when it is painful. I must also remind myself that many might attack my third novel, Killing, because of its climax, even though the protagonist does not follow through on his mad scheme. What I hope is that the Met is empty, that the production loses a lot of money, and that donations take a big hit. I also hope the protesters don't go overboard, resort to vandalism or assault, which would give the enemy public relations ammunition. Although I support free speech, I certainly wouldn't join a counter protest in this instance.

On a much lighter note -- Occasionally, the Weird But True column in the NY Post comes up with a gem. Here’s one from today, edited by yours truly: “Springfield Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois has arranged for races to pass through its grounds in an effort to market the graveyard. ’We know if we get people back into the cemetery, they’re going to be amazed at its beauty,' the chairman said. ’Then, hopefully, they’ll think of us when the time comes.’” The old cliche can safely be applied to this: "Only in America."

The floating book shop turned into an odyssey today. For the fifth consecutive time, I was unable to find parking in Park Slope. I was willing to haul two of the crates three long blocks and still couldn't come up with a spot. I won't go back there until at least next spring. It was noon by the time I reached Bay Parkway and 86th. Several people stopped to chat, but only one purchased a book. Fortunately, I had an ace in the hole. On Saturday a handicapped woman name Kathy approached and showed an interest in Adjustments, which she wanted to purchase for her son. Lacking funds, she gave me her number and asked me to call her the next day. Just as I dialed, the phone's battery drained. As luck would have it, I was parked 100 feet from her door today. She was a first responder on 9/11 and has come down with a bone ailment that will require a marrow transplant. Her blood type is A positive. She is also having trouble with her aged landlord's children, who are trying to evict her and jack up the rent from $1700 to $2400. She was sniffling and had tears in her eyes as she related her woes. I was ashamed by the mean thoughts I'd suffered while trying to sell books. It seems I need to be reminded of how lucky I am way more often than I should. Thank you, madam. 

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/