[NewMusic] Immolation

[Polly Moller]

I hear what Phillip is saying.

Popular culture and many mythologies idealize self-sacrifice, whether it's
"A Tale of Two Cities", "Silent Running", or "Terminator II."
But rarely do we actually hear of  a civilian willing to make the
ultimate sacrifice in the real world for any person or belief.

I agree with Mr. Ritscher's characterization of himself as a spiritual
warrior.  His act
had warrior spirit all over it.  I was awed.

P.

On 11/8/06, Phillip Greenlief <pgsaxo at pacbell.net> wrote:
> Sarah,
>
> OK, perhaps admire isn't the right word - mostly because the act can be
> viewed as one of a spiritual nature. It's an act of disintegration - an
> act that will not allow the subject to remain indifferent to atrocities.
> It's an extreme version of the opposite of "indifferent", I agree - and
> that is what is so astonishing about it.
>
> On the other hand, the sage knows that suffering is part of life and
> realizes to wish it otherwise is foolish - the act of wishing something
> is different than it is - is what an enlightened being resists - or
> refuses to consider.
>
> It is also possible to think of this individual as someone that felt he
> needed to embrace the suffering and annihilation that is rampant in Iraq
> by exterminating himself.
>
> So perhaps astonished (how could it be otherwise?) is really the right
> word. But still, after all is said and done - when is the last time
> anyone astonished you with their spirituality? - (if I am perceiving the
> act correctly - it's "correct" for me anyway) - you kind of have to
> admire the guy...
>
> PG
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Phillip Greenlief
> c/o Evander Music
> PO Box 22158 Oakland, CA
> 94623-9991
> www.evandermusic.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: newmusic-bounces at music.mills.edu
> [mailto:newmusic-bounces at music.mills.edu] On Behalf Of Sarah - 21 Grand
> Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 2:26 PM
> To: Banewmus List
> Subject: [NewMusic] Immolation
>
> Phillip wrote:
> Sad news, and yet I can't help but admire a guy who would go so far to
> make a statement about the insanity of our involvement in Iraq.
>
> - Well, admire isn't the word I would use - I think as a political act
> it
> was a bit useless - though Rumsfeld did step down today, but I don't
> think
> it was because dude set himself on fire.
>
> - Certainly it is impressive as an act of "performance art" - tops Chris
> Burden getting shot in the arm or nailed to the Volkswagon. Darren and I
> spent a bit of time at dinner last night discussing the ethics and
> responsibility of his action.
>
> sl
>
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