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PART VII – D.C. GOES HOLLYWOOD

Rusty Strait — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:00:00 +0000

(D.C. GOES HOLLYWOOD)

STRAIT ON – AMERICA’S CHANGING LIFESTYLES

Hollywood Gives us a President

The 1980 presidential race, even with three major candidates, was a cakewalk for the former actor and Governor of California. Ronald Reagan was swept into the White House (garnering 489 electoral votes), with his “kitchen cabinet” in tow. He would undoubtedly be the most important Republican Administration since General Eisenhower. When Reagan took office for his first term, the country was in a quagmire of inflation and out of control interest rates. He hardly had a chance to get his feet on the ground when he was shot in the side, inches from his heart, in an attempted assassination.

Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves and Get to Work

Not since Roosevelt’s New Deal had a president signed so many bills in the early months of his presidency, stimulating economic growth, curbing inflation, increasing employment and strengthening national defense. He overhauled the income tax code and inaugurated the Reagan Doctrine which gave aid and assistance to Communist insurgencies around the world. In one year, unemployment decreased and would continue to do so. Digging out of inflation was costly in the interim but profitable in the long run. Wages rose by 10% in 1980. The president was off to a good start.

What Happened to the Middle Class

There is much talk today about the declining middle class as though it is just suddenly became an issue. Not true. The so-called “Middle Class” had been declining for years. Post World War II through the Vietnam War era, we had the largest Middle Class in the history of the country. It has been decreasing ever since. The global competition had been eating away at American business profits. Business began in the seventies to shift to speculation, investing offshore and outsourcing labor and manufacturing where labor and production costs were less. So much for corporate patriotism.

Although Reagan had been a union leader throughout his film career, as president he continued to weaken the labor pool and began the spiral that has almost destroyed labor unions. His administration began the “union bashing” that continues today. He also froze the minimum wage level for a nine-year period, essentially cutting pay each year while inflation bit into lower-wage earners, while the salaries of corporate electives skyrocketed. Corporate Presidents were earning 30 times the salaries of their factory workers during his early years and by the time he left office, they were earning almost 130 times more as the big cats took larger slices of the profits. Employment in the manufacturing area fell twelve percent through the eighties.

How Does Our Garden Grow

One thing did grow. People. When Reagan became president our population was 226.5 million. The year he left office, it had grown to 248.7 million, many of whom lost their jobs to outsourcing and mechanization. Nevertheless, In 1980 4,400 taxpayers reported income more than $1,000,000. By 1987 35,000 Americans were earning more than a million dollars. When Reagan was elected, 13% of Americans were living below the poverty line. By 1988 it was still 13 percent.

Play it Again, Sam

Coming into the eighties, Americans had been besieged with unpleasant events: The Vietnam War, counterculture movements, Watergate and frustration with the condition of the country. Dreams were destroyed by inflation, high-interest rates and corruption in government. Crime was up. Youth were still seeking their own place in the American dream, which seemed to be dipping down into nightmarish expectations. Education was more important because the increase in technology required College Degrees, whereas a high school diploma had previously sufficed. Education was becoming more expensive to ordinary folks. Recreational money became tighter. Bars, films, designer apparel, records, fancy cars and other pleasure pursuits were sharply curtailed due to a lack of funds to indulge in such forms of entertainment. Pop culture took a dramatic turn. Madonna and Cyndi Lauper loomed high in teenage idols, especially among young girls. Bangles baubles and beads were in style, as were bright colors, spandex, hoop earrings, teased hair. Loud makeup and neon clothing became fashionable for both young girls and older women. Guys were into sweatpants, sweatshirts, denim jeans and jackets, wild colored thick, itchy sweaters and athletic shoes.

The Movie and Television Resurgence

The eighties was the decade of blockbuster films, with such epic productions as The Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, all of which grossed millions of dollars at the box office. Sequels were quick to follow and just as box-office successes. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Revenge of the Nerds satisfied the middle teen set. The big three in television, CBS, ABC and NBC began to lose their grip on audiences as new innovations came into existence; MTV, ESPN, HBO, CNN & Nickelodeon were grabbing off large shares of the viewing audience. By 1990 what we used to get for free on television had a price and it has continued to grow; until today, it was not uncommon to pay $200 a month for TV, router and any number of extra charges to be entertained. Sadly, a pop icon’s death on December 8, 1980, left not only the country, but the world grieving. John Lennon exiting the Dakota Apartments in New York, was shot and killed by a disillusioned fan, Mark Chapman. The 1980’s brought us more heavy metal, new wave, hip-hop, rap, hair metal and other genres of music. Because of economics, musical stars contributed to lowering the cost for popular entertainment by participating in charity concerts; Band-Aid, We Are the World, Live Aid and Farm Aid concerts. Many pop stars peaked in the ’80s. Million seller albums, included: Michael Jackson presented “Beat it,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller.’ Madonna brought us “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” and “Crazy For You.” Prince gave us “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” and the eternal “Purple Rain.” Then came Bono with “U Got the Look, “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man,” and dozens of other hits. He also became a great humanitarian, which gave him an adult audience. Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Queen, The Police, Rolling Stones (their popularity carried over from the sixties) and Whitney Houston.

Renewed careers: Paul McCartney, Cher, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Compact discs (invented in the 1960’s) became commercially popular in the ’80s as did audio-cassettes, and Walkman – (the I-Pod of the eighties.) Yuppies replaced hippies.

The Bad Seeds

There were also some very stinky weeds growing in his administration, which sprung up due to his policies and those he allowed to ill-advise him. Mental Health deteriorated under Reagan as he slashed funding by 30%, which should not have come as a surprise since, as Governor of California, he closed the mental hospitals. He supported Islamic terrorists, gave them almost $5 billion dollars in taxpayer money and even invited them to the White House as “freedom fighters.” His deregulation of the banking industry brought about the failure of 747 financial institutions, including the Keating loan scandal, which involved five sitting senators. Using taxpayer money to finance elections. Over 20 high ranking EPA employees were removed from their positions, and some were imprisoned. A scheme to fix elections with taxpayer money became known as “Sewergate.” Reagan’s people and the CIA conspired with the Contra’s, during the Iran-Contra scandal to smuggle cocaine from South America into the United States, shielding drug smugglers from investigations. Top officials at the White House, including Oliver North, began to nurture the cocaine smuggling, funneling the proceeds to the Contra Army in Nicaragua. As part of the Iran-Contra scandal, the administration sold weapons to Iran to fund Contra terrorists in Nicaragua. As a result of our support of Contra terrorists, the Contras kidnaped and tortured civilians, raping women and executing civilians, including children. By the time it all ended 50,000 people died in the Contra killing spree.

Tell Me Something Good

To Reagan’s credit and our benefit, he never let up trying to end the Cold War that began when Harry S. Truman was president. Reagan’s legacy of finally shutting down the Cold War will always outshine his darker days. Prior to Gorbachev’s becoming the Soviet Premier, Reagan denounced the Soviet Union as an “evil empire.” Gorbachev came to power during the early stages of Reagan’s second term. Thanks to the business of diplomacy with “Gorby,” Reagan managed what his six predecessors in the White House had attempted, but failed to do, establish a friendly relationship with a Soviet Dictator.

Nikita Kruschev’s “peaceful coexistence,” known as detente, was not Reagan’s idea of world peace. Much of what happened was initiated by Gorbachev who was determined to take his country into a radically different direction. Reagan understood the Soviet leader’s intentions and encouraged them because American interests would profit from such a change. Prior to their first meeting in Geneva, Reagan set up a plan to entice Gorbachev. He would look for areas of common interest to support Gorbachev’s reforms without being overbearing or insulting. He warned his party to “not rub Gorbachev’s nose” in any concessions he might make to us. Reagan was successful in convincing Gorbachev that the United States did not pose any threat to the Soviets. It was during that period when Reagan spoke those famous words to Gorbachev, “Trust but verify.”

In spite of advisors’ warning that there was “no potential benefit in negotiating anything with the Soviets,” Reagan took his own path. All of his meetings and communications were brought to fruition when Reagan addressed the Soviet leader head-on with, “Mr. Gorbachev tear down that wall.” That set the stage for the Berlin Wall to come crashing down and a new American-Soviet era of diplomacy was set in motion and we stopped worrying about a war between Russia and the United States. The 80’s ended on a good note. Things were looking up. We were at peace with the world. How long would it last? Only the Future could know that. I’ll bet that many of you who survived those times have forgotten how close we came to nuclear conflict and how smoothly two world leaders made peace for their families and their countries.

The world slept better as George H. W. Bush took the oath of office in January 1989 as our 41st president.

Just sayin’ rustystrait@gmail.com

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Flying Saucers and other Mystical Experiences

Rusty Strait — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 18:25:45 +0000

When I was a child, my mother took me to the circus in the Depression 1930s. Every summer, Hagenback Wallace, Ringling Brothers, and lesser-known circuses brought their three-ring events to town. My cousin Bill and I would slip off and watch the animals being unloaded at the Baltimore & Ohio train depot.

The following day we’d be watching them set up the big tents. A Carnival, with its sideshows featuring freak acts, accompanied those elaborate spectacles. We were mesmerized by the bearded lady, contortionist and Lady Godiva, or one of her traveling sisters who told fortunes.

The fortune-tellers as popular to young kids as the Hoochie Koochie dancers were to their fathers and older brothers: Always out front of these attractions would be some guy wearing a straw hat and waving a cane to induce us into parting with our money in order to know what fortunes that might be coming our way at some future date. We ate it up like strawberry ice cream.

Most of us didn’t know anything about psychics, seers, ESP or channelers. We knew about prophets in the bible who predicted the birth of Christ and all other magical events written down in the good book.

But here on earth, we were confronted with the “real thing” up close and personal.
Bet you didn’t know that Hemet has its very own internationally known “psychic.” Cece Stevens is the daughter of Wendell Stevens, the late Godfather of UFOlogy, Wendell Stevens, who held forth on late-night radio for many years. His 61 books are still high on the charts of popularity. He and Art Bell dominated the nighttime paranormal shows on radio for years.

Cece Stevens’ work covers almost every aspect of the unknown: Reiki Worker, Crystal Healer, Psychic Medium and Teacher. “I knew at an early age that I was different,” she says. I had a gift. Many of us have psychic abilities.

She calls home a large two-story building with enough rooms to pass as a hotel, sitting on more than three acres that encompass a pool and chicken house a few blocks from Hemet High School. A flock of hens greeted me as I approached her door. She knows them all by name, and I could swear when she spoke to them, they answered back in garbled chicken speak.

“Welcome,” she opens the screen and invites me in. Numerous indoor pets roam freely about the house. A couple of friendly dogs and a large tabby cat ogle me up and down, perhaps suspicious of a stranger in their domain or merely expecting a treat. These pets didn’t speak, not even in garbled English. “They won’t bite you,” she assures me. “The dogs will be in your lap soon if you allow it.”

In a short time, I became aware that she was not the lady you meet at the check-out counter at a local grocery. Not Cece. At 70 she carries herself like the matron you would like someone you desire to know more about. Friendly and charming, one soon learns that she is a hostess with the mostest. Would I like something to drink? Is the sofa comfortable? Can I get you anything? Cece is never for a loss of words when she opens her mouth to speak wisdom flows like soft breezes.

She can immediately sense when you miss a meaning. “Would you like me to explain?” To say that she presents herself as some icon would be erroneous. Her persona is somewhere between Barbary Pirate and Grande Dame. She doesn’t wear makeup and her spectacles sport one lens blacked out. One expects that stashed away somewhere out of sight is a parrot waiting to settle on her shoulder and start to mimic her words.

Where on earth did this wonderful creature come from? “I was an Air Force Brat. My father was a Colonel and I grew up on military bases around the world. Dad was one of the greatest UFO researchers in the world, so my exposure to Astrology and the paranormal came early. I remember before I was of school age we were living in the Orient where I received training on how to transfer energy or ‘Qi,’ which explains how all things are related and all matter is energy. I developed an interest in Metaphysics and began what would be a life-long journey in learning about all matters.”

She is quick to spout forth her ‘ordinary gifts.’ “Oh yes, I have become adept in many fields. Astrology, Numerology, Bio-Magnetic healing, Neuro-linguistic healing, Spiritualist, Dowser.” After a second or so, she adds, “I am a natural Clairaudient, Clairvoyant and Clairsensitive.” You may rest assured I didn’t ask for an explanation. I would check out Wikipedia later on my computer.

There was something else I didn’t know existed, and I doubt many, if any, of you, did either. Cece founded the California Holistic Chamber of Commerce. Don’t bother to look, neither Hemet nor San Jacinto has a branch. I checked.

She has written several books about her various fields of endeavor. She has assisted several Police Departments in solving crimes and has been a Water Dowser for ranchers.
She is also the creator of CRYSTAL SKULL FESTIVALS and WORLD MYSTERIES CONFERENCE. I allowed that I had never attended either of these great events. “You should,” she said… “They’re a lot of fun.” I wondered what she thought of other psychics. She shrugged, “There’s a couple in the Valley. I don’t mess with them.” One, she alleges “puts hexes on people.”

“Meet Bob,” she says, passing a crystal skull across the table for me to feel. “Bob is my constant companion. He can bring out the best in you and see that your wishes come true.”

Some recognize it; others don’t. I knew I inherited it from my father, so I became obsessed to develop my talent and see how far I could go with it.” Cece has expanded her talents way beyond her wildest dreams.
She calls home a large two-story building with enough rooms to pass as a hotel, sitting on more than three acres that encompass a pool and chicken house a few blocks from Hemet High School. A flock of hens greeted me as I approached her door. She knows them all by name, and I could swear when she spoke to them, they answered back in garbled chicken speak.

The lady you meet at the check-out counter at a local grocery. Not Cece. At 70 she carries herself like the matron you would like someone you desire to know more about. Friendly and charming, one soon learns that she is a hostess with the mostest. Would I like something to drink? Is the sofa comfortable? Can I get you anything? Cece is never for a loss of words when she opens her mouth to speak wisdom flows like soft breezes.

I wanted to know what she charged for a reading. “Nothing. My readings are free. There’s a box on that shelf by the door. If someone wants to put an envelope in the box, I am grateful.” I assumed the envelopes would contain money.”
“Meet Bob,” she says, passing a crystal skull across the table for me to feel. “Bob is my constant companion. He can bring out the best in you and see that your wishes come true.”

I almost dropped her constant companion. Bob weighs somewhere between five and ten pounds. Heavier than any skull I’ve ever held, although I admit I’m not sure I ever fondled such a creature. Bob was cold, way below room temperature.
“If Bob likes you, your hands will soon feel the heat.” I guess Bob liked me because my hands soon felt his warmth. “Make a wish.”

I did, and almost immediately, Bob was becoming too hot to handle. Replacing him quickly back on the table, I commented, “Wow.”
“I think he really likes you.”
I had no burning desire to have an affair with Bob.

Although she doesn’t ask for the silver, she is not a dummy. I did some research about her on the internet and found that she is quite a businesswoman. There are pages and pages of psychic and paranormal items for sale.

Psychic tools do not come cheap. A book by Cece, “Mysteries of the Mayans and the Crystal Skull goes into the cart at $20. However, if you want “the full package: Book plus programs, fonts, and glyphs, you can have the lot for a C-note. Amazon probably loves Cece. She is currently sold out of Crystal Skull Message Cards so that you can save yourself $39.95 there. She offers a variety of crystal skulls. The “Blue Obsidian” is currently marketing at $600, and the sales reports show lots of buyers. I remember when you could buy one of General Motors products for that price. This is about Cece. I gotta stop dreaming about the good old days.

Perhaps you prefer the ELEPHANT SKIN JASPER FOR $500 which weighs a mere 2.9 pounds. Something to help you win a game of Gin Rummy also comes in red jasper.
But let’s get down to brass tacks. SMOKEY QUARTZ (Corazon de Leon), a bargain, I am told, at $800. You ask, “Why so much?” How often do you get a chance to spook your friends with a 7.2-pound rock crystal skull? The list goes on, but you get the idea.

I’ve never been to South America, the sources of these mysterious head remnants but legend has it that originally there were thirteen life-sized human skulls of solid crystals with movable jaws that were paid to speak and sing. Thirteen has special meaning, I am advised, because “the solar system adds up to a sun, moon and ten planets.” (before Pluto was dismissed). The thirteenth spot is reserved for Quetzalcoatl, the serpent god, who is predicted to return someday to rule all the planets. Supposedly thirteen Mayan gods rule the upper world. I wonder if I could choose one for myself.

You can believe as you choose, but as for myself, I felt quite content in the presence of this mysterious lady who bemoans the number of gypsies, and fortune-tellers among us nor the psychic world abound with grifters who tell people what they want to hear and take their money.” She has no use for those charlatans who prey on the unsuspecting.

I can speak only to my own experience and I will. I never met or heard of Cece Stevens before the day of my first interview with her. When she looked me dead in the eye and told me about a book project I’ve been dragging my feet on, I got chill blains. There is no possible way on earth she could have known about it, nor the intimate details of the content. Do I believe in physics? I don’t know.

Do I think that Cece Stevens has a special ability to probe deep into my soul and come up with such a rare discovery? I don’t know that either. What I do know is that this lady has something incredibly special about her, and I will mark my time in her presence as a special milestone in my life. By the way, she gifted me with a dozen fresh eggs when we bid one another goodbye. Kind of like a farmer trading produce for medical services.

Just sayin’.

Rusty Strait
rustystrait@gmail.com

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