America is free today
Centuries of singing praise to
Victories gone its way
Throw a pig on the grill and taste today that

Fear of our dark side
Other jealous lands, best wring hands and hide
If you’ve ever nicked our stride.

And I hear Freedom
Ringing round the corner
41 city bullets evade a New York coroner

Ringing through the air
You’ll uncover proof of innocence but in the new regime
If the trial was clean, we no longer care

My mother always says don’t
Waste your time complaining.
Life here isn’t fair.

America ain’t cheap today
Your pension is the gold you trade
For the meat you marinade before it
Feeds the family for an hour

Fear the children’s confusion
You taught them to believe illusions
So they feel nothing as they hack down weeds,
Plant no seeds

And they hear Freedom
Singing through an iPod
Gadgets are the trusted voice of their god

Singing in their proud, dirty hands
Running off with a paycheck earned by an old man
Never looking down at the heads on which they stand

You always say
All’s fair in love and war
And that’s the only rule that lasts in
America

7/4/2009
~~~~~~~~~~

So I’m deleting my Soundclick page tomorrow. Time to lighten my load and make my web presence easier to maintain. I’ll still have a Myspace, a Twitter, and a Blogspot -- but these will largely be updated automatically by my new main site:
www.reverbnation.com/marscaulton

I hope that you’ll sign onto the new mailing list there, if you haven’t already. (It asks for more info than it needs -- in case I want to chart my demographics! But just your email address will work.) If you enjoy the site overall and join it, please Fan me!

I don’t wish to gather or hoard old + uninterested email addresses: so I’m NOT automatically sliding the Soundclick email addresses over. You could write me and say “Let’s Keep In Touch, Mars!” and I’ll add you myself.

Reverbnation also set up a small Facebook page for me, so if you are on Facebook, please see my artist page and put your email on my new mailing list at
http://apps.facebook.com/reverbnation_fb/artist/marscaulton?current_active_tab=tab_songs

Clean break, fresh start, new methodology. New work (hey, this poem above is one hour old. Not edited or named yet -- look for a finished version at ReverbNation sometime.) New everything. You’ll even hear a love song every once in a blue moon.

This is what happens when a stellar, young lion of a folk singer enlightens you without trying.

Then you lose 12 years worth of music -- every recording or drumbeat you ever made.

Then they assassinate a doctor for the crime of offering me, and you, an abortion if we need one.

Then you get welcomed into the Burning Man community -- complete with a hug from a naked stranger.

Welcome to my Late-Life Redemption…

Love, Light, Justice.
ONA MOVE
Mars Caulton

Who is the "Pro-Life" Action League? And what are they doing in Evanston?

PLAL is a violent band of Christian fascist thugs that have been at the core of the anti-abortion movement for decades now, based right here in Chicago.

They spend each summer spreading their culture of shame and misogyny through what they call the "Face the Truth" tour. 30-50 of them at a time will line major streets throughout the area for weeks with giant enlargements of gruesome bloody images and pictures of Jesus to spread their message that women are nothing more than incubators.

These people are emboldened and celebrating that they have seen Dr. Tiller taken away from us. Take a look at their website and their list of plans.

They must not go unopposed!

Join us Saturday July 11th to counter-protest at each of their stops. Contact us about arranging transportation at chicago@worldcantwait.org or 773-227-2453.

This is what PLAL has announced for their plans on July 11th:

9:00-10:30 Niles
Touhy Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue

11:30-1:00 Evanston
Davis Street and Ridge Avenue

3:00-4:30 Lincolnwood
McCormick Boulevard and Touhy Avenue

Save the date: July 18th when they will be mobilizing against the new Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora.

Life Begins When You Stand Up To Christian Fascists!

On May 31, 2009, after decades of harassment and death threats from the anti-abortion movement, George Tiller, the prominent doctor based in Wichita, KS, was gunned down while serving as an usher and standing in the foyer of his church. Dr. Tiller was known throughout the country for vocally defending the right to abortion as well as saving countless women's lives by performing procedures unavailable in most of the country. With his assassination, only 2 doctors who perform late abortions now continue to operate publicly.

1 in 3 women will have an abortion in her lifetime; 46 million women have had abortions in the U.S. This common secret must not continue to be hidden! Women must speak out and proudly tell their stories, stand up for their rights, and fight to be treated as human beings!

For decades now, a Christian fascist movement has been growing in strength and boldness right here in the US. This aggressive movement's central focus has been against abortion, birth control, and the fundamental rights of women to control their own bodies and destinies. This has gone hand in hand with attacks on lesbian/gay/bi/trans people, including to the basic right to marriage (case in point: Prop 8); as well as often bloodthirsty support for US wars of aggression, especially since 9/11. This fascist movement has a grassroots base of support in the millions, widespread reach throughout the military, and connections to the highest levels of power. Their foothold in the government and policy making has not dissolved with a new president. In fact, they are the very same people with whom President Obama says we should seek "common ground."

Who are the Christian fascists? There are too many to list them all, but check out these organizations and individuals to start:
Operation Rescue, God Hates Fags, Operation Save America, Army of God, Pro-Life Action League, James Dobson, Randall Terry, Frank Pavone, Flip Benham, Troy Newman, Rick Warren, Mike Huckabee

Every single anti-abortion organization is against birth control also!
What does that tell you about their agenda?

Find articles and books by these anti-fascist writers and educate yourself and others:
Sunsara Taylor Chris Hedges
Esther Kaplan Jeff Sharlet

Lakes Of Fire -- my first Burning Man event ever -- turned me inside out.

Then back, but better. Totally rebooted my system. Defragmented everything.

Entered the greeter's station and was told "Welcome Home." That phrase, her voice, is camping out inside me now.

Made new friends by NOT knowing how to set up a sun canopy. Indeed, the gods -- some bearing dreads, strong hands and cowries, others bearing stakes, strong advice and margueritas -- are everywhere.

Walked lightly on the land, brought all my garbage home to my own dumpster in my own alley. Decided it's time to start teaching my son the REAL reasons I hate littering. And it's NOT just about him making more for me to clean up.

Watched J. climb a tree with other kids. 5 times without a scratch or poison ivy or a tick (no offense, Tick Townies.) Started to feel okay about other parents watching him a few minutes at a time. Can’t stop thinking about Amy traveling sooo much with her son. Surely there is a lot I can learn from her about balancing the single-parent thing AND being a whole woman. Wanted to cry when I woke up Sunday and saw they were gone.

Was freed of my Friday night depression by a mom (Kat, I thank you!) convincing J. Saturday afternoon to go explore the Big Ship across camp with me. If it hadn't been for her, I fear J. would have never let me get off our "block" of 6 families around Traffic Light Camp.

Realized his control over my life isn't his "fault" or due to my own bad childhood -- it just wound up this way. And I can change it if I really pay attention more to my own needs, not just his.

And so I have just booked my flights for a nice long trip to the playa without him, with plenty of time to prepare him and not sure exactly how he and my ex-husband will do without me! But they will be okay. A lot of good surprises can happen -- if I'm honest to the right people about what I need.

Learned that the somewhat-Madonna-styled poet in a silk white corset (and little else) seemed a lot like me on the inside. Learned that a very plainly dressed woman was an incredibly skilled fire dancer, a true artist. Decided to stop worrying about whether I dress wild or plain when I perform. Together, those 2 performers were inspiring and comforting to me beyond belief.

Silently said thank you to DD and the pizza loft, even though I couldn’t take advantage of it, while carrying my J. home at midnight after the Burn.

On the way out, I got hugged by a naked lady. It didn’t feel weird. And recognized by a fellow poet who heard me perform Saturday pre-Burn and appreciated my work.

Seen, heard, accepted, appreciated. How long have I been looking for these things? How long have MOST of us?

When we got home, J. decided to spend the rest of the day naked -- with a glowstick necklace. And not only did I spend the rest of the day wearing a scarf for a dress, I managed to hoop for 4 minutes straight. First time since I was his age.

Watched my video of the Burn. Un freaking believable.

Showed J. my video of him with Stella. Just beginning to realize how much Bill's poet/child family meant to me. Hoping this was just the beginning.

Told my ex how relieved and happy it felt to discover J. and I were NOT the only Black folks there! Giving thanks, feeling renewed, feeling whole, giving thanks.

Decompressed already? You’re kidding, right?? In May my studio hard drive crashed and I lost all the music I’ve EVER recorded (except what was mixed and online somewhere already.) So I’ve been rethinking my whole path as an artist. And following (*gasp*) a folk singer named Joe Pug around as inspiration towards a simpler, powerful way to express, perform, be.

Then I attend my first (*anxious…*) Burning Man event. The consolidation, the learning, the re-creation of my spirit has just, JUST gotten started.

Abortion Doctor Killed


Dr. George Tiller was assassinated while in church in Wichita, Kan., on Sunday, May 31st, targeted for legally performing abortions. His death might have been prevented simply through enforcement of existing laws.

The 67 year old doctor faced constant threats and incidents of violence and vandalism including a previous assassination attempt in 1993. Dr. Tiller’s clinic is one of just three in the nation performing late-term abortions after the twenty-first week of pregnancy. Tiller is the eighth abortion provider to be killed since 1977.

Democracy Now! speaks with longtime colleagues of Dr. Tiller, plays excerpts of Dr. Tiller’s 2008 address to the Feminist Majority Foundation, and hears from an abortion provider at a nearby clinic who says he warned the FBI of suspect Scott Roeder just days before Tiller was killed.

(For these complete articles and audio go to
http://www.democracynow.org/features/abortion_doctor_killed)

Amy Goodman’s Column: Dr. George Tiller Didn’t Have to Die
The death of Dr. Tiller might have been prevented simply through enforcement of existing laws. His alleged killer was seen vandalizing a Kansas City clinic, Aid for Women, both the week before and the day before the murder, putting glue into its door locks. The manager of that clinic, who calls himself “Jeff Pederson” to protect his identity, told me he called the FBI and local police both times, but the vandal, the alleged killer Scott Roeder, was not arrested.

Amy Goodman’s Column: Listen to this Column

June 10, 2009: Family of Slain Abortion Provider Dr. George Tiller Announces Permanent Closure of Wichita Clinic
The family of murdered abortion provider Dr. George Tiller has announced the permanent closure of his Wichita, Kansas clinic, eliminating one of the few medical practices in the country that performed late-term abortions. We speak with a close friend of Dr. Tiller’s, Dr. Warren Hern, who is one of the last doctors in the country to perform late-term abortions. We’re also joined by a genetic counselor critical of her group, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, for not putting out a public statement condemning Dr. Tiller’s murder.

June 03, 2009: Abortion Clinic Manager Reveals He Warned FBI of Suspect in Murder of Dr. George Tiller, Says Killing Could Have Been Avoided
We speak to the manager of a Kansas City abortion clinic who says he twice told the FBI last week about the suspect in the murder of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller, including the day before the killing. The suspect, Scott Roeder, vandalized the Aid for Women clinic by locking its doors shut. Using the pseudonym “Jeff Pederson” to protect his identity, the clinic manager says Tiller’s death could have been avoided had the FBI acted on his warnings.

June 03, 2009: ‘This Shouldn’t Have Been Ignored’: Tiller Colleague Dr. Susan Robinson Reacts to News FBI Was Warned on Suspected Killer
Days before she heads back to Wichita for her colleague Dr. George Tiller’s funeral, Dr. Susan Robinson reacts to the news that another abortion clinic had warned the FBI of the suspect in Tiller’s killing.

June 03, 2009: Tiller Killing Spurs Renewed Calls for US to Reverse Longstanding Passivity on Anti-Abortion Extremists
To many critics, the murder of Dr. George Tiller, the eighth abortion provider to be killed since 1977, highlights the US government’s refusal to take seriously the threat of domestic right-wing, anti-abortion extremists. We speak to author and journalist Frederick Clarkson, who has written extensively on anti-abortion violence, and Chip Berlet, senior analyst at Political Research Associates and co–author of Right-Wing Populism in America: Too Close for Comfort.

June 03, 2009: In 2008 Speech, Dr. Tiller Outlined Views that Underpinned Lifelong Commitment to Reproductive Rights
We play an excerpt from a March 2008 speech by Dr. George Tiller before the Feminist Majority Foundation. Discussing his vision for a just and more humane society, Dr. Tiller said, “We’ve given war, pestilence, hate, greed, judgment, ego, self-sufficiency a good try, and it failed. We need a new paradigm that consists of kindness, courtesy, justice, love and respect in all our relationships.”

June 01, 2009: Dr. George Tiller (1941-2009): Murdered Abortion Provider Remembered for Lifelong Dedication to Women’s Reproductive Health
Supporters of reproductive rights are mourning the killing of the abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. The sixty-seven-year-old Tiller was shot Sunday as he attended services at his Wichita, Kansas church. The gunman fled the scene, but a suspect was later caught in a Kansas City suburb. The suspect, fifty-one-year-old Scott Roeder, has a history of involvement in anti-abortion activism and was once arrested and jailed on explosives charges.

A Folk Singer Changed My Life
Monday night, 5/4/09


Two weeks into being a full-fledged new initiate of the local folk/indie hero named Joe Pug, I found myself last night downloading the entire recording of his Friday night sold out Schuba's show. I'd tried several last-ditch schemes on Saturday to get tickets for the Saturday night set, but alas, sold out again. So lots of the weekend, as the previous one, was spent web-searching out every youtube video of him at folk fests and coffeehouses and loft parties and SXSW as well as interviews on Chicago Public Radio and Billboard magazine. And I excitedly downloaded the Friday night set at Schuba's.

Turns out to have been a harbinger of something big.



The immersion into something acoustic, something simple, something folk made me question why it has taken me 3 years to get even a few songs ready to release recording, mixing, trip hop beat writing, getting musicians to come play: it has been living with me more than the music itself has. Reading the stories of Joe Pug's ascent fascinated me: recorded his first CD during a couple evenings when other bands canceled their studio time, came in with just guitar and self and a few beers, and nailed it every time; decisions of creative ways to get the work out to new places including a standing offer to send anyone as many free 2-song CDs as they'd request to be handed out to friends. And now within a couple of years, he's on Lollapalooza this summer. (You really have to check him out!)
[[5/10/09 update -- and now he's gonna tour with Steve Earle!!!]]

Made me rethink my music genre of choice, to say the least. Throw in my current afterschool program residency, which I landed as the only hip hop artist on the Shanti Foundation For Peace's roster, working with an all-male group of school-age guys who are curious about staying away from gangs, yet have the limited experiences and world outlook that leads so many to think a gang might be the way to stardom. And despite the consistent content about Abu-Ghraib, domestic violence or political prisoners in my own art/work, last week when listening to my song "His Words", those boys couldn't find anything different between it and Alicia Keyes.

I fell asleep last night daydreaming of being on the road on tour with just a handful of comrades, bare essentials, my son, and a guitar. If I could play one... It felt like the sweetest next chapter to a life of all things struggle. And all the better if an older-single-mom-trip-hopper-turned-folkie could jump genres without losing her political newstream and commentary.

I had tried last night to email Joe Pug not only a thank you for the inspiration, but an mp3 of one of my newest tracks, so far shared only with a few special and appreciated supporters who paid advance money to help the eventual full-length CD hit the street. Which was due a year ago. Well, plus about 7 months... The song I wanted to send the young phenom Pug was still in wav. file (the original complete sound wave form -- far too big to email anyone ever!) So I tried opening it in the batch converter to mp3 it, while waiting for the Schuba's recording to finish downloading. Don't know why this would do anything other than slow things down a bit. But my converter kept reading "Failed." It was 2AM, so I gave up. Tried again this morning.

My external hard drive -- where all my studio recording, mixing, archiving, all home-made beat tracks, every sound file I've ever created basically -- appeared to be totally gone, except that I was looking right at it. Somewhere something flashed across the monitor that said, all data has been lost and then it disappeared. I'm like, "Oh that sounds overly dramatic! Better try to weed through this mess after work tonight."

I just did. Its official.

Literally every beat, sound, utterance, song, drum hit, guitar riff, burp, every vocal I ever recorded either here or at Boocoo studio, every recording from the amazing 3 guitarists who played for my CD (which is aging without being heard yet,) every single bit of it is gone. Folder is empty. Why wasn't this stuff backed up? The external hard drive WAS my back-up to my main computer. Then at some point I was messing up my work by saving it in one but not both hard drives, and the redundancy got so crazy I just chose the safer one to store it all: the external. Didn't know those could crash. It has no programs, no web access, its just a big box of circuitry, full of my stuff, with one cord that feeds data to my computer. When there WAS data.

What remains is what's up on myspace, soundclick, youtube or artistunderground. And the dozen or so of 4-song EPs I burned and sold. I don't even have any of those left, but even if I did, that's 4 songs out of the full dozen that were just waiting for my ridiculously cumbersome existence to allow mixing/mastering/pressing and distribution.

The Universe appears to be telling me to shed old things and old ways. I've recently had my heart majorly broken for the second time in a year. My New England girl Protestant Work Ethic has landed me a job worse than scrubbing toilets all day. And the harder I try to improve my art form, the farther I get from any music I can be proud of AND happy about. I gave a passionate acapella performance in March which was totally drowned out by an audience who didn't seem to realize I even existed, let alone the tales of stolen lives and anti-war heroes that I was singing about. Clearly it's time for a change.

Years ago Chuck D. of Public Enemy put forth the challenge that mp3 technology and all things digital posed to musicians: now that it is so easy for anyone to take bits of your work, steal it for free, do anything with your music, your only move is to continually make more and more better art. Stay ahead of them. Set the trends that others will merely sample or steal.

Thank you, my brothers Chuck D. and Joe Pug. You are my Mind and Spirit, both pushing me to move past the failures of my hands and my heart. Something new will surely take those empty spots -- and its okay that I have no idea what that will be. All my love to my circles of fellow poets and vocalists and jazz folk and world beat drummers and guitarists who've worked beside me over the years. And all my appreciation, with mad love, to you guys who supported my art and performance for years. I hope I can still, soon, make you and my ancestors proud.

Mars.