A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

[H2O Man]

7. Speaking of Hurricanes ......

The tea party fellow was in my class in high school. In 10th grade, I introduced the class to the case of the only innocent hurricane -- Rubin Carter. Our class corresponded with Rubin while he was at Rahway State Prison in New Jersey in 1973-74.

Of our entire class -- which would be the largest graduating class in Sidney's history -- this future tea party member would be the only one who reacted negatively to Carter. A knee-jerk reaction from a real jerk ....

During the debate, among the many idiotic things John said was his response to a question about his thoughts on the town's future. He said that he was "happy to see different people moving into Sidney." He noted that he "enjoyed seeing blacks and Mexicans." Really. Then he said, "And I like the Muslims."

After the debate concluded, he approached one of the Sufi leaders and I. He asked my friend why he laughed at the "I like Muslims" comment? "Because you are funny," mt friend said.

Then it was my turn: "Hey, Pat, you remember your friend Hurricane?" Sure do. "Well, at the time, I figured he was guilty, and should be electricuted. But now I know I was wrong. I want you to tell him that." I assured this fellow that Rubin and I have, in discussing politics etc, talked about John's letter, in which he wrote, "You are a murderer. I can tell by looking at pictures of you." Seriously.

Dylan's song about Carter's case is outstanding. Although Bob didn't write the lyrics (he did create the music), it also ranks among the best of his career.