F. John Surells critiques the book The Same Tapes

     I've always felt that "The Same Tapes" is a very significant book.  And though you may not believe this, the fact that it was "produced" by one of our own here - that is, those of us who now live near this city's river - is not my motivating or truthful reason for that opinion.  

    I simply find it to be a source of solace.  But oh, don't take that incorrectly!  Certainly it's no Bible, or great guide book which advocates for adherents of other relevant spiritual religions.  

    Rather, it's simply, I believe, a substantial statement of facts - and let me repeat that - it's a statement of facts, not a statement of fact!  And personally, I always find its forty-fourth chapter to be its most compelling.  And yes, when I realize that chapter was apparently recorded by Same while intoxicated, that acknowledgement does force me to contend with a number of questions. 

    And the most troubling of those in my opinion, is that while intoxication did no doubt produce the inherent confusion and chaos of contained within that chapter, did it also facilitate the "insights" found within it?  Hopefully one doesn't need to be intoxicated to voice one's concerns about those who refuse to admit the changes wrought by time, those who's greatest goals in life are the "installment" of conformity upon society, the "reinterpretation" of history, and the preaching of potentially dangerous beliefs distilled from various writings and verbalizations which themselves may be only partially true in their assertions concerning life upon planet earth as it is now, has been, and perhaps may be in years to come.  

    Yet, the really "free" men and women are those who see life as it really is, not as they imagine it could or should be.  And when we say "could or should be,"  let's remember, those terms aren't always postulated from a joyful or even righteous outlook on life.  Often they concern pessimistic and nihilistic viewpoints held by certain mortals who have apparently either non-intentionally, or purposely misinterpreted most of all they've heard, seen, and read.  

    But, as human beings we should have freedom of choice in regard to all aspects of our lives.  We know that God doesn't restrict our choices.  We're allowed to commit sinful acts if we choose. 

    Yet, governments sometimes constrain us.  And it's my hope that all the various governmental entities of this nation will not attempt to censure "The Same Tapes."  Oh yes, those recordings are that controversial!  And, I'm praying that instead of rejection or censure, they'll see "the light of day" someday just as they were spoken and written.