Photo Credit: Bob Eddy
Sometimes you aren’t sure what you are doing, but you still feel compelled to do it.
That was the case when we launched The Advocate thirty years ago. And it’s the case again today as we foist The Advocate Online upon you!
Driven by Gen-X nostalgia and the arrival of middle age, we present all 10 issues of The Advocate, which was an alternative newspaper published in Randolph, Vermont, USA from 1988-1990. Continue reading
Forward Ho! A howitzer rolls down Main Street during the 4th of July parade in Randolph, Vermont in 1989.
Happy Fourth of July!
With the controversy swirling around President Trump’s decision to include tanks and other military hardware as part of a “Salute To America” celebration in Washington, D.C., we were reminded of a similar controversy 30 years ago in Randolph, Vt.
For many years, the annual Fourth of July parade in Randolph included a tank as part of the festivities. (We documented the militarization of the small town parade experience in Issues 5, 6 and 10.) This was around the time of the Tienanmen Square Massacre and the inclusion of the tank (we later learned it was actually a howitzer) rubbed some in town the wrong way.
In addition to protests published in the pages of The Advocate, one of the editors also threw daisies on the tank one year. Looking back, the argument made against inclusion of the tank was not very sophisticated, compelling or even cogent. But we received letters for and against our “anti-tank” stance with some questioning our patriotism.
Proof of Patriotism: One of the editors of The Advocate dressed up as George Washington in kindergarten.\
As it was summed up 30 years ago in the pages of The Advocate, “There are better and more positive ways to make people think about the war for independence was fought for than this parading of military power.”
If you’re looking for a more appropriate way to celebrate Independence Day, listen to the annual tradition of NPR hosts reading the Declaration of Independence:
In 1989, Morning Edition launched what has become an Independence Day tradition: reading the Declaration of Independence on air. Listen here 👇
— Morning Edition (@MorningEdition) July 4, 2019
What follows is commentary about Volume 1, Issue 2 by the founders and editors. of The Advocate. To the best of our recollection, this issue was published sometime in January 1989. The full issue is visible below or by clicking here. Please note that these pages are Genius-enabled, meaning that visitors can add context, links or corrections to any of the copy simply by selecting and right-clicking it.
Page 1
Scott Berkey – As I check out the first page of Issue 2, I am struck by how little I remember about how Issue 1 was received. How did we distribute it and where? How the hell did we sell ads for the first Issue? It has got to be a small town thing. You have these relationships that you can depend on (exploit).
Brendan Kinney – This is the issue when The Advocate got officially banned from school grounds. We took aim at Duffy Miller, the principal, and it was an extension of our behavior in the classroom as well. Scott was a well-known pain in the ass by many of his teachers (primarily due to his high IQ).
SB – I am not contesting this, but I can’t say that I ever perceived this myself. I knew I had various run ins with a lot of different teachers and administrators but somehow in my mind my level of ass-ness fell within what I perceived as the norm for a high school student.
BK – This might also be a myth of my own creation.
By Scott Berkey
Yes, a live review. As I write this I am listening to my CD (Compact Disc for our younger readers. – Ed 2019) of the Wilburys for the 1st time. Hmmm, not bad. Not very original though. Opening the album with the first single to be released. This had better be good. We’ve got Dylan, George, Jeff Lynne, Tom P., and Roy “The Boy,” my sentimental favorite. I guess his death puts a damper on the tour. “Handle with Care” sounds like it could be a track off Harrison’s “Cloud Nine.” I think that’s a compliment. I got the headphones and the speakers going at the same time. Gives you better highs, and more depth. Hey, I’m having a good time and the second song’s just starting. Oh, no, it’s Dylan. Who taught this guy to sing? This is good. “Dirty World” is one of those subtle songs that the fundamentalist will never notice, but it’s got as much meat as the most blatant heavy metal lyrics. Ooh, I almost forgot an important part: the album cover. Not much there, Back to the music. Wait what’s this “Beware Pirated Compact Discs Damage Your Equipment. Buy Only Genuine Wilbury Records Compact Discs.” Not Bad.
Continue reading
By Alex P. Laslow
Turning eighteen is a big deal to almost everyone. Turning eighteen makes you an “official” adult, and you gain certain privileges along with your adulthood. The privilege most think of first is that in some places the government lets you drink alcohol. As an adult you also have the privilege of the right to vote, but no one seems to really care about voting. In addition, if you happen to be of the male gender, a privileged trip to your local post office is in order. That’s right. It’s time to register for the draft. Why? Just turn on the television set and you’re sure to see the bullshit ads the government runs about registering because it’s the law, and because it’s cool.
Continue reading
By Brendan Kinney
“I needed a haircut for wrestling season, and the only time I had a chance to do it, was in school, during my lunch period.”
Nick Haegele of Randolph Union High School has just received two hour-long detentions, along with Lance Terry (the barber) for the shaving of his head in the bathroom during lunch.
Continue reading
By Matt
Vermont State law requires the possession of liability insurance for all licensed motorists and registered vehicles. A motorist can be fined for not having this minimum liability as prescribed by law. Yet, there is no state mandate of insurance rates or regulations.
The fact that the Vermont state government requires the possession of minimum liability insurance in the amounts of $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage is prime evidence that Vermont state government regards liability insurance as a necessity. Other services regarded by the federal government as necessities – electric power, natural gas, and the postal service all have rates which are regulated by either the local, state, or federal government. So, where do the insurance companies get the privilege to charge a price good for them, with no regard for the public interest nor with Vermont state government regulating rates?
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By Jodi Carmen
Editor’s Note: Jodi C., a senior at Randolph Union High School took time off from her classes to participate in a student organized sit-in at R.U.H.S. on December 2nd, 1988. The following is her solicited interpretation of the days events and repercussions.
“Are you going to this ‘sit in thing?”
“I don’t know. What’s it all about?”
“I’m not sure, something about a teacher hitting a student. I’m just gonna go see what’s up.”
“Well, I’ve got a test so I’ll see ya later.”
“O.K. There are some kids from my second period class going, too, so I won’t be the only one missing. Maybe my teacher will understand.” Continue reading
By Blacken White
Radical, huh, funny label, like hippie, commie, pinko, or even liberal. At one time or another I’ve thought like all of them plus Christian, Buddhist, conservative, capitalist, socialist, and space cadet burnout. And I must say I’ve found all of it vital in gaining new perspective. I’ve partied, fasted, been busted, trusted, beaten and scorned. I’ve had long hair, mohawks, earrings, and moccasins.
But now I’ve reached that age within myself that my direction is becoming clearer. My philosophy and beliefs are starting to show and grow. No longer do I make musicians my Gods. No longer do I act out in a rebellious manner; for I’ve found rebellion is only wasted energy that leads to frustration and hardship for oneself. If you’re going to make it hard on yourself, why not do it in a constructive, rather than destructive, manner. Continue reading
claws and jaws, teeth and claws
the snegul leaves its hole
the world is spinning as its toy
the beast looks like a little boy
the crow calls caw, mouse goes meow
the moon is lunch, the suns dessert
the day is passing, while standing still
the desks are chairs, the chairs are
books the trees are leaves, I hope you do
for as I says, a dog goes moo
Continue reading
By Howard U. Dewin
A tiny red ball shrieked in pain and all the land was dark. A hush tore through the mountains and valley. Silence deafened all who lived. Slowly up from the black waters of the Manoknoc rose the horrible figure of Manubu, his thick green skin and razor sharp spines unseen in the darkling air. Viced in his talons a tiny red ball was past the point of screaming and into the realm of trauma. Continue reading