Wednesday, July 13, 2011

FIRST BLOG

I was raised a devout Southern Baptist in the beautiful town of Jackass Flats (better known as Jacksonville, Florida). Growing up, if the church doors were open, my young ass was in it, no questions asked. Worst of all I bought, lock, stock and barrel all of the dogmatic propaganda that was being shoved into my as yet unformed noggin. In 1965 I finally left home and headed off to the booming metropolis of Tallahassee and Florida State University where I was to spend about a year and a half majoring in staying out of Vietnam. Although I did receive that degree, sic, FSU didn't seem to like the fact that I refused to attend their classes and after the first trimester of 1967 they asked me to get my lazy ass off of their campus. During this time I joined up with two acquaintances (later to become two of the best friends of my life) from high school (Scott Boyer and David Brown) and we formed The Bitter Ind. I guess we were the very first hippies at FSU. We learned everything The Birds, Bob Dylan, The Lovin' Spoonful did along with some Buffalo Springfield, Jefferson Airplane and even one Rolling Stones tune thrown into the mix. While this was happening on a macro level my brain went through a very radical change on a micro level. I started to think for myself for the first time in my life and after several months of serious consideration I got really pissed at all of that crap that had been shoved into me. I went from Christian to atheist at light speed. When you take the time to really think about "God's Word" and then spend even a little time studying the "historic" bible it doesn't take a genius to realize that if one book says "It is by your faith that ye shall be known, not by your actions (from one of "Paul's Epistles)" and another book says "It is by your actions ye shall be known, not by your faith (from James)" then what I had been fed all my life about the "King James" version of the bible being the absolute "word of God" and thus infallible just ain't true (I trust you noticed that both of those passages can't be true, ergo one is false and ergo there is at least one false statement in the bible). I have spent a good deal of the 45+ years since that epiphany studying the real history of the origins and evolution of Christianity and it sure ain't purty. I can't find a single other cause for more suffering, pain and death in the history of the Western World. Now I find myself watching Michelle Bachmann (ya know she really does have a very slim chance) spout that crap and watch people all over this country eat it up. Segue to politics.


I would consider myself a liberal. I know who the three philosophers are that Jefferson used as the basis for the US Constitution (a little test, do you?). For example who wrote, "All men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" (I do know that's from the Declaration, not the Constitution, but the influences are the same). Hint: it wasn't Mr. Jefferson. I have studied some philosophy and will continue to do so until the day I die. I believe it is one of the purposes in my life to learn something new everyday. Now it seems that everyday I read the newspaper (The New York Times, and The Palm Beach Post) or watch CNN, MSNBC or one of the network news shows. Just can't abide more than a couple of minutes of Fox without destroying my TV, 'sides anyone that considers Fox "news" is a big part of the problem I am going to yap about. The art of "fact-checking" seems to have been removed from that arm of the GOP.

My rag today is a very simple one, but I believe is at the root of why we are going down the tubes. I learned in high school that the US government was built on a tripartite system. (if you don't know what that means, go look it up). The other day Obama was doing a "Tweet" conference and he received a tweet from Boehner saying "We gave you all that money now where are the jobs?" (or something to that effect). I was blown away by how Obama let Boehner get away with framing even that simple tweet. First off, "all that money" was a fraction of what Obama asked for and (as we have since learned was needed) 40% of "all of that money" were tax cuts (See the Bush years for what tax cuts do for job growth, BTW I will not go dig up charts, statistics, etc, you can do that yourself, but they fully support the statement that tax cuts do not create jobs). Obama's response to Boehner was some blah, blah about what he has done. He should have used that opportunity and the many others like it to remind us all that he is the President. He is the head of the executive arm of our system. It is not his job to write laws. A very simple response would have been: Mr. Speaker your house has passed exactly 20 bills since its beginning. Not one of these bills have dealt with anything of any real import (three were just bills naming public buildings). It is your job as the legislature to legislate. You did pass an extremely watered down version of the stimulus I asked for soon after taking office. Now as soon as you can put any kind of jobs bill on my desk that makes any sense I will be glad to sign it. Getting it to me is your job, not mine. I will continue to try and set the agenda, but in the end you must take responsibility for congresses lack of action and stop doing all in your power to make me look like bad guy. Are you and your fellow Republicans really prepared to let this country go down the tubes just to make sure I am not re-elected? It sure looks that way to me. I guess the final statement is my personal view and I doubt if Obama really should be quite that in your face, but I do think he had better start teaching the American public a few lessons in basic civics, seems no one else wants to.

111 comments:

  1. Bravo and props to you, Butch--you get as big an ovation for this piece as you do for your musical performances!

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  2. way to go, daddio! i didnt know you were blogging, but this is such a wonderful idea! Congrats!
    wanted to add that--if i remember correctly--adam smith did not endorse this 'right to pursue happiness'. for smith it was the right to private property. but this was too specific/probllematic for jefferson & friends. so it became 'the pursuit of happiness', what ever that means (i guess we should asks fox news to tell us or something).

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  3. ummmm you do know you're just supposed to hit things on time right? And that nobody really cares what you think cause you're just the drummer. Sorry that you're not gregg allman or dickey betts.

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    1. Condescension makes anyone who uses it look like an assh@le

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    2. Good point Dps, condescension is used often by the man with the chip on his shoulder.

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    3. Trucks was a stuck up big mouth fool Not to mention a JackAss Glad he's where he should be Bet he regrets being a 'Proud Atheist' He was by far the least talented member of the ABB Don't'know why they needed his ugly mug Jai was a much better guy & drummer

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    4. Although Butch was not very nice to me when I met him in person, I do think you're being a little over the line attacking a dead guy. Yes, he said many foolish things. Yes, it was rotten that he did it in front of his wife and kid.

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  4. Great blog Butch!

    Don't worry about the trolls, there are a lot of Dickey fans still acting like little pussies after all these years. It's so pathetic but also comedy gold!

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  5. Speaking of Dickey, you guys read where the last couple of shows were total trainwrecks? Dickey is a drunk hasbeen, thank God you made the right decision when you did Butch, else there would either be no Allman Brothers to speak of, or he'd still be embarrassing you guys.

    Hang it up Dickey, your day has passed. Go have another drink.

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    1. Fuck you. You go have another drink. Dickey was the heart and soul of that band (after Duane).

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  6. This blog is pretty self-indulgent don't you think, Claude?

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    1. IDIOT WHAT MAKES U SO SMART??? (IN YOUR OWN EYES)

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  8. How are those Moogis refunds coming?

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  9. Personally, I don't like Dickey or Butch. I think they're both arrogant and self important for different reasons. I care as much about Butch's political views as I do about watching Bill Clinton play sax. Stick to your strengths Butch unless you just want to ass-kissers to drink your Kool-Aid.

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  10. I love Moogis, sure it's not perfect but it's still amazing!

    Love live Moogis and Butch Trucks!

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  11. butch got more replies to his blog already then most people get in a lifetime. that goes to show you how awesome butchie really is.

    keep up the good work butch!!!!!!!!

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    1. BUTCHIE BOY IN HELL RIGHT NOW BEGGING FOR ICE WATER

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    2. You don't know that, even if you claim that you do because of something written in a book somewhere.

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  12. Anonymous, you are one moron, no one cares what people say unless they do..AND it makes sense. Buthch makes perfect sense about the separation of powers, and each's responsibilities. You obviously loved Georgie Porgie, which explains your moronic comments.

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  13. Welcome to the blogosphere, Butch! I love hearing your views. Keep 'em coming.

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  14. Hi Butch,

    I think that while the KJV of the book of James could be misinterpreted, today's standard, the New International Version, is pretty clear that James was articulating that a faith without works is dead. That is completely in line with the rest of the Bible, especially Jesus' sayings and Paul's writings.

    While some of the Christian past is admittedly not pretty, i can think of dozens of examples (Holocaust, Communist Russia and China, etc.) of atrocities that are a little larger in scope.

    Anyway, I'd love to continue this discussion. I hope you continue to seed this blog with your thoughts - there is definitely an audience that will love (and hate! :) ) it all.

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  15. Both parties are failures. They collectively are the best politicians this world has ever seen while simultaneously being the worst leaders. They are only about personal(party) agenda and power... and have very different although equally selfish methods of getting it. Until we accept that neither party is on "we the people" 's side... we'll continue to slip further into the depths of shallow liberty.

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  16. It seems Dickey plays drunk and plays when he can play. After two recent drunk shows, reports were his last show was killer. Betts in top form and when Dickey is playing like that he is one of the best and as we all know his guitar style and song writing is as big a reason as any other for the Allman Brothes being a hit band. Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes are great players but with both Betts and Duane gone, the front line really doesn't sound like the classic Allman Brothers sound. Couple that with the fact that Gregg isn't as good as he was back in the 70's, Jaimoe doesn't seem to have any engergy now and no real song writing on the level of Whipping Post, Dreams, Blue Sky, Jessica, Liz Reed, Midnight Rider etc, the Allman Brothers aren't that interesting to me anymore but I do think when I see them now, the playing is very good. It's just a different band. Butch here is the only original member that still has the energy and chops that I remember from the original line up when ALL SIX of them could laid you out in a New York minute with incredible playing and creative power. Also I think their high water mark for being close to the original was in the early 90's. Everybody was hot including Betts and Betts and Haynes were writing some fine songs which kept the band fresh. But I guess Betts eventually messed all that up. If you can believe the rumors, he was not only drunk and on drugs often,(but in the early 90's Gregg was too) but unlike Gregg, Betts was mean to the other members at times. Pulled a knife on Allen Woody, punched Butch in the nose etc. I'm not sure if any of that is true BTW. But I did read an interview Gregg Allman did in the spring to promote his new solo album and the subject of Betts did come up and I've got it printed right here "Dickey loves to fight. We sobered up and just got sick of it". But Gregg must miss Betts just a little as he also said "I thougth I might hear from him after my surgery but so far not a word". Maybe Betts is so out of it he doesn't know that brother Gregg has a new liver.

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  17. This is an excellent piece, Butch. Your world view is certainly something we should at least take into consideration if not embrace wholly. Consider me a follower and subscriber!

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  18. the people are beginning to realize what the republican party stands for. they will never win the next election, they are too divided now anyway, with the majority gop afraid of the crazy gop.

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  19. Instead of folding tent and moving to France, apparently Butch will stay in U.S. and fix our problems.

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  20. I don't think people should start the Butch and the band vs. Dickey thing with the blame and fingerpointing. The band laid out conditions for him to accept if he was to return. He declined. They offerred an olive branch peace offerring for the 40th band anniversary show, Dickey declined to attend. Whatever reconciliation occurs had to happen from dialogue between all of them. All the stuff that happened is water under bridge. Blame and finger pointing accomplish nothing. None of it can be changed, the future is what is possible and that's what people need to look at in the context of any reconciliation.

    With regard to politics, I will say that France is not a safe place to go to in the near future due to the situations in Pakistan and other Muslim countries, and France's basically banning Muslims from their country, via the headscarf ban that the women wear. France said Muslims do not represent French culture and values, so they are making it impossible for them to live there in accordance with their religion. There have been vows of retaliation coming to France for their decision in this matter.

    I am sorry to hear that Butch is an atheist because we truly are in a Holy War, and it is not even a war of Islam vs. Christianity and Judaism, it is a war of Satan vs. everybody else. The war with Islam is just a visible sign that there is a war going on. All the political events occuring were prophecied (in Islam and some are in the Bible) to occur in the times before Judgement Day. The Bible is hard to understand and has contradictions, but all religions have deviated. Islam tells you there are 71 false sects of Judaism, 72 false sects in Christianity and 73 in Islam. There is only one God and he is fed up with a lot of things and will abolish ALL religions and establish only his laws, prior to that the anti-Christ will rise and seek to deceive and enslave the world. I know this to be so, not just from my faith, but also watching world events occurring that were prophecied 1400 years ago happening.

    One example is the financial situation in our country. The dollar will go down, the IMF will tell us to ally with Britain, UK, France, Germany. That is the beginning of the one world currency, foretold prophetically in "no one will be able to buy or sell unless he has the mark of the beast on his hand or forehead".

    For people to not be able to buy anything or sell anything, a one world currency system needs to be in place, controlled by one entity or group, otherwise you could go to another country, trade in US dollars and get their currency and buy or sell what you want. If it is one currency, controlled by one govt. or group who demands you take an oath to the leader, bam, you are stopped in your tracks. You either give up your soul to Satan, probably get barcoded on your hand or head or you don't get any food or things you need. You can't pay your bills, mortgage, rent etc. You simply can't survive.

    All the changes that have taken place here, private militias being able to be unleashed on the streets at the behest of the President for an emergency he declares. Where are the rights of the people, or their representatives, Congress doesn't have to vote on it.

    Slowly, calculatingly, your rights as a free person are being taken away, and it is all part of the grand design of world enslavement and subjugation. God will be the only one who can change that, and he will. Therefore, he exists, and as time goes by, I hope Butch will start to recognize this.

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    1. You're a jerk; no war is Holy. GTFO with that.

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  21. I love you Butch and so does God. Your genius as a musician is indisputable.

    But your politics are WAY wrong....

    You did benefit(s) for Jimmy Carter
    A one term president that may have been the worst ever (lost 49 states in his bid for re-election) until now....

    You did benefit for Obama who actually makes Carter look much better.

    YOU CAN'T SPEND BUY YOUR WAY OUT OF DEBT!

    Now you certainly may qualify for a position at the NY Times with those creative excerpts from the Bible. Problem is you didn't put the whole verse in from the book of James and left out some real important context leading to that particular "partial" scripture you posted.

    James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

    You left out the word ONLY Butch. That's the kind of Bloggin they like at the NY Time and CNN. I expect you will be getting some offers.

    Instead of telling your readers to look it up themselves I will post the context for you and them. James is explaining that True faith will always lead to good works. You know Faith without works is dead.

    So I hate to disappoint you but you did not find a false statement in the bible in that verse.

    James 2

    22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

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    1. Butch died last night in West Palm Beach.. I wish he had taken this comment at face value and searched for himself, but I highly doubt it

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    2. Butch committed suicide by shooting himself in the head, over money.

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  22. I kept waiting for him to tell me something about history that I didn't know. No reference material was needed. I guess his degree wasn't in history.

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  23. Love your playing, but you need to stick to music. I agree with most of what you say in this piece, but you aren't as smart as you think you are. Thomas Jefferson was actually the person who came up with "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." John Locke, the person you allude to, wrote the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of land." This blog reads to me like person with intellectual pretensions who is insecure about his intelligence, and has to throw his knowledge around.

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  24. Pretty profound for an effin' drummer.

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  25. Are you trying to fix the world's politics because your boycott of the Black Keys went so well?

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  26. I believe in God and I also believe Butch Trucks is the least important member of the Allman Brothers. How many helper drummers do you need Butchie?

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  27. Gina, I love you, are you married?...I am..but I still love you

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  28. Standard Left Wing talking points and blame game. The only thing missing was the obligatory it’s Bush’s fault. SSDL Same Shit Different Liberal I do applaud the honesty behind the facts be damned approach.

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  29. Nice 1st blog Butch, some interesting comments in there.

    Unfortunately, unlike God, Conservatives, and fans of Dickey Betts, you'll never be able to reach that bar of infallibility that they've set for you.

    But keep learning something everyday is a great way to live life. Looking forward to the next entry. Keep on Truckin'....

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  30. They don't call themselves Dickheads for nothing...

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  31. The problem with the government is not the dems or republicans, it is the supreme court giving corporations the same rights as citizens and allowed unchecked flow of bribes to congress and beyond.

    There is a movement to get a constitutional amendment that states that people are citizens, not corporations. That is the only way to stop the unchecked flow of cash to washington that is corrupting our gov't.

    Get behind it.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kHACjrdEY

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  32. Hope your dad doesn't get to read how bad your life was. The people that live in Jacksonville might not care for your remarks about their hometown. Trusting in God and the Bible take faith, not brains.

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  33. Thanks for the laughs, Butch. It's is amazing to know there is someone as pretentious and arrogant as you. Combine those traits with ignorance and cluelessness and they add up to one giant horse's ass as you've proven yourself to be over and over and over. I suppose only narcism could explain why you would actually call attention to yourself and reveal what a totally deranged fool you are.

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  34. I am a flaming homosexual, so my love for Butch Trucks goes far beyond what you might expect from even the biggest fan.

    Love you Butchie!

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  35. Really glad to read your thoughts and find them not too different from my own. Don't let the comments that stir crap from the bottom of the pond get to you.

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  36. The folks at North Jacksonville Baptist Church are coming to get you, for reprogramming You have lost your way!!!!

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  37. Hi Everyone!

    I'm the forum administrator over on the official Allman Brothers website, and we are monitoring these comments very closely! We can have you banned or even arrested, and we have your IP address and email. Please watch your behavior here or will have to take further action.

    Thanks!

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  38. And to the guy who talked about Muslim in France....what BS. The ban is on coverings of the face, not on the head scarf/hijab. Only a tiny number of Muslims anywhere require or choose the face veil and it is in no way a requirement of their religious practice. If this ban keeps the more radical from moving there, I don't see that as a problem and I doubt the moderate Muslims do either. The average Muslim thinks the same way about the violent Muslims that I think of white supremacy activists. There has not been a big surge in violence in France since the ban. Like many things going on here, it's insignificant theater not real change of substance.

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  39. I will say this about politics , there are 535 self serving people that have continued to screw the general population. Senate, House ,Supreme Court. If their retirement was based on Social Security it would be fixed. Medicare et al etcetera it would be fixed. Term limits anyone? 12 years full retirement please. New Deal money didn't work didn't get the US out of the Depression , WWII did. Remember it was paid for by choice not taxed. Blackstone was one book founders all knew. Gonna need refresher for brain cells.
    Butch good book for you to read, Misquoting Jesus. It is a book dealing with errors in the Bible, and how they got there. How it is translated. Interesting.

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  40. Thanks Butch! Would love to see the whole band get their own blogs!

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  41. it's ironic, i read this blog and then the comments from the the so-called "fans" on the HTW site and the only assholes i see are at HTW website.

    butch didnt ask you to read his blog did he???

    get over it you nasty people, it was a group decision over 10 years ago. dickey is a fucking drunk hasbeen now anyhow.

    thanks Butch!

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  42. Your politics is way off, Obama is a puppet and I am sorry for you.

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  43. As most Americans Butch is blinded by the Dem vs. GOP bull that is plasterd all over not only FOX but CNN, MSNBC and the rest of them. Wake up it's all hype to keep your attention while the ultra rich and big bussiness a long with the world banks do as they please. They get richer and we keep giving not only our hard earned money but also our constitutional rights.

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  44. Oh but I bet you Mr. Anonymous are not blinded? You got xray vision too, you can see titties thru a blouse can you?

    How can I have your special powers? Is it from all the buttsecks?

    Moron.

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  45. Love your music and your politics keep it up. I managed to go to FSU and end up in the military (although not in that order) and I know you won't remember but we met many MANY years ago in Pam Law's Music History Class at TCC. I certainly do remember. Take care.

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  46. Right on Butch...I remember old Fla and all of the good, bad and in-between differences...seems most of us came out with a decent world view. The problems that currently plague us are the same ones that follow us through time, every now and then we get a spark of genius and rise above it. It ain't over yet, and the crazy will subside...it usually does. Keep on drumming, eventually more people will be able to pick up your beat in all of it's complexities or shear simple measure...

    All this Dicky Betts bashing is disgusting...leave the man alone, hopefully he will come to terms with his own life's issues, everyone else just STFU. I was 12-13 years old and saw who I am only certain at this point in time, a young Dicky Betts play at the MadBch Surfer's club (the original club house on the beach) for a non-public appearance, I only got in cause my older sister did hand-made zig-zag T-shirts designs for the rebel children...back to the guitar man... I had never heard anything like it prior, incredible blend...At any rate leave the guy alone, who are we to judge anyhow...What have any of you finger pointers created out of thin air?

    As pissed off at the boomer generation as I have become in our indifference and failure, I still know it was an unprecedented time of musical renaissance we will likely not see again for some time, just listening to some Otis or any other category of period music, it is still magic. It was a time of many old and new ideas all coming together at one time. Unfortunately we allowed the corporate structures to dominate our futures, their wealth and power to compromise our ideas and positions...Fear, greed , hate and anger are no way to go through this life. They still don't get it...

    peace out,

    BenMerc

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  47. The reason conservatism and religion go hand in hand in this country is that they are both simple explanations for very complicated or confusing issues. For simple-minded people. That's why it's so easy for them to regurgitate what they hear on FoxNews or Rush's show here in these comments. Think about it.

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  48. Right on Butch...most of these right-wing bible thumpers have never thought about much of anything...but their myopic views.Ignorance is excusable,moronicness is not.
    christians typically think they know all the answers and are always right....well F them. Respect my Spiritual views.PERIOD

    And: this country was founded on freedom & liberty,traits the Brothers still live by.

    Peace & Joy (and sympathy for the right-wing nuts...go vote for Bachmann foos).
    OBAMA : 4 more years!

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  49. Hey Butch,
    Its great to see a renowned musician take a stand politically. We need more folks from the R&R entertainment community to step forward as we head to 2012.

    I used the catch you guys (Feb 31st, Tiffany System, or whatever your name was on a given day) at the Kaleidoscope/Changes in Louisville, Kentucky back in the early days. Man, those were great times.

    Caught the ABB in DC at Constitution Hall recently. Great Show, the drum jam "hit the note". 4 drummers....WOW!!!

    What did you think about playing across the street from the Whit House?


    All the best to you and yours

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  50. And that(comments) my friends is how you can read something and not really hear anything.

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  51. Hi Butch, welcome to the world of blogging and the anonymous commenter, pay no attention to them as they lack the guts to place their name on their opinion.

    I enjoyed your first blog it was well written and concise.

    I also wanted to mention that back in the 90's my Dad was in Florida and playing golf one day and he said a couple of guys came up to him and asked if they could play through with him. So he said sure and as they were all golfing he was talking with them and one of them mentioned that they worked mostly at night. I remember him telling me how he thought who works nights and lives in Palm Beach and he said the one guy mentioned they played in a band called the Allman Brothers and that person was you. He loved talking about his day golfing with a few guys from the Allman Brothers and always mentioned Butch the drummer.

    My Dad passed away in 1997 and I must say golfing with you was one of his most enjoyable days.

    Good luck with your blog, I'll read it as you post.

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  52. Well said Butch. You know, I'd like to point out that during the 20th century, white, God-fearing, predominately Christian Europe produced Lenin, Stalin, Franco, Hitler and Mussolini.

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  53. Hi Butch, I'm a huge Allman Brothers fan and I couldnt let the post on FB pass, so thus is why I ended up here, reading your thoughts on politics in general. I'm brazilian, and currently live in Rio de Janeiro. 54 y.o. A few of your sayings really caught my attention and the main one was "Constantly Learning". This is so true. Im an Orthopaedic Surgeon by trade, but recently I bought a Hammond Organ (XK3-c) and started to take lessons in music. Theory, harmony and all that comes with it. Fun as heck, and now Im in a band where the youngest is 16 and the oldests is 34 ! Yeah, we play mostly rock n roll & Blues. Since were regularly scheduled at biker festivals, I started playing for a crowd of 5K people. Im in the process of having the band to play Jessica and Rambling Man.
    Take care and do continue the blog :)
    Cheers
    Soren Lemche, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil

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  54. drummers should drum.

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  55. Awesome! I was expecting a blog about music and experiences that Butch had over the years with one of the best bands of all time. Instead I have to plough through dime-store philosophy and polemic political garbage. Butch, you're a drummer. Do us all a favor. STFU and play.

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  56. Good to see you getting the word out!

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  57. Hey Butch.......I like your political views! To all the Narrow Minded Right Wing Hillbillies that are trying Fuck the country up with there Teabag Bullshit can........... Fuck Off!

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  58. You are a very intelligent man! You should quit music and run for office! I enjoy reading your posts!

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  59. Why waste your time making snarky comments? Anyone hear of free speech? Get over yourselves or start a blog. Otherwise no one cares what you think. I'm a republican, BUT I can read this blog and consider, ponder, appreciate, argue INTELLIGENTLY and respectfully with mine or anyone's beliefs. That is what separates us from the animals: to be able to think for ourselves and make rational decisions. I love the ABB and everything associated with it. Thanks for sharing Butch.

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  60. Well said Butch. I'm Canadian and have always had a deep fondness for the U.S. and its amazing people. It is time for reasonable Americans to speak up as you have done. I recommend that you read Strauss and Howe's "The Fourth Turning" to see what lies ahead. It's deeply depressing. Also, check out the Burning Platform blog which looks at the Fourth Turning through the lens of Clint Eastwood's movies. The book is a tough read (and I've got a PhD). Also reading it scares me to see what could lie ahead for my friends south of the border, and for here north of the border which seems to be emulating the Bush years.

    Regards,

    John Johnston

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  61. B.H.O. didn't reply to the Boehner tweet as you suggested because he's not as bright as we've all been led to believe. He's the worst kind of elitist. Acts(and believes) he's better than everyone else, when in fact he's not. In some areas he's less than the "common man." Also, if it ain't on a teleprompter, he's going to have struggles in a public speaking setting/forum.

    Bottom line...politicians are politicians. Right, left. Liberal, Conservative. Republican, Democrat. I at least want leadership experience and savviness in my country's leader. B.H.O. had no leadership experience other than leading the people who blindly followed his word as the be all, end all. And he's proven time and time again, he's on the same level of savviness as G.W.B.

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  62. Obama works for the Banksters. Both parties are crashing the system. To blame one party over the other is idiotic at best and very short sighted. Both parties are bankrupting this country and neither are doing the right things that need to be done to get this back on track. So you have to ask yourself, are they crashing the system on purpose? Seems so. BTW, how are those Moogis refunds going? We are still reeling from missing the Wannee shows, too bad for the fans that paid for it and didn't get what they paid for. It seems to be the American way, over promise and under deliver.

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  63. I think the anon-a-pods (anonymous people) ought to distinguish themselves as anonymous1 or anonymout2 or something since they want to preserve their privacy.

    I want to also add to Butch if you give up on religion okay, but don't give up on God because he did not start religion, mankind did that. He just gave the laws and everybody else expanded on that creating their own way of interpreting and implementing them which is why there are all the sects who have deviated from his original guidance.

    As to those who say Butch should just stick to music, well he is a human, in the community of mankind. He lives here with everybody else, so he cannot be immune to how politics and life events effect his world also. He has a brain and should put in his take on things, he may have good ideas to contribute for the betterment of the world.

    (side note to Walkman - lead me not into temptation but thanks for the love).

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  64. I think you should all understand that the repressive attitude that oldcoot/4umad2 takes needs to be stopped. This is the very same fascism that Butch opposes. It's time to take back our country and the HTW web sites from the lesser people like oldcoot/4umad2 and Rowland.

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  65. Butch- This blog of yours is going to make you famous!
    Keep up the good work!

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  66. Really? Shut up and do what you do best, play the drums! All due respect,of course. We are fans of the music, not your opinions. Sorry, you're just not that important.

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  67. @ Anonymous!! You know it's real nice that can sit and pick at someones life what and shortcomings they might have right now. And also disrespect them by calling them by their first name like you know them personally. The Allman brothers would not be what they are today if it wasn't for the influence of Mr Betts. Yes indeed he has a problem. Don't disregard him like he is a nobody!!! Please Mr. Betts, listen to your close friends and get some help!! peace

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  68. I enjoyed reading about how you came to atheism. I actually went atheist in high school after a year at a religous private school. Unlike you I never did the church thing growing up,and I am also 21 years younger than you so it was a different time in terms of culture. I was still taught from a young age about God and Jesus, so it was a difficult process to admit to myself and others that I was in fact, an atheist. I still keep my religous beliefs to myself unless someone presses me, (although I think most people should do that anyway) as it keeps the barnyard peaceful. Please keep this blog up as I am looking forward to reading it regularly.

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  69. Interesting blog...nice to run across you online blogging. Look forward to more of your thoughts, both on the Allman Brothers, as well as politics, literature, and whatever else pops into your head.

    I saw the band a number of times back in the 70's, and still listen to your music today. Great to make some contact.

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  70. Hey Butch I for one am glad you joined reality and left behind fantasy land or what is better known as (The Bible).While other musicians left their roots and went the way of what is popular (God And Guns) you stayed true to who you are. There will always be those that don't understand your stance on politics and religion, but then again they stand for ignorance and hypocritical practices and not themselves. Keep being real and keep being yourself. It rather refreshing. Joe

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  71. EAT A PEACH FOR PEACE!

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  72. Butch do you really think Obama is doing anything for our Country. Ohhh I forgot you moved to the South of France.

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  73. It's a global community. I don't understand why people can't get into the 21st century. Good for you Butch. I would move to the south of France if possible. As for Obama, I don't think anyone who followed Bush Jr. could fix the mess he created in just four years. And now the right wingers are doing nothing to help and making it look like it's the presidents fault. After all, they couldn't admit to their screw ups or they would completely fall apart.

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  74. Hey all! Quick comment on the relevance of Bible history for you. The passages Butch referenced do not conflict, rather, they are both true. It happens many times in the Bible, and life, and confuses the weak. Actions without faith are lame. Actions with faith are most powerful. The truth is round!

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  75. The most interesting reading here has been the comments posted and that I finally get the chance to say to an old entertainer turned political spout. Shut up and play. That's all anyone really wants you to do. Cat.

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  76. ALL the Republicans & Teabaggers want is everything... Idiots.
    I'm not a Democrat either but I have voted that way since casting my FIRST vote AGAINST Nixon. Too bad we have to vote against instead of for something. Leave the religion out... every one of those major religions have killed and tortured countless people throughout history in the name of THEIR god. (I know the quakers don't...) Time for ME to stop.... good work Butch!

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  77. Hey Butch, been an ABB fan since 71 when I found you guys just before Duane crashed while trying to get used to life in a wheelchair from my own. Now i have personal respect I can add to the mix. Thanks again!

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  78. i have never followed a blog before, but i have added you to my favorites. this could be a challenge for you, so i would like to say, please don't stop:)thank-you sooooooooo much for sharing..........

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  79. I really enjoyed your blog. The music of the Allman Brothers Band is great and I am a huge fan of your son Derek! I too was brought up Southern Baptist (played the piano for the church every time the doors opened from the age of 8 to 18.) I've left the dogma behind but still find the music in my conciousness. I think that there is some wisdom in most religious doctrines and real foolishness in all dogma.The universe is so awesome and the workings of Nature so profound that I feel no need to concoct an anthropomorphic diety.You might enjoy reading the Hua Hu Ching by Lao Tzu, my favorite little book.

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  80. To Dogwood Monkey: Derek is Butches nephew. Thought I'd help you out on that. He's my favorite guitarist right now.
    A little quote: "When it comes to God's existence, I'm not an atheist and I'm not agnostic. I'm an acrostic. The whole thing puzzles me."
    - George Carlin-

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  81. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  82. I read the first blog and the second response from you. It's truly amazing how you say what you have from a personal standpoint as well as a spiritual standpoint. Turn your love MY way? Soulshine better than moonshine-on and on.THE LEGENDARY ABBAND IS NEEDING SOME GRACE AND FOREGIVWNESS RIGHT ABOUT NOW. HOPE YOUR PAIN AND JOURNEY BRINGS YOU BACK TO THE PEACE AWAY FROM THE WHIPPING POST SO YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR WAY OF LIVIN OF THIS PAIN AND MISERY. AMAZING COURAGE TO GET IT OUT THERE IN THE OPEN. REAL MEN HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT. I CHALLENGE YOU BROTHER TO GET IT ALL OUT IN THE OPEN TO YOUR BROTHERS IN WRITING PRIVATELY SO THAT THERE IS NO MISCOMMUNICATIN THE GROWTH AND JOURNEY YOU GUYS ARE GOING THROUGH. JUST LIKE YOUR BROTHERS ARE STILL SPEAKING TO YOU FROM THE GRAVE, YOU STILL HAVE THIS AMAZING FOLLOWING FOR DECADES. YOU SEE, I TOO GREW UP ALOT LIKE YOU AND A BROTHER TURNED ME ON THE THE WORDS OF YOUR BAND. THERE'S A SONG THAT YOU AND I WERE EXPOSED TO AT CHURCH AT A VERY YOUNG AGE THAT GOES LIKE THIS:RED AND YELLOW BLACK AND WHITE THEY ARE ALL PRECIOUS IN HIS SITE, JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN OF THE WORLDDDDD." LOVE IS A NOUN THAT MUST BE TURNED INTO A VERB FOR TRUE PEACE TO BE TRULY UNDERSTOOD. TIME IS A TICKIM MY BROTHER. THIS WILL SOUND VERY INTERESTING BUT I THANK JESUS FOR YOUR PAIN CAUSE I ALLOWED ALOT OF CHOICES TO BE MADE AND I'VE BEEN RIGHT WHERE YOU GUYS ARE COMING FROM AND GOING. THERE ARE "NO WASTED WORDS" WHEN SPOKEN IN LOVE MY BROTHER. KEEP GIVIN IT YOUR BEST. SHALOM MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS

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  83. Hey Butch. Enjoy reading your views on religion and politics. I'm agnostic..about atheism too. I can't think of the lady's name now, but a few years ago she posted on the ABB site about roadie Mike Callahan being a good friend and that is Mike laughing after the chant on Black Hearted Woman on the first ABB album. I remember you saying on that site it was Berry Oakely. I told the lady that and she said you are wrong. So I figuered she may be confused and is talking about Pony Boy on Brothers and Sisters where someone laughing is clearly heard at the end on the fade. Had a chance to Email Red Dog before he got too sick to post and he said that is you and Dickey doing an hambone thing at the end and if he remembered correctly, Dickey changed it up on you which cause you to laugh and that is YOU the mic caught laughing.

    Does Mike laugh on any ABB record?

    Bet you're laughing that I'm wondering about this but I still think about that lady insisting that is Mike on Black Hearted Woman and you indicating it was Oakely.

    I too read the interview with Gregg when he was promoting "Low Country Blues" and he said he thought he would hear from Dickey when he had his surgery but so far nothing. And Gregg said that he and other members sobered up and Dickey loves to fight and "we just got sick of it." Then Gregg said he has nothing against Dickey now and wishes Dickey all the best.

    Maybe with Gregg's health situation and Dickey pushing 70 those two can find their friendship again before one or the other passes over. I remember seeing them grap and hug each other often over the years on stage. But you seem to be about the only one of the originals still with us that seems to have the health and energy to do a full summer of ABB shows now. I know you have admitted you were just as bad as Dickey and Gregg with the drugs and drinking but it seems you are still in good shape. Take care and hope you stay healthy.

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  84. Thanks for starting your blog, Butch. As a long time questioner, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on religion. The only place I ever got in trouble growing up was in Sunday School - for asking questions like if Moses was guided by a pillar of smoke at night & a pillar of fire by day, then was god a volcano & how could a volcano have a son. I have since read many books on the origins of religion & find them fascinating. For me, though, I just try to make the world a better place. I find it funny that I am often described as a very good Christian as if only Christians could be good.

    So thanks for the blog & thanks for the music. I'll keep paying attention to both.

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  85. How in the hell the Dems have positioned themselves as the party of the "little" guy all these years is beyond me. By doing so they have suckered people like Butch, who believe they are open minded. Need to look beyond the two parties, get them both to think differently to solve our problems. That's the kind of stuff I would like to read from Butch, not defending our current idiot. The best thing on the site is Duane's quote.

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  86. when the hell are the Allman Brothers band going to bring some new music out??? It has been 8 years

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  87. Love IT! This one is a much better to read than the first. Thank You and keep'em Comming.

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  88. such bravery from Anonymous posters.!

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  89. I am so excited you've started this Butch, I know how frustrating it was 10 years ago when all this was new and folks got riled up so fast. This is a whole new community Brother, and we respect what you have to say. Goin' to the Big House next Friday and Sat. in Hotlanta for the TTB at Chastain. Don't know if you heard the interview I did with Derek a few weeks ago, you came up! Revelator is so good! Here's the link if you're interested... http://youtu.be/g3AoYYGDNmA
    Thanks, Andy Preston, a fan since 1969

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  90. Many of us spend time in blogging to share anything to others about what we can do.. This is what i saw here in this blog..



    Used Bucket Trucks

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  91. Well I missed the video. But thanks for the pictures. It was one of several times I saw the original band and there was just something about the original band that no other version has been able to duplicate. Yeah I know you will say it was Duane Allman but whatever it was..was evident in ALL six players. Duane, Gregg, Dickey, Berry, Jaimoe and you!! And the times I saw Ace playing harp with you'all. The band does some hot shows now. I saw some very good shows when Jack Pearson was in the band. The early 90's with Warren and Allen were really good. Probably the best since the original to me as there was some really good NEW ABB songs coming into the sets and albums. The Chuck Leavell/Larmar Williams version was really hot in 1973 but to me, cooled off by 1974 and 75, and the 5 man lineup was fine the three times I saw that in 1972. But there was just some kind of magic, some kind of swagger, swing and energy that all six guys had in the original that makes it the best of ALL the versions of the ABB. Maybe it was Duane's energy and presents that was bleeding into the rest of you guys. I mean I was just listening to Eat a Peach in the car today and the way "Trouble No More" is so perfect. It swings like one of the big bands of the 1940's. I really miss the orignal band and saw it many times. And it is fun looking at all those pictures of those crazy and wild young people at the Atlanta Pop Festival. I have the two disc CD and it is really good. It is hard to believe all those people there (I was one, at Love Valley too) are now old. I'm 66 so I was 26 in Atlanta that summer.

    Glad I can still put Idlewild South, Fillmore East, Eat a Peach and I even like to hear Brothers and Sisters from time to time, on the CD player in the house or in the car. Keeps me young.

    I've always wondered what Brothers and Sisters, which I think is the band's best selling album, would have sounded like if Duane had lived. If Pony Boy had made it on the record, bet Duane would have played the dobro and you may not agree, but I bet Duane would have gone along with Ramblin Man but would have done the middle guitar solo and Dickey the long one at the end. Jessica would have been on it too but no Chuck solo. A Duane solo? Or Dickey then Duane? It would have been a much different song. I'm glad you love Duane Allman Butch!! From the few radio interviews I heard back then with Duane, I could tell he loved his band and that he loved all five of the guys in the band and the roadies too. But who knows, if Duane had lived, the band may have broken up in 1980 or 90. Duane may have wanted to try something different if he had lived.

    Oh do you remember the interview Duane did back then and he claimed that he didn't write Little Martha?!! Duane said Jimi Hendrix wrote it. Duane said he was sleeping in a motel and in his dream Jimi Hendrix walked into the room and went over and turn on the water in the sink and began playing Little Martha on the stream of water that was falling into the sink. Duane said he woke up and picked up a guitar and there was the song. He could have been pulling the guy who was interviewing him's leg:=) I also like the one where the guy tells him it must be hard being on the road all the time and never going home. Berry was there too and answered one question. But Duane said this about never going home. "Gypsy's don't have no home man. I'm at home when I'm with my people. I'm at home right now!".

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  92. You have been part of my life for the better part of 42 years, Mr.Trucks. Publishing a blog seems to be the next logical step in expressing yourself. It also gives many people another venue to learn about your look on life. I look for more of your excursions into the world around us.

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  93. Butch you got an Hour to spear?
    Your comment above "...I went from Christian to atheist at light speed."
    I would love to hear your thoughts on the video via email thewiredjournal at yahoo even a shot simple thumbs up or thumbs down reply would do... Thanks
    Hey Marry Christmas and Shalom!!!

    http://www.storyofthelonerebel.com/1608.html

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  94. Well, now Claude, aka Butch, he killed himself:
    http://www.stereogum.com/1921764/butch-trucks-death-ruled-a-suicide/news/

    Either he got saved when he was a child, when he was growing up in that Baptist home, by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life, or, he is burning in Hellfire with Jerry Garcia and Janis Joplin. The King James Bible is the absolute perfect word of God and there is no contradiction between Paul saying we are saved by faith in Christ alone and James saying people are saved by faith plus works. James was writing to the Tribulation Jewish saints in his Letter and that material does not apply to the born again church age saint. History is broken up into Dispensational periods and in the Old Testament period the people were saved by grace received by faith plus works. In the Church Age period which goes from the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross until the coming pre Tribulation Rapture, we are saved and Eternally Secure by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Then when we born again Christians are raptured out of here as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, the Tribulation period begins and people once again have to have faith plus works to receive God's grace. If you will trust in Jesus Christ and His shed blood atonement alone for eternal life now in the church age you will be forever saved. When the Tribulation happens and the Anti Christ Beast shows up, you will have to keep God's commandments and avoid taking the mark of the beast in order to be saved. Anyone who takes the mark of the beast during the Tribulation will be lost to Hellfire forever. Then when Jesus returns and visibly reigns there is no faith and the people are saved by works, they receive God's grace through obedience to His commandments in the Messianic Age.


    If Claude/Butch trusted in Jesus Christ when he was a child or youth then he was saved and sealed by God the Holy Spirit forever. All of his years in the Allman Brothers rock and roll band was as a back slidden worldly Christian but God will never allow a born again Christian to lose salvation here in the church age and end up in Hell. While Butch was fornicating, boozing, drugging, and drumming away to that Satanic claptrap, he was deep down inside his spirit a saved man. But the price was this: God disciplined him by allowing him to kill himself and commit suicide. The Bible shows that every born again Christian is Once Saved Always saved but if the born again Christian dishonors God and does not repent/confess their sins to Him for close fellowship, they get out of fellowship closeness with God and He will use various methods, sometimes even disciplining them with an early physical death and then He takes them home to Heaven. If Butch was saved he is now in Heaven. A man like the Dalai Lama however is on the way to a burning hellfire because he never trusted in Jesus Christ as God the Son and the only his only Saviour. IF Butch was never saved, if he never trusted in Jesus Christ alone, he is now burning in Hell. To you reader: Trust in Jesus Christ who loved you and died for your sins to pay for your sins, trust in Him alone and be saved.

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  95. Okay, not gonna let this go....

    I think it's fairly disgusting to use someone's suicide as a means to advance a force in this world that desires nothing more than to fleece the gullible of 10% of their income.

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