I live across the street from a veteran's hospital. Every so often a veteran is released from care with nowhere to go and no one to look after them, so they make their way over to Highland Lake. As I have mentioned in earlier writings, my apartment overlooks the front gate of the entire complex, with a view extending to the opposite side of Clairemont Road. When a veteran comes to visit Highland Lake I can see him coming from a mile away. Most of them appear to use the same routine, beginning with a full-out formal solute and addressing their harassee as "Sir." Then, as they stand there jittering, they sound off a not-too-clear sob story about their life with the intention of gaining your spare cash or a ride to somewhere strange, like Stone Mountain. My roommate Ross has had a few encounters with these unfortunate souls. He told me how a man ran up to him outside of the complex and said things like, "Call the police, sir! My legs are on fire!" These guys are harmless for the most part, but for whatever reason they never like to be told to go back to the hospital across the street. When they show up, you know they are truly out there on their own, with nowhere to stay, because they return four or fives days in a row, looking for help.
Two days ago I had a conversation with one of these vets. It was around midnight and by then I had witnessed him confront half a dozen people, pleading with them as he repeatedly showed them his ID. I felt bad because the night before I saw him outside and yelled “Ten hut!” This got a strong reaction from him, like he thought he had just been rescued, and part of me realized I shouldn't be making jokes. I met him outside and talked to him for a while. When I first confronted him, he ran up to me and said, "Don't worry I'm not dangerous. I have schizophrenia, but I take my medicine." Then he shoved his ID in my face, which looked fake. I'm pretty sure the picture was of a younger Japanese-American man. I gave him $3, but I wanted an interview in return. The following are personal statements from Timothy Brady, native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, born in 1960.
Q#1: How do you feel about President George Bush's performance? Approve/Disapprove.
A: Disapprove. My father is a veteran, and he told me Bush is not rotating the soldiers properly. I'm just giving you the opinion of an honest man.
Q#2: How do you feel the operation in Iraq is progressing? Well/ Fairly Well/ Not Well
A: Well. I say, kill all the bastards. Can't let any terrorists live.
Q#3: Which presidential candidate will you support?
A: McCain
Q#4: When our country votes for a President, what do you think the major issue will be?
A: For American people, I think the most important thing is to defend our country. Really, it could be anything though because all politicians are crooked.
Q#5: In your opinion, do you think America is ready to have a female/black president?
A: They killed Dr. K. They killed Malcolm X. If Obama is president they are gonna kill him. Really the government will do anything because they gotta make money. That reminds me of this old Bob Dylan song, "War pigs leave the fighting to the poor."
Q#6: Do you think the primaries go on for too long?
A: Way too long.
Q#7: Do you tend to be Pro Life or Pro Choice?
A: Pro Life. Everybody should have the chance to live. These ladies who throw their babies in a dumpster should just take them to a hospital.
Q#8: Do you feel the internet should have more censorship?
A: I don't know nothing about computers. A good hacker will get in there though. They can do anything on the internet. I don't even know how to turn a computer on. I tried using Yahoo once but it was going way too fast. I can't even spell Yahoo.
Q#9: How do you feel about the way Michael Vick was punished? Too Harsh/ Not Harsh Enough/ Just Right.
A: They took away most of his salary. I think that was enough. One thing is for sure: he gonna run. Though you know the name of my favorite QB? Tom Brady. He can really throw, though I'm no kin to him.
Q#10: Is there anything else you want to tell me?
A: I just want to say everybody has sins. The devil puts these sexual ideas in my head, but I pray for them to stop. Don't worry though. My niece's granddaddy died, but I won't tell her.
Wow. That was awesome. I don't know its true to not but that's the magic isn't it. I want it to be true. What an interesting person.
Posted by: Naimul at July 3, 2008 11:38 AMyeah man. the problem was I didn't do a very good job of writing down everything he said and I was too busy at the time to embellish for him. part of me had to be on guard for a monkey bite attack! I like this Man On The Street interview approach though. Also, I've been finding lots of awesome shit on Tom Green Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79jSzKA0L8