Rastaman on the Statehouse Floor

"I am not a politician... I only suffer the consequences." Peter Tosh

January 4th happens to be my birthday. Some birthday events through the years become memorable,like when my mom held my 10th birthday party in a Downtown Hartford Italian Restaurant known to be a hangout for Hartford's bigwigs,The Mayor of Hartford was a guest at that birthday party. There have been birthday events in my later years have been noteworthy for various reasons as well.

Many other birthdays pass by as unspectacular and as mundane as any other day.

In the mid 90's I was living in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver Colorado. My play Malcolm X Meet Peter Tosh had finished a successful run at the Mercury Cafe Theater and was preparing to have a continued run at the Bug Theater. In addition,I was in the process of writing my second play,I Edgar Hoover.

..Had a morning routine of making breakfast,then going over to the coffee shop located in the natural food store called Alfalfa's (A Whole Foods resides there now)

At Alfalfa's, in addition to enjoying the morning coffee there,I'd engage in various topical conversations with assorted "regulars" who would also gather there before I'd head back to my Capitol Hill apartment to smoke copious amounts of marijuana before getting on with the rest of the day.

My birthday was no different except I had nothing scheduled for the day. Perfect time so I thought to pack a couple buds,my pipe,head towards Colfax Avenue and "let the wind take me where it will"

At the Mercury's run of my play,I portrayed the character of Peter Tosh. Tosh,like many Rastas was often seen in a military camouflaged jacket with one's head adorned with a tam featuring the Rasta colors of Red,Gold,and Green. I was often seen in the same attire,and that was the case when I began my walk towards Colfax.

Initially,I thought maybe I'd end up browsing the aisles at Capitol Hill Books or maybe see what interesting vinyl may be found at Jerry's Record Exchange,besides there was always an interesting side show on Colfax Avenue day or night.

Instead,I ended up at the Colorado State Capitol to visit my friend Penn Pfiffner.

Penn was a State Representative representing portions of Lakewood Colorado,a suburb of Denver.Before serving in the Colorado House,Penn had been Chairman of the Colorado Libertarian Party. Because of the demographics of the district and the difficulties involved in mounting a third party campaign,Penn ran and won running as a Republican.

Back in 1987,Penn and I were roommates at a Seattle hotel as we were both attending the Libertarian National Convention where a Presidential candidate was to be chosen. Penn was there as a supporter of former Texas Congressman Ron Paul, I was there as a supporter of American Indian Movement activist Russell Means.Penn would attend all the convention events wearing suit and tie. I would be in more casual wear. Penn would attend the various workshops focused on economics while I'd be hanging in marijuana filled rooms with the likes of Karl Hess,Robert Anton Wilson and Dr.Demento When the formal events ended for the evening,Penn would retire to his hotel room as to get an early start to the next day's sessions. Me?? I had to hope I didn't disturb Penn too much when I'd stumble into the room at 3 or 4 am after getting a healthy dose of Seattle's nightlfe.

Later I'd tell Penn there's a reason he ended up as a legislator and me a writer..

I didn't expect Penn to be in his office when I wandered into the Capitol,but there he was.

As we chatted,I wondered if could detect the sweet,dank aroma coming from my pocket. I could,but if he did,he certainly didn't say anything. He had previously attended Malcolm X Meet Peter Tosh and I recalled him exclaiming with a wide smile how it was the best show he had seen in years.

I did not expect what came next. Penn invited me to come with him on the floor of the Colorado Statehouse!

As we entered,I half jokingly said to Penn "Appearing with me like this could end your political career"

Undaunted,Penn introduced me to the various legislators on the floor,and recommended to them that they attend my play.

The next time Penn ran for re-election,he was challenged in a primary by another Republican and lost.

On the Statehouse floor was a State Rep from Southern Colorado known for his activity with "Religious Right" and militia groups.

As Penn was raving about my work and as I glanced at this other Representative,the words of Bob Marley came to mind..

"Soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionary"