http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/internet-trolls-may-be-trained-government-agents-according-to-leaked-document/
When I began drawing anti-establishment and anti-Federal Reserve cartoons, I almost immediately became the target of Internet trolls. When I complained, I was instantly accused of being against 'free speech' because I did not enjoy being libeled. I made a mistake and said hate speech was not free speech when it really isn't allowed on sites such as Facebook. (By hate speech I mean trolls calling for the death of human beings based on race and religion). By mistake, I mean I failed to qualify it as pertaining to being on social media. Hate speech is precious to many and any criticism of it automatically brings on attacks and accusations to anyone challenging it. I am for free speech and hate speech is legal in America. Regardless, the damage was done and I can't unring that bell.
When countless dopplegängers were set up on social media to impersonate me in order to make me appear as a racist nut job, I complained and wondered if it could be government operatives. When I said that, the trolls gushed howling gales of laughter and accused me of being 'paranoid.' In fact, no matter what I did or didn't do, I was vilified, ridiculed, smeared and libeled. Every cartoon I've drawn has been vandalized and turned into anti-Semitism and racism. My business was targeted. So was my family. Even my fine art was attacked. Hate mail continues to pour in whether I draw new cartoons or not. I just received one this morning calling me various names. The people sending them usually have anonymous email.
This article may help shed light on what has been happening to me.
Among the core self-identified purposes of JTRIG are two tactics: (1) to inject all sorts of false material onto the internet in order to destroy the reputation of its targets; and (2) to use social sciences and other techniques to manipulate online discourse and activism to generate outcomes it considers desirable. To see how extremist these programs are, just consider the tactics they boast of using to achieve those ends: “false flag operations” (posting material to the internet and falsely attributing it to someone else), fake victim blog posts (pretending to be a victim of the individual whose reputation they want to destroy), and posting “negative information” on various forums. - See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/internet-trolls-may-be-trained-government-agents-according-to-leaked-document/#sthash.FCvAhd57.dpuf
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/02/24/jtrig-manipulation/
Trolls and Internet dissenters love to level the accusation of “CENSORSHIP!” as soon as they are restricted from carrying out their often highly orchestrated opposition to information they would love to suppress from being propagated on the Internet. Don’t fall for this ploy. - See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/internet-trolls-may-be-trained-government-agents-according-to-leaked-document/#sthash.FCvAhd57.dpuf
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Rogue Cartoonist
I got paid from Amazon today. I sold more ebooks than I expected. 38 'free' books were also downloaded by Kindle Unlimited subscribers. I'm fine with that since it helps get the word out.
Inexplicably, my printed book has made a return appearance on Amazon. I'm not sure how, and BookBaby never did answer my questions about why they failed to deliver it as promised in the first place. Apparently they have recently delivered a batch to Amazon, which now has a few copies left in stock. Maybe it was finally printed because I called BookBaby a scam and I shamed them on my blog. I doubt that kind of shaming was the reason, though. More likely, I was put off BookBaby's radar after they got my money and then, four or five months later, they finally got around to printing a few of my books. Who knows.
Even if I do sell a few printed versions, I doubt I'll ever see a dime. BookBaby is notorious for not paying royalties to authors and my royalty is a pittance. At least Amazon gives me a better royalty on the ebook.
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker-ebook/dp/B00XGFI0SK
Inexplicably, my printed book has made a return appearance on Amazon. I'm not sure how, and BookBaby never did answer my questions about why they failed to deliver it as promised in the first place. Apparently they have recently delivered a batch to Amazon, which now has a few copies left in stock. Maybe it was finally printed because I called BookBaby a scam and I shamed them on my blog. I doubt that kind of shaming was the reason, though. More likely, I was put off BookBaby's radar after they got my money and then, four or five months later, they finally got around to printing a few of my books. Who knows.
Even if I do sell a few printed versions, I doubt I'll ever see a dime. BookBaby is notorious for not paying royalties to authors and my royalty is a pittance. At least Amazon gives me a better royalty on the ebook.
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker-ebook/dp/B00XGFI0SK
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Where I stand
I was asked a question today...where do I stand when it comes to anti-Semitism. I've already answered this question many times, but here I go again:
I despise anti-Semitism and racism and I always have. I explain this in some depth in my book "Rogue Cartoonist," which few have read. I am against the Federal Reserve and central bankers. My cartoons lambast corruption based on the deeds of men--NOT their race or religion. Because I do not attack 'the Jews,' many far right-wing and Nazi trolls (Andrew Anglin, 4chan, etc) decided to punish me. They began vandalizing my cartoons and altering them into anti-Semitism and racism. Their hate speech garbage now often trumps my own original work on search engines.
At the very least they've muddied the waters to such a degree that my freedom of speech has been nullified. Each and every cartoon I've drawn has been defaced into libel. Since I'm not a public figure, many have been fooled into believing the libel as being true. It's not true.
I've lost many commercial art clients and my business has suffered. I never had a chance to explain to them my predicament. It's also very embarrassing to have to tell people what has been happening--it's like trying to convince someone that no, I don't beat my wife.
I realize that many Jews got into banking because they had few alternatives. Many trades were closed to Jews around the middle ages and Christians forbade 'usury'...and so Jews began banking in order to survive. I also realize many bankers such as the Rothschilds happened to be Jewish. Again, I denounce deeds...NOT religion and many Jews aren't bankers, but middle class people just trying to make a living.
I worked at several newspapers during my 20 year career as a journalist and I met many very smart, kind Jewish people--including my friend Steve Greenberg who has a very sharp sense of humor. I disagree with a lot of what he pens, but I admire his devotion to his craft. Most of all, I want to assure you that there are plenty of Libertarians out there who are neither racist nor anti-Semitic. We believe that government has grown too large, too dictatorial and too corrupt. We want freedom for ALL--including those of all races and religions.
Libertarians are not uniform in their views. Some are religious and some aren't (I'm not). Some support Israel and some don't. (I do--the last time I heard Israel isn't using 10 year old children to cut off the heads of those with whom they disagree). Some support gay marriage and some don't. (I do). The MSM delight in painting us as bigoted kooks. Regardless, I will continue to speak out against anti-Semitism and racism. I believe all races and creeds need to speak out against statism and in the case of the US., realize that our government has been stolen from us. The government WANTS us divided and if we dare speak out against open corruption we are called names such as 'racist!'
Our government, the media and most of public education are now in the control of global corporations/lobbyists and central bankers. Go against that agenda and expect flak. I've received plenty. I know many disagree with my political views and that's fine. What's not fine is destroying someone's reputation through libel and defamation.--Ben Garrison
I despise anti-Semitism and racism and I always have. I explain this in some depth in my book "Rogue Cartoonist," which few have read. I am against the Federal Reserve and central bankers. My cartoons lambast corruption based on the deeds of men--NOT their race or religion. Because I do not attack 'the Jews,' many far right-wing and Nazi trolls (Andrew Anglin, 4chan, etc) decided to punish me. They began vandalizing my cartoons and altering them into anti-Semitism and racism. Their hate speech garbage now often trumps my own original work on search engines.
At the very least they've muddied the waters to such a degree that my freedom of speech has been nullified. Each and every cartoon I've drawn has been defaced into libel. Since I'm not a public figure, many have been fooled into believing the libel as being true. It's not true.
I've lost many commercial art clients and my business has suffered. I never had a chance to explain to them my predicament. It's also very embarrassing to have to tell people what has been happening--it's like trying to convince someone that no, I don't beat my wife.
I realize that many Jews got into banking because they had few alternatives. Many trades were closed to Jews around the middle ages and Christians forbade 'usury'...and so Jews began banking in order to survive. I also realize many bankers such as the Rothschilds happened to be Jewish. Again, I denounce deeds...NOT religion and many Jews aren't bankers, but middle class people just trying to make a living.
I worked at several newspapers during my 20 year career as a journalist and I met many very smart, kind Jewish people--including my friend Steve Greenberg who has a very sharp sense of humor. I disagree with a lot of what he pens, but I admire his devotion to his craft. Most of all, I want to assure you that there are plenty of Libertarians out there who are neither racist nor anti-Semitic. We believe that government has grown too large, too dictatorial and too corrupt. We want freedom for ALL--including those of all races and religions.
Libertarians are not uniform in their views. Some are religious and some aren't (I'm not). Some support Israel and some don't. (I do--the last time I heard Israel isn't using 10 year old children to cut off the heads of those with whom they disagree). Some support gay marriage and some don't. (I do). The MSM delight in painting us as bigoted kooks. Regardless, I will continue to speak out against anti-Semitism and racism. I believe all races and creeds need to speak out against statism and in the case of the US., realize that our government has been stolen from us. The government WANTS us divided and if we dare speak out against open corruption we are called names such as 'racist!'
Our government, the media and most of public education are now in the control of global corporations/lobbyists and central bankers. Go against that agenda and expect flak. I've received plenty. I know many disagree with my political views and that's fine. What's not fine is destroying someone's reputation through libel and defamation.--Ben Garrison
The Federal Reserve Is A Cartel And The Economic Recovery Is An Illusion
When it read G. Edward Griffin's book years ago, it really opened my eyes. All Americans need to read it. ("The Creature from Jekyll Island").
The banks have become the government. Remember folks, the government is NOT the country! The government tries to tell us that we're not 'patriotic' if we oppose the government, but the opposite is true. --BG
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
GREECE IS NOW A GERMAN COLONY
Will the Greek people revolt? It remains to be seen...
They just gave away their democracy to the central banksters. NOW...the EU can strip bank accounts, seize infrastructure, raise taxes, pare down pensions and impose slave-like austerity on the people. They owed the banks money, after all! Shame on them! Oh wait--what happened when the elite banks THEMSELVES got into trouble? Oh well...we taxpayers had to bail THEM out to the tune of $16 trillion. It's a double standard.
Also, the debt problem isn’t going away. It’s still there. The Greeks got ZERO in concessions! Sort of like Obama’s deal with Iran. He gave them the store and got nothing in return.
Please, Greek people...start rioting. Don't take this coup by the 1/10th of 1 percent who own and control nearly everything...now they want to turn you into their slaves. STAND UP! REVOLT!
Oh--by the way, this will soon be coming to America, too.
Abe Lincoln: What They WON'T Teach in School
The real Lincoln wanted power and money. He was controlled by big railroad money. He was a racist and a tyrant. He marked the point where states' rights were usurped by a strong, central government. Lincoln led the country away from Jeffersonian principles and toward empire. He also caused at least 600,000 Americans to die.
Monday, July 06, 2015
Political Compass
Here's my political compass. Some may say after looking at it that I'm not really a libertarian. They can think whatever they want--that's their prerogative. Many libertarians disagree on some of the issues listed in the test. For example, I for one do not condone spanking children. I also don't like abortion, but it's folly to pass laws to stop it.
I'm surprised my dot wasn't closer to the bottom center, but so be it. It's just a test and it has its limitations.
UPDATE: Someone told me the above test tends to make libertarians look more right wing and authoritarian than they are. So here is a better, more accurate test:
http://www.gotoquiz.com/politics/political-spectrum-quiz.html
My results:
I'm surprised my dot wasn't closer to the bottom center, but so be it. It's just a test and it has its limitations.
UPDATE: Someone told me the above test tends to make libertarians look more right wing and authoritarian than they are. So here is a better, more accurate test:
http://www.gotoquiz.com/politics/political-spectrum-quiz.html
My results:
Friday, July 03, 2015
Blue Indian Sold
Found out that I sold another painting at my gallery, ArtFusion, in Bigfork. It's the fastest I've ever sold a painting and my congrats to the buyer. I'm currently working on a large painting of a old west poker game--in my cubist style, of course.
Interest is building for my work and I KNOW what I'm doing is good stuff. I'm not bragging...it's just that after a long career as an artist I know what path on which I want to travel. I know. It's too bad this didn't occur when I was 30 instead of now when I'm pushing 60. Regardless, I plan on making use of the time I have left and I will paint some unique visions.
Interest is building for my work and I KNOW what I'm doing is good stuff. I'm not bragging...it's just that after a long career as an artist I know what path on which I want to travel. I know. It's too bad this didn't occur when I was 30 instead of now when I'm pushing 60. Regardless, I plan on making use of the time I have left and I will paint some unique visions.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Saturday Roundup
So. As it turns out, BookBaby wasn't about to print one single on-demand book for me as promised. Amazon has dropped my book because of BookBaby's failure to deliver. Can I get a refund? Unlikely. Nobody at BookBaby knows what's going on. Not even the president. I got the run around....they're all suddenly Sergeant Schulz-like. "We know NOTHINK!" Until I am reimbursed, I will continue to speak out against BookBaby and warn others. There's no excuse for the shabby way my book was treated. I did receive 100 expensive copies up front. I gave almost all of them away for free. I even paid postage to places as far away as Australia and England. The books are now nearly gone. So to all of you who received a copy--you have a rare edition (regardless of the typos and mistakes) because it's unlikely I'll ever print another one.
---------------
Here's a photo taken today at the gallery in Bigfork. ArtFusion has displayed my large painting of a fly fisherman out front and it's generating quite a buzz. Few people in this area have seen such a thing. Mostly they see the usual clichés--realistic landscapes and wildlife paintings. Mine stands out.
I have not drawn a cartoon in over a month. I have the ideas. I have the time. I have the desire. What I don't have is freedom of speech. Whatever I draw is instantly defaced into hate and spread around the Interwebs. My reputation has been ruined as a result and it just makes no sense to draw something that will be seen by a few who like my cartoons while the rest of the world will see the defaced version. Until I can figure out a solution, there's no sense in drawing more cartoons.
---------------------
Finally, I have something to say about the tragic shooting that took place in South Carolina. Before those murders were considered, here is a statement that was made:
"The present situation is so unsettling that it's necessary to have an extreme response."
Do you know who delivered the above quote? See if you can guess. Was it a young man named Dylann Roof who coldly shot down innocent churchgoers? Guess again. It was Andrew Anglin, who runs a silly, but well-read Nazi site that spews hate. Is it any surprise that he and his ilk have had an effect on young, impressionable and ignorant minds?
Anglin instantly started back peddling as fast as he could to avoid any blame. Apparently he's now a paragon of peace and understanding. He's suddenly become the Martin Luther King Jr. of white supremacists.
http://splcenter.org/blog/2015/06/22/dylann-roof-may-have-been-a-regular-commenter-at-neo-nazi-website-the-daily-stormer/
And yet he has published statements such as "Gas the kikes, race war now!" and he has affixed my name to such shameful slogans. He publishes vicious and disgusting A. Wyatt Mann cartoons calling for race hatred--and he puts MY name on them. It's libel and it's actionable. It's too bad I can't get a lawyer interested in going after him. Why? Because he's also a broke loser.
Andrew is an Internet troll. Trolls stir up shit and laugh about it. That's their main goal and passion in life. Yet this time Andrew is definitely not laughing about the murders he may have indirectly caused...but since he is a troll he's definitely not about to take any responsiblity whatsoever. Oh no--trolls never take responsibility for their words. They blame others.
Behind it all is his charlatan "Christian" counselor daddy, Greg Anglin. Hey Greg, would Jesus approve of what your son is doing? Your deep pockets fund your son's online hate screeds and trolling. Donations are sent to your office while you claim you have no idea whatsoever what your baby boy is doing. Nosirreebob--you only started the site for your kiddo. You're the daddy troll. You enjoy it and laugh.
You also claim you have no idea what National Socialism is. Hitler who? The fact that your precious offspring has repeatedly pasted my name on disgusting A. Wyatt Mann cartoons that call for race hatred must bring you quite a belly laugh. What your son has done is libel, pure and simple.
You've also funded trips for your kid. You know, the one where he spent a year in the Philippines because he loves to drink and frolic among very, very young filipino girlfriends. You saw nothing wrong with that, either. In fact, you put your stamp of approval on his behavior, didn't you?
So enjoy your creation and make sure you also claim no responsibility for the increasing acceptance of race hatred among young people. The elite at the top love what you and your boy are doing. After all, if the nation is kept divided by race issues, there's less of a chance of all races coming together to fight tyranny and economic slavery. --Ben Garrison
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Here's a photo taken today at the gallery in Bigfork. ArtFusion has displayed my large painting of a fly fisherman out front and it's generating quite a buzz. Few people in this area have seen such a thing. Mostly they see the usual clichés--realistic landscapes and wildlife paintings. Mine stands out.
"Fly Fisherman," available at ArtFusion Contemporary Art Gallery in Bigfork.
------------
I have not drawn a cartoon in over a month. I have the ideas. I have the time. I have the desire. What I don't have is freedom of speech. Whatever I draw is instantly defaced into hate and spread around the Interwebs. My reputation has been ruined as a result and it just makes no sense to draw something that will be seen by a few who like my cartoons while the rest of the world will see the defaced version. Until I can figure out a solution, there's no sense in drawing more cartoons.
---------------------
Finally, I have something to say about the tragic shooting that took place in South Carolina. Before those murders were considered, here is a statement that was made:
"The present situation is so unsettling that it's necessary to have an extreme response."
Do you know who delivered the above quote? See if you can guess. Was it a young man named Dylann Roof who coldly shot down innocent churchgoers? Guess again. It was Andrew Anglin, who runs a silly, but well-read Nazi site that spews hate. Is it any surprise that he and his ilk have had an effect on young, impressionable and ignorant minds?
Anglin instantly started back peddling as fast as he could to avoid any blame. Apparently he's now a paragon of peace and understanding. He's suddenly become the Martin Luther King Jr. of white supremacists.
http://splcenter.org/blog/2015/06/22/dylann-roof-may-have-been-a-regular-commenter-at-neo-nazi-website-the-daily-stormer/
And yet he has published statements such as "Gas the kikes, race war now!" and he has affixed my name to such shameful slogans. He publishes vicious and disgusting A. Wyatt Mann cartoons calling for race hatred--and he puts MY name on them. It's libel and it's actionable. It's too bad I can't get a lawyer interested in going after him. Why? Because he's also a broke loser.
Andrew is an Internet troll. Trolls stir up shit and laugh about it. That's their main goal and passion in life. Yet this time Andrew is definitely not laughing about the murders he may have indirectly caused...but since he is a troll he's definitely not about to take any responsiblity whatsoever. Oh no--trolls never take responsibility for their words. They blame others.
Behind it all is his charlatan "Christian" counselor daddy, Greg Anglin. Hey Greg, would Jesus approve of what your son is doing? Your deep pockets fund your son's online hate screeds and trolling. Donations are sent to your office while you claim you have no idea whatsoever what your baby boy is doing. Nosirreebob--you only started the site for your kiddo. You're the daddy troll. You enjoy it and laugh.
You also claim you have no idea what National Socialism is. Hitler who? The fact that your precious offspring has repeatedly pasted my name on disgusting A. Wyatt Mann cartoons that call for race hatred must bring you quite a belly laugh. What your son has done is libel, pure and simple.
You've also funded trips for your kid. You know, the one where he spent a year in the Philippines because he loves to drink and frolic among very, very young filipino girlfriends. You saw nothing wrong with that, either. In fact, you put your stamp of approval on his behavior, didn't you?
So enjoy your creation and make sure you also claim no responsibility for the increasing acceptance of race hatred among young people. The elite at the top love what you and your boy are doing. After all, if the nation is kept divided by race issues, there's less of a chance of all races coming together to fight tyranny and economic slavery. --Ben Garrison
Sunday, June 14, 2015
bengarrison.com
My website is back up today. It now focuses on my fine art. I've come full circle. I'm now officially a starving artist--a painter. This is what I had expected to be when I was in college.
I have managed to sell quite a few paintings and I have more in the works. My paintings are now sold exclusively at the ArtFusion, the lone contemporary art gallery in BigFork. The other art galleries there basically sell the same old kitsch that has been painted millions of times. Of course, kitsch does sell. Too many people want comfortable, safe clichés and nostalgia. I prefer to take a different path.
http://www.bengarrison.com
I have managed to sell quite a few paintings and I have more in the works. My paintings are now sold exclusively at the ArtFusion, the lone contemporary art gallery in BigFork. The other art galleries there basically sell the same old kitsch that has been painted millions of times. Of course, kitsch does sell. Too many people want comfortable, safe clichés and nostalgia. I prefer to take a different path.
http://www.bengarrison.com
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Blue Indian
Here is my latest painting titled, "Blue Indian." It will soon be at the ArtFusion gallery in Bigfork. Oil on canvas, 18x24. I've seen many cliché paintings of such an Indian--usually painted in ultra realistic style. I took a different tack, but I still wanted to maintain an expression of severity and dignity. I think I accomplished that. The man is from the Blackfoot Indian tribe. I lived among these Indians when I was a kid at a ranch in Blackfoot Idaho.
I met an Indian here in Lakeside recently. He was about my age and had an advanced degree in languages. He spoke many Indian languages fluently including the one used by the local Salish/Kootenai tribes. He spoke to me in that language and it sounded exceptionally beautiful. He said some of the Indian languages had many more words than English. which enabled one to express oneself in subtle ways. The Salish language in particular was very poetic and beautiful. I wish I could speak such a language.
I'm currently working on my next painting and it will be a good one. I'm also considering not drawing any more cartoons since everything I draw is instantly defaced into hatred by trolls. They've succeeded in ruining my online reputation. My cartoons are no longer being taken seriously or reblogged by others since I'm now seen as racist and 'anti-Semitic.' The trolls have won. My business has also been ruined. Nobody is going to hire me based on my name and google searches. My work site, bengarrison.com is currently down and no longer tenable. I'll have to make major changes in order to try to continue to make a living. All because I dared to draw anti-Federal Reserve cartoons. --Ben Garrison
UPDATE: This painting sold very quickly at the ArtFusion gallery in Bigfork. It's the quickest I've ever sold a painting!
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Hate Speech and Dopplegängers
I live in Montana and I know it's freer than a lot of states. I'm also very familiar with 'hate speech' since many trolls around the age of this young man have enjoyed using my name and face to spread their hate--and it went on for years.
http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/05/montana-hate-speech-case#comment_5348331
Is hate speech really 'free' if it destroys the reputations of others and their ability to communicate clearly? Is it free if it threatens lives? I've been told libel and defamation are 'free speech' and that I'm wrong to complain about getting my reputation ruined. I've been told I 'deserved' it because I complained...therefore I'm against free speech. This was the meme they used to keep the hate going.
I'm now known as an 'anti-Semitic' cartoonist thanks to Internet trolls even though I've clearly stated I'm against racism and anti-Semitism. Even a Fox news affiliate said live on air that I was an 'anti-Semitic cartoonist' simply because that's what they heard over and over via hate speech delivered by countless Internet trolls.
I also drew a custom cartoon for an organization whose ideals I support. They were delighted with the cartoon and they were going to use it for their promotional materials. Then later....no. They changed their minds. Why? Because even though they knew I was heavily trolled, they decided they didn't want to be associated with a cartoonist who is thought to be 'anti-Semitic.' It would be a distraction from what they were trying to do. There! My cartoon goes unseen and my free speech has been shut down because of hate speech. That's why I may give up drawing cartoons altogether...what's the point in extending the joke and further ruining my own reputation? In essence, I've been shut up and I've also lost business due to hate speech.
The young man in question is an obvious Internet troll, which is now a sport or a game among many. He probably doesn't hate jews...he was doing it for the 'lulz.' He was doing it because he can. He is being charged with 'hate speech' under Montana law. I'm surprised Montana had such a law and I expect his case to be tossed out of court. What he was posting was completely reprehensible--he calls for the murder of people based on their religion and some find that hilarious. I don't. And if he had been using my face and name to do it (as trolls were doing with regularity) I would have loved to see him brought to justice in my state because that is libel and it would be far easier to try the case in state court.
As it is, he's free to express his hate. It's legal in America. The problem is, too many are now doing it 'anonymously' and they're able to escape any responsibility or accountability. If they said these things out on a street corner, they'd be ignored or countered and humiliated by reason.
Here's the problem with 'anonymous' hate speech: It encourages abuse and more hatred. The constant repetition of death and hate callouses minds and even starts to make such death threats acceptable. They're not acceptable. Hate speech should be considered 'legal,' but it's not 'free' when it cries for the death of human beings based on their race or religion. When someone is killed as the result of hate speech, their free speech is gone forever. What I'd like to see is responsible speech on the Internet. Do you love Hitler and hate jews? Then go ahead and write that, but PUT YOUR OWN NAME ON IT. Very few will do that. So instead of jail time for this young man, instead let's make him accountable for what he is saying and make sure people know HE is the one behind it. Right now a lot of these young people enjoy online anonymity and they've lost their sense of decency because of it. They have no shame. It's anything goes and they push the envelope because they think free speech is also absolute free speech.
Absolute free speech. Sounds great, huh? If allowed, however, be prepared to accept child porn--kids who are abused and scarred for life. Be prepared to accept anonymous trolls who torment grieving parents whose kid has just died. Be prepared to accept online snuff films. Be prepared for people posting grisly auto wreck scenes featuring horrific photos of someone's dead loved one. (That has happened). Be prepared to accept someone calling for YOUR death and torment you and your family because you happen to be a targeted race, religion or have a different sexual preference. Be prepared to have your online reputation completely ruined by libel. Be prepared to have your business attacked. Be prepared for people changing your work and your words and into hate. (Happened to me--they've even edited podcast interviews so that I sound like a Nazi). This kind of hate speech has spread to social media--Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and so forth. The anonymous trolls do not own these sites, but the abuse there is increasing daily and sites such as Facebook have a bad track record of enforcing their own stated community standards.
America has long since tolerated hate speech as the price for free speech and the haters were easily ignored. But now, due to the internet, the unheard and the powerless have access to a giant megaphone that is used to make their repeated and very loud cries for murder. Again, they will usually NOT attach their own names to their hate, nor will they pony up their own dime to pay for their own website as a means to spew hate still further. Instead they use free social media and when hate is repeated constantly, impressionable minds start to believe it. (Think of Nazi Germany).
Removing hate speech from social media is not violating free speech. In fact, it's a way of PROTECTING the real free speech of REAL people. If we don't police this ourselves, look for big government to step in and shut down all free speech on the internet. They will use the out of control hate speech as one of their excuses. --Ben Garrison
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Additional:
Quinn Norton is a marvelously talented writer who penned this response to David Blumenstein's cartoon. If only I could write half as well...she uses the word 'dopplegänger,' which is extremely appropriate. It reminds me of a 'Twilight Zone' episode in which a woman is haunted by a dopplegänger who looks just like her, but has mischievous and even malevolent intent. David has done a lot to help me finally tame my dopplegänger.
https://medium.com/@quinnnorton/4chan-tells-is-very-little-about-ben-garrison-but-it-tells-us-a-lot-about-the-net-bf3b75ccbc54
http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/05/montana-hate-speech-case#comment_5348331
Is hate speech really 'free' if it destroys the reputations of others and their ability to communicate clearly? Is it free if it threatens lives? I've been told libel and defamation are 'free speech' and that I'm wrong to complain about getting my reputation ruined. I've been told I 'deserved' it because I complained...therefore I'm against free speech. This was the meme they used to keep the hate going.
I'm now known as an 'anti-Semitic' cartoonist thanks to Internet trolls even though I've clearly stated I'm against racism and anti-Semitism. Even a Fox news affiliate said live on air that I was an 'anti-Semitic cartoonist' simply because that's what they heard over and over via hate speech delivered by countless Internet trolls.
I also drew a custom cartoon for an organization whose ideals I support. They were delighted with the cartoon and they were going to use it for their promotional materials. Then later....no. They changed their minds. Why? Because even though they knew I was heavily trolled, they decided they didn't want to be associated with a cartoonist who is thought to be 'anti-Semitic.' It would be a distraction from what they were trying to do. There! My cartoon goes unseen and my free speech has been shut down because of hate speech. That's why I may give up drawing cartoons altogether...what's the point in extending the joke and further ruining my own reputation? In essence, I've been shut up and I've also lost business due to hate speech.
The young man in question is an obvious Internet troll, which is now a sport or a game among many. He probably doesn't hate jews...he was doing it for the 'lulz.' He was doing it because he can. He is being charged with 'hate speech' under Montana law. I'm surprised Montana had such a law and I expect his case to be tossed out of court. What he was posting was completely reprehensible--he calls for the murder of people based on their religion and some find that hilarious. I don't. And if he had been using my face and name to do it (as trolls were doing with regularity) I would have loved to see him brought to justice in my state because that is libel and it would be far easier to try the case in state court.
As it is, he's free to express his hate. It's legal in America. The problem is, too many are now doing it 'anonymously' and they're able to escape any responsibility or accountability. If they said these things out on a street corner, they'd be ignored or countered and humiliated by reason.
Here's the problem with 'anonymous' hate speech: It encourages abuse and more hatred. The constant repetition of death and hate callouses minds and even starts to make such death threats acceptable. They're not acceptable. Hate speech should be considered 'legal,' but it's not 'free' when it cries for the death of human beings based on their race or religion. When someone is killed as the result of hate speech, their free speech is gone forever. What I'd like to see is responsible speech on the Internet. Do you love Hitler and hate jews? Then go ahead and write that, but PUT YOUR OWN NAME ON IT. Very few will do that. So instead of jail time for this young man, instead let's make him accountable for what he is saying and make sure people know HE is the one behind it. Right now a lot of these young people enjoy online anonymity and they've lost their sense of decency because of it. They have no shame. It's anything goes and they push the envelope because they think free speech is also absolute free speech.
Absolute free speech. Sounds great, huh? If allowed, however, be prepared to accept child porn--kids who are abused and scarred for life. Be prepared to accept anonymous trolls who torment grieving parents whose kid has just died. Be prepared to accept online snuff films. Be prepared for people posting grisly auto wreck scenes featuring horrific photos of someone's dead loved one. (That has happened). Be prepared to accept someone calling for YOUR death and torment you and your family because you happen to be a targeted race, religion or have a different sexual preference. Be prepared to have your online reputation completely ruined by libel. Be prepared to have your business attacked. Be prepared for people changing your work and your words and into hate. (Happened to me--they've even edited podcast interviews so that I sound like a Nazi). This kind of hate speech has spread to social media--Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and so forth. The anonymous trolls do not own these sites, but the abuse there is increasing daily and sites such as Facebook have a bad track record of enforcing their own stated community standards.
America has long since tolerated hate speech as the price for free speech and the haters were easily ignored. But now, due to the internet, the unheard and the powerless have access to a giant megaphone that is used to make their repeated and very loud cries for murder. Again, they will usually NOT attach their own names to their hate, nor will they pony up their own dime to pay for their own website as a means to spew hate still further. Instead they use free social media and when hate is repeated constantly, impressionable minds start to believe it. (Think of Nazi Germany).
Removing hate speech from social media is not violating free speech. In fact, it's a way of PROTECTING the real free speech of REAL people. If we don't police this ourselves, look for big government to step in and shut down all free speech on the internet. They will use the out of control hate speech as one of their excuses. --Ben Garrison
------
Additional:
Quinn Norton is a marvelously talented writer who penned this response to David Blumenstein's cartoon. If only I could write half as well...she uses the word 'dopplegänger,' which is extremely appropriate. It reminds me of a 'Twilight Zone' episode in which a woman is haunted by a dopplegänger who looks just like her, but has mischievous and even malevolent intent. David has done a lot to help me finally tame my dopplegänger.
https://medium.com/@quinnnorton/4chan-tells-is-very-little-about-ben-garrison-but-it-tells-us-a-lot-about-the-net-bf3b75ccbc54
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVID BLUMENSTEIN!
https://thenib.com/the-internet-s-most-trolled-cartoonist-91a92d9b7585
He has a unique, distinctive and professional style. He uses minimal colors (love the burnt orange) and has a very gregarious and easy to read lettering style. Some friends have already commented that they knew it was me right away. David can capture the essence of someone in a simple manner and that's very difficult to do. His caricatures have a wonderful warmth and charm.
I am flattered and humbled that he spent so much time doing this great cartoon and I'm certain that it will finally put the trolling to an end. I'm very happy about that! There are some very good people out there who have helped me and this is just amazing. I've received a lot of exposure and now most people know the truth. I can finally close the chapter on the trolling and move on.
Thank you, David for your brilliant work!
--Ben Garrison
He has a unique, distinctive and professional style. He uses minimal colors (love the burnt orange) and has a very gregarious and easy to read lettering style. Some friends have already commented that they knew it was me right away. David can capture the essence of someone in a simple manner and that's very difficult to do. His caricatures have a wonderful warmth and charm.
I am flattered and humbled that he spent so much time doing this great cartoon and I'm certain that it will finally put the trolling to an end. I'm very happy about that! There are some very good people out there who have helped me and this is just amazing. I've received a lot of exposure and now most people know the truth. I can finally close the chapter on the trolling and move on.
Thank you, David for your brilliant work!
--Ben Garrison
Sunday, May 31, 2015
I DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH
"I do not consent to a search."
These are words all Americans should memorize.
My son was pulled over by a cop last week when he was driving from North Dakota to Billings. The police started to question him...asking if he had anything to drink (no) and then the cop claimed my son's eyes were 'watery.' At the point the cop wanted to search his car. A cop's imagination is not probable cause. My son had listened to me and wisely told him, "I do not consent to a search." The cop then left. There was no ticket. After all, going 5 mph over the speed limit was hardly worth it. The revenue generator, er, cop, was on a fishing expedition and moved on to snag easier prey.
DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH. Ever. It can never be to your benefit. You do not need to show the cops your 'support' and the cops are NOT your friends. Their job is to find or invent a case and arrest you and get you spending thousands of dollars. That's what it's all about. Again, the cops are out there to arrest you and generate money for their corrupt system. DO NOT TALK TO THEM other than to assert your rights. If you must talk to them, simply say..."Am I free to go?"
https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/558855407589304/
Sometimes this does not work. Watch this video.
https://youtu.be/gyvQ5HkZd3s
The cop got off scot free, of course. No wonder we hear, "No justice, no peace!"
These are words all Americans should memorize.
My son was pulled over by a cop last week when he was driving from North Dakota to Billings. The police started to question him...asking if he had anything to drink (no) and then the cop claimed my son's eyes were 'watery.' At the point the cop wanted to search his car. A cop's imagination is not probable cause. My son had listened to me and wisely told him, "I do not consent to a search." The cop then left. There was no ticket. After all, going 5 mph over the speed limit was hardly worth it. The revenue generator, er, cop, was on a fishing expedition and moved on to snag easier prey.
DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH. Ever. It can never be to your benefit. You do not need to show the cops your 'support' and the cops are NOT your friends. Their job is to find or invent a case and arrest you and get you spending thousands of dollars. That's what it's all about. Again, the cops are out there to arrest you and generate money for their corrupt system. DO NOT TALK TO THEM other than to assert your rights. If you must talk to them, simply say..."Am I free to go?"
https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/558855407589304/
Sometimes this does not work. Watch this video.
https://youtu.be/gyvQ5HkZd3s
The cop got off scot free, of course. No wonder we hear, "No justice, no peace!"
Friday, May 29, 2015
Illustration vs. Fine art
People have often asked the difference between illustration and fine art. Some have said there is no difference at all. I think there is a difference. A big difference. I shall attempt to answer that question here.
But first, an anecdotal story: I once rented a vacation home in Montana. It was chalk full of Montana clichés. A small carved bear hugged the staircase. The house was rustic and came with a wood stove. Well, not really. It was fake--it was propane stove. The more I looked at the place, I realized it was chalk full of fakery. It's what tourists would expect and the landlord delivered. Mostly, it was filled with well-framed prints by a very popular artist here in Montana named Monte Dolack. He has a gallery in Missoula and apparently he's made a good living from what he does.
What he does is produce clichéd illustrations of Montana wildlife and such. He has sold a great many prints. The landlord had one of his framed prints just above the toilet. It featured wild ducks in a bathroom. It was titled "Suburban Refuge." I was forced to look at his painting daily since it was featured above the toilet. Ducks were in a bathtub and toilet. One was stepping on a tube of toothpaste and squeezing out an inordinate amount of toothpaste considering his weight. The bathtub was fixing to overflow. Apparently it did not have the usual drain that prevented that from happening. Logic cannot interfere--the narrative was wild ducks wreaking havoc and the artist had to force the issue.
I began to hate this painting with a passion. So much so that I removed it and put it facing the wall. It represented everything I hate about art.
Of course, Monte is far more successful than I am. He is perhaps the most celebrated artist in Montana. How did he obtain that status? He painted junk that appealed to the masses, that's how. The landlord had several other framed prints throughout the house and I despised each and every one of them. To be sure, he is far more successful than I am and he's apparently well-loved. I'm unknown. So what. I would never trade places with him.
He's an illustrator and not a fine artist, even if many claim that he is. He paints in an unoriginal style and hangs each work on a narrative and then the art is forced to adhere to that story line. Penguins destroying a refrigerator. A cloud in the shape of a buffalo. Trout in a couch. All rendered in minute, granular detail as if quality is measured by detail by the pound. No matter--simply give it a profound title such as 'Landscapes of the Mind' and people will flock to buy it. And they have. I know Monte couldn't care less about my opinion and I'm sure he'd hate my work. No matter. It's fair use and I happen to have chosen him as an example of illustration vs. fine art. His work is illustration because it depends on a 'hook' or story to reel the viewer in. Such narratives sell artwork--especially here in Montana. Fine art rests on its own merits and relies on the input of the onlooker. The viewer has to invest emotional energy into the work seen and that means an emotional connection occurs. The person is engaged at looking at art when this happens. It's fine art.
I'm a long time commercial artist and illustrator so I know these things. I know how to create metaphors that manipulate and teach the viewer about the content. This is useful and illustration does serve an important purpose. I get paid for doing what I do. It's not fine art. I came up with the following table to help further this understanding:
But first, an anecdotal story: I once rented a vacation home in Montana. It was chalk full of Montana clichés. A small carved bear hugged the staircase. The house was rustic and came with a wood stove. Well, not really. It was fake--it was propane stove. The more I looked at the place, I realized it was chalk full of fakery. It's what tourists would expect and the landlord delivered. Mostly, it was filled with well-framed prints by a very popular artist here in Montana named Monte Dolack. He has a gallery in Missoula and apparently he's made a good living from what he does.
What he does is produce clichéd illustrations of Montana wildlife and such. He has sold a great many prints. The landlord had one of his framed prints just above the toilet. It featured wild ducks in a bathroom. It was titled "Suburban Refuge." I was forced to look at his painting daily since it was featured above the toilet. Ducks were in a bathtub and toilet. One was stepping on a tube of toothpaste and squeezing out an inordinate amount of toothpaste considering his weight. The bathtub was fixing to overflow. Apparently it did not have the usual drain that prevented that from happening. Logic cannot interfere--the narrative was wild ducks wreaking havoc and the artist had to force the issue.
I began to hate this painting with a passion. So much so that I removed it and put it facing the wall. It represented everything I hate about art.
Of course, Monte is far more successful than I am. He is perhaps the most celebrated artist in Montana. How did he obtain that status? He painted junk that appealed to the masses, that's how. The landlord had several other framed prints throughout the house and I despised each and every one of them. To be sure, he is far more successful than I am and he's apparently well-loved. I'm unknown. So what. I would never trade places with him.
He's an illustrator and not a fine artist, even if many claim that he is. He paints in an unoriginal style and hangs each work on a narrative and then the art is forced to adhere to that story line. Penguins destroying a refrigerator. A cloud in the shape of a buffalo. Trout in a couch. All rendered in minute, granular detail as if quality is measured by detail by the pound. No matter--simply give it a profound title such as 'Landscapes of the Mind' and people will flock to buy it. And they have. I know Monte couldn't care less about my opinion and I'm sure he'd hate my work. No matter. It's fair use and I happen to have chosen him as an example of illustration vs. fine art. His work is illustration because it depends on a 'hook' or story to reel the viewer in. Such narratives sell artwork--especially here in Montana. Fine art rests on its own merits and relies on the input of the onlooker. The viewer has to invest emotional energy into the work seen and that means an emotional connection occurs. The person is engaged at looking at art when this happens. It's fine art.
I'm a long time commercial artist and illustrator so I know these things. I know how to create metaphors that manipulate and teach the viewer about the content. This is useful and illustration does serve an important purpose. I get paid for doing what I do. It's not fine art. I came up with the following table to help further this understanding:
Of course, I can go on and on about this, but I think anyone who has read this gets the point. Illustration is narrative--left brain and horizontal thinking. Fine art transcends words and description. It stands on it's own merit--it's vertical thinking, which is far more effective at providing the meaning of life. Ducks in a bathtub do not provide the meaning of life.
--Ben Garrison
Prokofiev - Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Flat Major, Op. 10
Prokofiev looked like a Russian businessman, but his music was amazing. This is an early work and it's very short--but it's a work of genius. Prokofiev returned to Russia at the worst possible time....Stalin had taken over and it was a grim time for creative geniuses such as him. (And Shostakovich).
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Daily Reminder: Andrew Anglin is a Little Troll
The fake Nazi scamp is at it again. Andrew Anglin, I mean. Apparently he's published another photo of me in a Nazi uniform (yawn) along with an anti-Semitic hate screed. I guess he's run out of original ideas. No worries...his daddy--Greg Anglin, a professional Christian "counselor," who apparently prefers that his patients are good looking young ladies, will pay his bills when he can't raise enough donations from his hate. His dad has received bad reviews for his work... perhaps because he mostly enjoys toying with people's minds. Like father, like son.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syWHGdCrEgg
Little Andrew is a trolling scallywag--following in his dad's footsteps. He's not a Nazi--that's just the song and dance he puts on in order to raise money through hate. In my book I've exposed him for what he is--he's a professional troll. Seen in this light, he is harmless. (Unlike his dad who messes with people's minds for a living).
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker-ebook/dp/B00XGFI0SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432409542&sr=8-1&keywords=rogue+cartoonist
Enjoy your hate, Andy....now get back to work and earn those shekels...your dad can't be expected to pick up your tab forever.
http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/957991-ben-garrison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syWHGdCrEgg
Little Andrew is a trolling scallywag--following in his dad's footsteps. He's not a Nazi--that's just the song and dance he puts on in order to raise money through hate. In my book I've exposed him for what he is--he's a professional troll. Seen in this light, he is harmless. (Unlike his dad who messes with people's minds for a living).
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker-ebook/dp/B00XGFI0SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432409542&sr=8-1&keywords=rogue+cartoonist
Enjoy your hate, Andy....now get back to work and earn those shekels...your dad can't be expected to pick up your tab forever.
http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/957991-ben-garrison
Here is an earlier message that I posted:
Anglin is a spoiled, immature troll and nothing more. He uses his cartoon Nazi site to attract haters willing to support his troll habit. In other words, he's figured out how to get paid to troll. He knows hate pays. He's admitted that trolling is his passion. He's proud of it...but when Anglin himself is trolled he tosses a tear-filled tantrum. He also fancies himself some sort of journalist, which is laughable and pathetic.
What's even more pathetic is big daddy bankrolls his son's bad behavior. It must be interesting for him, a so-called 'Christian mental health professional,' to sit back and enjoy the psychology of it all. Shame on both of them...but his dad deserves condemnation in particular. There's no way America will EVER embrace that stupid Hitler junk--especially my generation. Our fathers fought in WWII to defeat that bastard. Hitler disdained Christianity and warred with Russia (Soviet Union), and yet Anglin admires Putin. It all makes no sense, but trolls care little about logic and reason. They merely want to stir up hate. Again, it's just trolling and that's all. Anglin is not smart enough for anything else.
End of story. --Ben Garrison
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
interview
http://knowyourmeme.com/blog/interviews/qa-with-ben-garrison
Know your meme dot com just published an interview and I hope it clears the cigar-smokey air a bit more. --Ben
Know your meme dot com just published an interview and I hope it clears the cigar-smokey air a bit more. --Ben
Saturday, May 16, 2015
A Winning Entry
https://libertopiacartoon.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/2015-art-contest-winners-announced/
I think editorial cartoon contests are a great idea. They encourage young people to think about issues and it gives them a venue to display their artistic talent.
Heck, such contests are good for 'old' people such as me, too!
The winning entry: I am supporting Rand Paul here. Yes, I have trepidations and doubts. I like his father much more. I was extremely disappointed when Rand did not endorse his own father, but instead supported Romney.
That said, he still claims he's out to audit the Fed and he's also against the Patriot Act, the NSA and so forth. We'll see if he can carry his father's torch of liberty.
--Ben Garrison
I think editorial cartoon contests are a great idea. They encourage young people to think about issues and it gives them a venue to display their artistic talent.
Heck, such contests are good for 'old' people such as me, too!
The winning entry: I am supporting Rand Paul here. Yes, I have trepidations and doubts. I like his father much more. I was extremely disappointed when Rand did not endorse his own father, but instead supported Romney.
That said, he still claims he's out to audit the Fed and he's also against the Patriot Act, the NSA and so forth. We'll see if he can carry his father's torch of liberty.
--Ben Garrison
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Trolling the Clueless Anchors
Ha!
http://thedailywh.at/2015/04/prank-day-4chan-users-troll-fox-phoenixs-live-coverage-baltimore-riots/
http://thedailywh.at/2015/04/prank-day-4chan-users-troll-fox-phoenixs-live-coverage-baltimore-riots/
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
JFK to 911 Everything Is A Rich Man's Trick
This is an excellent video that clearly explains how the world is run by, essentially, ultra rich and powerful gangsters. If you were skeptical that Kennedy was not killed in a coup, this video will convince you. Kennedy was one of our last, 'real' presidents.
Monday, May 11, 2015
The Three Branches of Government
This is a cartoon I drew nearly six years ago, but what shows up on Google searches first is the defaced version--defaced by Internet trolls, that is. So here is the original again to help give it some traction.
Hillary Clinton said the CFR was her 'Mothership,' and she answers to them, not to the people. She's incompetent, a cynical liar and corrupt to the marrow...which means she'll probably stand a good chance of becoming president.
I do not draw anti-Semitic or racist cartoons. End of story. But if you want to know more about the story, please check out my new ebook.
--Ben Garrison
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker-ebook/dp/B00XGFI0SK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431385164&sr=8-2&keywords=rogue+cartoonist
Sunday, May 10, 2015
My ebook is on Amazon
Rogue Cartoonist, the ebook!
No, I'm not just blowing smoke! My ebook is now available on Amazon. It's still pricer than I would have liked, but it's 1/3 the cost of my printed book. Since it has a great many images, the file size is on the large side, and so Amazon charged more than it would, say, for an unillustrated standard novel.
Thanks to everyone who has given me and Tina their support--and for those of you who already bought my printed book, I arranged for the ebook version to be available to you for only a couple of bucks. The book is also in the Kindle Unlimited Library where it can be read for free if you are a subscriber.
It has been quite a learning journey for me. I learned that writing a book is much harder than I had imagined and my respect for real writers increased immensely. I'm also a horrible editor and I couldn't spot a typo if it hit me over the head with a 2x4, but I did fix them for the ebook. Those who have read my book have commented that they found it very interesting.
By the way, I'm out of promotional copies of the printed book for now. I have a few in reserve that I’ll send out to publishers, but I realize attracting a big-name publisher is a long shot. Heck, they all want literary agents nowadays and only 3 percent of the submissions on average get accepted.
I did snail-mail out 70 free signed copies to anyone who wrote me a polite email. I sent free copies out to people all over the United States as well as copies to other countries such as Mexico, England and even a few were sent to Australia. Those books will be 'rare' since I don't plan on printing any more unless I can find a publisher. They were very expensive to print on my own.
Ben Garrison
NOW AVAILABLE--CEO of TROLL!
I received a lot of requests for an image I drew last year--the CEO of Troll, Inc. I cleaned it up in Adobe Illustrator and made it presentable for printing.
Thanks very much to everyone who bought the other stuff!
http://www.zazzle.com/grrrgraphics/products/cg-196300347936911613
Thanks very much to everyone who bought the other stuff!
http://www.zazzle.com/grrrgraphics/products/cg-196300347936911613
Friday, May 08, 2015
Cuck a Duck
People have asked me if I've lost my mind. Perhaps, but it has been fun. This particular drawing helps make amends for years of 4chan's personal attacks on me--all allowed by Luggage Lad himself.
Someone on 8chan suggested the idea for this--and I thank the anon for his idea because it was fun to draw.
There will be more!
My ebook has been formatted into various formats and I will publish the ebook next week. I've added in more cartoons and an updated epilogue. I lost to the Internet Hate Machine, but as Rhett Butler said in 'Gone With the Wind,'...maybe it's because I've always had a weakness for lost causes...that's what keeps me going.
Unlike 4chan (Mr. "m00t" had me banned), the folks at 8chan have been encouraging and they've even suggested cartoon ideas. I'm all ears.
Don't ask me to explain this cartoon. The anons on 4chan will know what it means. BTFO! LOL
Someone on 8chan suggested the idea for this--and I thank the anon for his idea because it was fun to draw.
There will be more!
My ebook has been formatted into various formats and I will publish the ebook next week. I've added in more cartoons and an updated epilogue. I lost to the Internet Hate Machine, but as Rhett Butler said in 'Gone With the Wind,'...maybe it's because I've always had a weakness for lost causes...that's what keeps me going.
Unlike 4chan (Mr. "m00t" had me banned), the folks at 8chan have been encouraging and they've even suggested cartoon ideas. I'm all ears.
Don't ask me to explain this cartoon. The anons on 4chan will know what it means. BTFO! LOL
Wednesday, May 06, 2015
My ebook will be released soon
I've gone for months without any commercial art assignments, but lately I have been lucky enough to have several going on at once. So I've been busy and that's good. I need to make a living.
I've also received some very nice responses about my printed book and I greatly appreciate that, especially since I'm not a writer (and I'm a terrible editor). I have mailed out approximately 70 books for free to those who sent me a polite email asking about them. I've also sent out many to friends and family. I'm just about all out of my promotional copies. To all of you who have written me with encouragement, I appreciate your sentiments very much and I'd much rather pay postage on the books than give money to lawyers. That said, I'd like to bring some of the worst offenders to justice, but that may take a while still.
I will definitely get the book uploaded to Amazon sometime next week. It will be a lot cheaper than the printed book, and it will also contain updates and more cartoons. I'm sorry to say I won't be able to autograph any of those copies.
The book was cathartic and it marks a turning point in my attitude. I no longer worry about the attacks and I've become so calloused that sometimes I even find myself laughing. The entire 'Zyklon Ben' meme has officially jumped the shark and now the trolls are starting to realize I'm 'untouchable.' In fact, I got a chuckle out of seeing this peculiar painting--done by a young artist who is also using my name on Google:
I've also received some very nice responses about my printed book and I greatly appreciate that, especially since I'm not a writer (and I'm a terrible editor). I have mailed out approximately 70 books for free to those who sent me a polite email asking about them. I've also sent out many to friends and family. I'm just about all out of my promotional copies. To all of you who have written me with encouragement, I appreciate your sentiments very much and I'd much rather pay postage on the books than give money to lawyers. That said, I'd like to bring some of the worst offenders to justice, but that may take a while still.
I will definitely get the book uploaded to Amazon sometime next week. It will be a lot cheaper than the printed book, and it will also contain updates and more cartoons. I'm sorry to say I won't be able to autograph any of those copies.
The book was cathartic and it marks a turning point in my attitude. I no longer worry about the attacks and I've become so calloused that sometimes I even find myself laughing. The entire 'Zyklon Ben' meme has officially jumped the shark and now the trolls are starting to realize I'm 'untouchable.' In fact, I got a chuckle out of seeing this peculiar painting--done by a young artist who is also using my name on Google:
He actually took the time and energy to paint my portrait. Sure, I don't like the swastika and it's silly, but I smiled regardless. This only illustrates just how far and ridiculous the entire meme has gotten and now that it's impossible for me to be angry about it...well, it surely signals an end point to the trolling.
I like how the artist captured my expression here. People have remarked that my expression is always the same. They may have a point!
It's been quite a journey and I've learned a lot about trolls, memes and even a little about anime. Someone sent me a very interesting explanation about Bitcoin and I confess I've never been able to figure out exactly how that works. He explained it clearly and succinctly. I now wish I had mentioned it in my book. Five years ago I was naive and ignorant about the chan boards and those who posted on them, but I've discovered that there are many good people there. (Of course, many are very obnoxious, too). My ebook alludes to this in the epilogue.
Writing is very difficult. Writers hone their craft by daily practice and through years of learning and dedication. To become a good writer, one most possess a complete and resolute devotion--similar to musicians who spend a lifetime improving their skill. I don't have that kind of time and I'd rather produce art with what time remains. My attempt at writing a book instilled within me renewed admiration for good writers. It's very hard work. It's more difficult than I had ever imagined, but at least I can say I did it and now I can move on.
Thanks to everyone who bought the funny coffee mugs recently, and when I get the time I plan on doing a few more. The operator of 8chan is a tough guy who can take the flak and if he can, then so can I. I especially want to thank Tina who has been helping me monitor things while I've been busy cranking out the commercial art.
More soon! --Ben Garrison
Saturday, May 02, 2015
Animé, Pepé, etc
Part of the experience of observing the 'chan' boards was seeing a lot of anime. I will readily admit I don't understand why there's so much of it about or even what a lot of it means, but I have seen many examples that were extremely elaborate and technically amazing. Some captured very subtle colors and ethereal effects that must have taken a lot of time, effort and planning. I had a few requests to draw some myself, but it's beyond my modest abilities. Oh sure, I could copy some of it fairly accurately, but it would only be just that--something copied and derivative.
I've also learned a great deal about memes and I have a chapter on memes in my book. One featured is the 'Sad Frog' which perhaps has the largest variety of variation. It remains very popular and it shows no sign of having run its course.
I received a few requests to draw the frog, so I drew him as a self portrait!
I've also learned a great deal about memes and I have a chapter on memes in my book. One featured is the 'Sad Frog' which perhaps has the largest variety of variation. It remains very popular and it shows no sign of having run its course.
I received a few requests to draw the frog, so I drew him as a self portrait!
Seriously...I don't walk around with a loaded shotgun like many of the trolls would have people believe...even though I assure you I DO have a shotgun and it IS loaded...but I keep it in a safe place. --Ben Garrison
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
8chan
I engaged in a wee bit of fun conversation and banter with the folks on 8chan/pol/ tonight. It was actually fun. Some of the kids there were smart and had some kind things to say. I'm encouraged.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
War Zone
You will see continued violence as the militarized police in this country continue to execute people. This is by design. The state (Big Government) likes to see us fighting each other. It's a great diversion and keeps us from seeing how we're slowly becoming serfs to the elite who run the show.
Here's a cartoon from my new book that illustrates how We the People are now 'enemy combatants.' Citizens have become the new 'terrorists.'
Still 'support the troops?' No? Well, then...you will be reeducated! Or killed.
See you later this summer at a nearby Walmart internment center. (Jade Helm).
--Ben Garrison
Here's a cartoon from my new book that illustrates how We the People are now 'enemy combatants.' Citizens have become the new 'terrorists.'
Still 'support the troops?' No? Well, then...you will be reeducated! Or killed.
See you later this summer at a nearby Walmart internment center. (Jade Helm).
--Ben Garrison
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Cartoon preview from 'Rogue Cartoonist'
Here is a preview from my book. It shows how Internet trolls delight in dominating online discourse with their hate. However, they do not own social media and they have no right to spread their filth if it violates community standards.
My printed book is not commercially viable--it's just too darned expensive. I may pitch it to a Libertarian publisher and see if I can generate any interest. Also, there were quite a few typos--mostly in my cutlines that I wrote at the last minute. It's not my editor's fault--they're my fault. I looked at the darn things at least a half dozen times but I'm just an abysmal editor--there's no way 'round it so I will admit it and take the blame. Heck, I'm an artist, not a writer and I'm definitely not left-brained enough to catch the typos...even though I love words.
That said, I did make the fixes for my ebook which I hope to release as soon as I can. It will be reasonably priced and also include a couple of new cartoons.
--Ben Garrison
My printed book is not commercially viable--it's just too darned expensive. I may pitch it to a Libertarian publisher and see if I can generate any interest. Also, there were quite a few typos--mostly in my cutlines that I wrote at the last minute. It's not my editor's fault--they're my fault. I looked at the darn things at least a half dozen times but I'm just an abysmal editor--there's no way 'round it so I will admit it and take the blame. Heck, I'm an artist, not a writer and I'm definitely not left-brained enough to catch the typos...even though I love words.
That said, I did make the fixes for my ebook which I hope to release as soon as I can. It will be reasonably priced and also include a couple of new cartoons.
--Ben Garrison
Sunday, April 19, 2015
"Rogue Cartoonist" is now for sale on Amazon.
My book is on Amazon. FINALLY. It has been quite an odyssey. Here are a few things I've learned:
1. I can spot good writing, but I'm not a good writer. My respect for 'real' writers has increased even more.
2. My book is self-published and I found out that printing a full color book (even one with a modest amount of pages) is fairly cheap to launch. There are now several 'print on demand' services out there. The problem is: Printing a COLOR book 'on demand' makes the book commercially unviable. It costs them a LOT to print color on demand. Standard paper back novels? No problem....and one can still make a decent royalty should it sell. Not mine...I will make only $2 per sale. I will give away more books than I'll sell. I've already accepted that fact.
3. A good editor is critical. Mine caught many errors and improved many things I would never have considered on my own. Don't try to publish your book without getting it edited.
4. Make sure you own your own ISBN number. At least I can still pitch the book to other publishers.
5. If you decide to self-publish, listen to the advice of others, but your own vision should be paramount. Don't write someone else's book.
6. I'm terrible with prepositions.
I'm the first one form my family to actually publish a book--even if some may say it's not 'really' published because it's a quasi-vanity press. I used 'Book Baby' and I was impressed by their quality. (or 'at' their quality?)
I may convert this to an ebook in few months. Thanks to Wally Rice for his advice on that!
Amazon does not have my book in stock. That's because they will be printed 'on demand.' That takes an extra few days...but again...the quality is every bit as good as a 'regular' book.
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker/dp/1631928287/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1429479189&sr=8-4&keywords=rogue+cartoonist
1. I can spot good writing, but I'm not a good writer. My respect for 'real' writers has increased even more.
2. My book is self-published and I found out that printing a full color book (even one with a modest amount of pages) is fairly cheap to launch. There are now several 'print on demand' services out there. The problem is: Printing a COLOR book 'on demand' makes the book commercially unviable. It costs them a LOT to print color on demand. Standard paper back novels? No problem....and one can still make a decent royalty should it sell. Not mine...I will make only $2 per sale. I will give away more books than I'll sell. I've already accepted that fact.
3. A good editor is critical. Mine caught many errors and improved many things I would never have considered on my own. Don't try to publish your book without getting it edited.
4. Make sure you own your own ISBN number. At least I can still pitch the book to other publishers.
5. If you decide to self-publish, listen to the advice of others, but your own vision should be paramount. Don't write someone else's book.
6. I'm terrible with prepositions.
I'm the first one form my family to actually publish a book--even if some may say it's not 'really' published because it's a quasi-vanity press. I used 'Book Baby' and I was impressed by their quality. (or 'at' their quality?)
I may convert this to an ebook in few months. Thanks to Wally Rice for his advice on that!
Amazon does not have my book in stock. That's because they will be printed 'on demand.' That takes an extra few days...but again...the quality is every bit as good as a 'regular' book.
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Cartoonist-Internet-Perils-Citizen-Muckraker/dp/1631928287/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1429479189&sr=8-4&keywords=rogue+cartoonist
OH--one good thing about my book being so expensive: Internet trolls will NOT be able to afford it! So in a way, I win a Pyrrhic Victory!
P.S. Some of the chuckleheads on /pol/ are already calling for libel suits--before they've read the book. Their libel against me, however, is 'free speech!' Or so they claim. It just further illustrates the duplicity and hypocrisy of Internet trolls.
P.S. Some of the chuckleheads on /pol/ are already calling for libel suits--before they've read the book. Their libel against me, however, is 'free speech!' Or so they claim. It just further illustrates the duplicity and hypocrisy of Internet trolls.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Pay Taxes: Government Has a Gun to Your Head
A friend of mine was trying to buy a house. He had the income. He had the down payment. He had good credit. The mortgage company turned him down flat. Why? Because he was smart and took a lot of deductions in order to avoid a complete fleecing by the IRS.
It seems that banks and mortgage companies have their marching orders from the global elite at the top who have stolen and then ruined our system of money: If you don't pay a lot in taxes, you're a bad boy! You MUST pay tribute to the people who own a printing press. You must pay to Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, the Rothschilds and their minions. Otherwise you're not being a good slave!
My friend also has some gold and silver. His banker flatly told him that gold is not money despite the fact that gold has long been the money of choice for humans throughout thousands of years of human history. Gold has always been money. Silver and gold are named as money in our Constitution. A private clique of people--a banker cabal--hijacked our money system and enslaved us with their debt money. That’s why ‘note’ appears on paper bills. Note always means debt in the financial world. They want to wean people away from real money and get us all on their grid of electronic money. It's easier to track our purchases and also easier for them to seize our accounts at the flip of a switch if we do something they don't like.
They want us to be compliant with our enslavement. They want us to endorse our own slavery. As Russell Means once put it, "We're all on the reservation now." They want us all to be good Indians. We've all been conquered and they did it by hijacking our system of money. Now we see paper money being vilified. Cops routinely seize large sums of cash from motorists on the mere suspicion of it being 'drug money' when in fact the CIA and government operatives run and control the drugs. The big banks launder that money. Then they throw into prison those who abuse their product. They make even more money with their private prisons.
What’s going on now is almost comical. The Fed is engaging in endless QEs and that money is going directly into the stock market and into the pockets of the 1/10th of 1 percent who own most of the corporations and stocks. Once we allowed the bankers to bail themselves out, it only encouraged them to print more and put it directly into their pockets. Congress is bought out--there is no restraint. There is nothing blocking their implementation of a police state short of an outright revolt by the American people.
It's clear that none of this ‘easing’ benefits the vast majority of Americans. In fact, it’s hurting the economy even more….but CNBC and the mainstream media (propaganda arms of the gubmint) will tell us everything is fine because the markets are going up. They’ll tell us unemployment is low because some poor slob managed to get a part time job flipping burgers at minimum wage. They’ve already sent our industrial base overseas…there few good paying jobs available. College grads are saddled with a lifetime of debt and are forced to live with their parents. They can't find jobs.
Our economy is now built on an edifice of lies and deceit. They know We the People are waking up to their con game and that’s why they’ll start a war to distract us and that’s also why they’re militarizing our police. They'll also continue to keep us distracted by left vs. right, donkey vs. elephant bullshit when in actuality, both parties work together to enrich and empower themselves at the expense of the people. They consider themselves to be the new barons, lords, earls, princesses and princes…we have become their serfs. Many of us wouldn't pay income taxes at ALL if not for the fact that we have to do it to keep our credit intact and 'prove' that we deserve a mortgage to get a house. Yet many are discarding that dream as well. Home starts are in decline. There are a lot of homes for sale that nobody can afford to buy. Meanwhile, rents are skyrocketing. American Dream has become the Impossible Dream thanks to the Federal Reserve Cabal.
Ben
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
OK, it's back on: ROGUE CARTOONIST
My book will be published after all. Look for it on Amazon and elsewhere in a couple of weeks.
Bear in mind I have no publisher. I'm my own publisher. I had to fork over a small fortune to get a modest book filled with expensive color plates printed. I'd love to sell the book cheap, but it can't happen and I won't get much in the way of royalties, either. It's a money-losing venture. Then again, I never drew these cartoons to make money. I've lost a LOT of money doing them. I've lost a lot of time removing libel.
Thanks again to all of you who wrote me with your encouragement. If I can, I will send you a free signed copy after they're printed.
Bear in mind I have no publisher. I'm my own publisher. I had to fork over a small fortune to get a modest book filled with expensive color plates printed. I'd love to sell the book cheap, but it can't happen and I won't get much in the way of royalties, either. It's a money-losing venture. Then again, I never drew these cartoons to make money. I've lost a LOT of money doing them. I've lost a lot of time removing libel.
Thanks again to all of you who wrote me with your encouragement. If I can, I will send you a free signed copy after they're printed.
Monday, April 06, 2015
"Rogue Cartoonist"
I continue to receive email from young people who are encouraging me to publish my book. I am considering it. There are some very awake people of the younger generation out there who really do appreciate my cartoons. A few kind words from them makes it all worthwhile to me....and their encouragement cancels out all the discouragement and hate from the trolls.
I've already published my 'fine art' chapter on my blog. I was considering publishing other chapters...but now I will wait. I may release my book after all. To be sure, the trolls will deface whatever is published, but many people are now aware of their ruse, so their power to confuse people is waning.
Stay tuned....
I've already published my 'fine art' chapter on my blog. I was considering publishing other chapters...but now I will wait. I may release my book after all. To be sure, the trolls will deface whatever is published, but many people are now aware of their ruse, so their power to confuse people is waning.
Stay tuned....
Friday, April 03, 2015
Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra (w young Louis Armstrong) - Sugar Foo...
The great thing about jazz is there are so many great versions. I have heard two later versions of "Sugar Foot Stomp," made famous by Fletcher Henderson, but I've never heard this very old version until now. It's terrific! Listen for Louis Armstrong on his trumpet....
Thursday, April 02, 2015
Ben Garrison, libertarian
I'm reposting this cartoon to help it gain some traction over the trolls' version. If you type in 'Ben Garrison cartoons,' the defaced version shows up and this authentic one does not. So--anyone typing my name + cartoons sees an ugly, anti-Semitic and disgustingly racist cartoon with my name affixed to it. It's libel and defamation, but hey--the trolls have the advantage. They are anonymous and can do whatever they want without any consequences whatsoever. They can destroy an honest man's reputation for shits and giggles. All I can do is counteract their attacks with the truth. Here's the truth right here: The original cartoon.
Another cartoon that the trolls love to destroy. THIS is the real one:
and this one
and this one too
another one
Friday, March 27, 2015
TCHAIKOVSKY - Symphony no6 (Pathetique) - Herbert von Karajan & Wiener Phil
Karajan is perfect for a symphony of this kind and this is a great performance. When I was a kid I used to skip over the 2nd movement. It sounded trite to me. Now it's my favorite part--I consider it the heart of the symphony. Mark Twain once said everyone is a moon, and we all have a dark side which we never to show to anyone. Tchaikovsky shows his dark side here.
The 2nd movement starts simply enough--it suggests a masked ball under full moonlight. Everyone is happy and enjoying the evening. Tchaikovsky pretends to be happy, too. He wears a mask of happiness as he dances and pretends to enjoy the frivolous conversations. He knows how to be the life of the party. But suddenly...at around the 22:00 mark, his mask is torn away. We see his dark side. We hear the unvarnished truth--his life is unbearably painful. Underneath the mask there is a tremendous and desperate despair. Life is futile and utterly hopeless. He is alone.
Then he puts his mask back on and resumes the marionette dance. Only a Russian can distill such pain into great beauty and Tchaikovsky does it here.
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