By time I had started school, extended family had been replaced by nuclear family we later saw on TV. Divide and conquer. By end of Century, nuclear family had been further divided into single and zero parent families, also seen on TV. Of course, there is no such thing as conspiracy so all these things are only coincidental. Just ask conspirators.

Today, an Alabama judge decides he wants a monument to Ten Commandments in state courthouse in which he works; and a Federal court says that since Congress can make no law respecting establishment of a religion or prohibiting FREE practice thereof, an Alabama judge cannot pay tribute to a long established code of law. This would certainly please those conventioners who would not have dared to write this new court written law into original document. The new law is properly written; "No government employee will honor any law but those created by governments." The separation of God and state begun so long ago by elitists in Philadelphia is quite nearly complete.

The so called barrier between church and state, which has never existed in Constitutional law, was removed in nineteen eighties when United States Government offered tax exempt status to any church that would become a 501C3 corporation, which most did, as far as I know. Every church that signed up and accepted a privilege in place of a natural right became a creature of state by foolish act of contracting with it to avoid state harassment. This would be unconstitutional except Constitution precludes no one's right to contract.

If we had studied writings of John Locke in government schools, we would know that no one can legally contract for their children. A contract can only apply to contracting parties. The U.S. Constitution is such a contract. It was binding on state governments that ratified it and not on any individual born after its ratification. It only has such power over you and me to which we consent. Of course we will be punished if we do not consent; as thirteen Southern states were, some hundred and forty years ago. After all, political union is more important than all individual persons in it and no one is free to reject it in land of free.

Because we are now a nation of government contracted churches, there is nothing illegal about faith based initiatives. The government can give or take money from any 501C3 church. We can be sure it will do both and separation of church and state is just a joke we use to selectively punish politically incorrect.

Few realize it, but separation of God and state, along with destruction of extended family, has made America so totally vulnerable to calamities not yet experienced, it takes little effort to sell Homeland Security to people; whose currency says "In God We Trust". We all know in our hearts we no longer can trust in God any more than God can trust in us. Let us continue to worship Federal Government and they will provide our daily bread and prescription drugs, forgive us, test us, protect us and deliver us from evil. Just as long as we do as we are told for we at least, are not above their law. Or maybe we are - high above it.

What has influenced your music most?

All those acts I have mentioned above, along with many more modern ones and genres of music like Blues, Soul, R&B, Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz, Experimental and anything else that I've spent time listening too. My inspiration for songs though is very varied and just reflects my life I think.

Music And Internet Marketing

How has Internet effected you as a musician? In a big way: I used to be heavily involved in music networking via snail mail with all fanzines and small press and casssette culture which gave way to CDs, but I seem to have phased most of that out because Internet is a lot easier, cheaper and faster to use. Also, I have made very many good friends, whom I have met via OMDs and at bbs, and discovered so much excellent music. As well as these things it has given me a means of collaborating with people all over world. When did you start marketing your music on Internet?

In about 1997 when I first began to understand IT and to have access to computers.

What has been most effective way to market your music on Internet?

Via OMDs and Bulletin Boards. My favorite OMD was mp3.com and I haven't seen any other site which has offered so much. The stations it gave acts option of creating was a great way to promote your music and that of other acts you enjoyed, as well as finding new music.

Musicians And The Future

What does future hold for you?

More collaborations, more festivals...but as to where my music will take me I really don't know! I have just written my first song in Spanish and am learning language, so who knows where my path will lead?

Finally, is there anything else you want to say about yourself? I prefer to hear what others think of me and my work so I'll let my good friends Laura J Bollé and Chris Kalessin have their say: Words can barely describe amazing, multi-talented, multi-faceted and multi-media phenomenon that is Bard of Ely!!! Part eco-warrior, poet, Arthurian Druid, master of herblore, techno-folk fusion pioneer, MC, songwriter, singer, actor, writer and performer, Bard has assumed cult status and is featured in many counter-culture books and articles ... a genuinely iconic figure!

His solo work, many collaborations (most recently with Funender stalwart Ed Drury) and remixes represent a wonderfully eclectic body of writing and performance, work that that does justice to traditions of acoustic music, yet with modernity, political relevance, and some great melodies! :)

And something else that distinguishes this talented artist is his enthusiastic and positive support for music and musicians, and his friendly, universally-respected presence across online music community. We are proud to know him and highly recommend his music to all - Steve, Bard of Ely!!!

Check him out TODAY!!! http://www.bardofely.com

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