Theater of Ideas: First Annual “Gulf of Mexico” First Amendment-Free Speech Stand-up Fun Nite

As part of LAVA’s Theater of Ideas series, Free Speech Champions journalist Karl Meyer and poet/publisher Paul Richmond team up to invite all to a free-speech fest on Friday, Mar. 20. Doors open for gallery viewing at 5 p.m. Sign-ups for your three minutes of free speech fame begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp, and the open mic fun show begins at 7 p.m.

Meyer explains the First Annual “Gulf of Mexico” First Amendment-Free Speech Stand-up Fun Nite (recognized by its acronym: FAGOMFAFSSFN) by asking, “Got freedom? Got guts? Got a little First Amendment Free Speech Fun bottled up in you? Prove it!”

“The Gulf of Mexico” — George Washington, both George Bushes — and George Carlin, all used it freely. Ben Franklin published it on his maps. But that’s been banned now, just as George Orwell forewarned us.

“So, are you ready for some fun? Have you had it with the Orwellian doublespeak? Have a constitutional rant, a wickedly-terse little broadside or verse? Here’s your chance to rip and riff; flip the script on tyranny. Your three-minute poem, tirade, dance, skit, song or limerick could catapult you into the pantheon of First Amendment heroes with a chance to win the coveted No Nobility Prize.”

Come watch, come play — come join in the best Free Speech/First Amendment spring break-out, fight back party of the year!

Meyer and Richmond lay out just two rules for performers:

1. You MUST, at some point in your mini-stand-up, utter the term “Gulf of Mexico” as part of your presentation in order to qualify for the Grand Prize — a sledgehammer spree on a lot full of junked Teslas or the equivalent in a currency yet to be invented.

2. You will be strictly held to the 3-minute time limit via cowbell clanged by our ruthless timekeeper in order to keep the line moving. That’s it.

Meyer notes: “What you need to do: Just write it, time it, and rehearse it; or wing it and see how much three minutes turns out to be when the cowbell clangs. Either way, come put your name on the list for your chance at 3 minutes of free speech fame at the LAVA Center in Greenfield.”

Richmond adds, “The coveted Arbitrary Audience Awards will be conferred at the end of the evening, and entitle winners to help stack the chairs.”

There is no required admission, though Meyer suggests, “a minimum donation of three free speech minutes for just $5 bucks! More value than a White House press pass!” He adds, “Please give generously. All proceeds to benefit the LAVA Center.”