Bluesman Mike Lindner Wrote:But at least it wasn't a threesome.

mitch Wrote:Once again, you make a good point. I don't know if I'd call him a parasite though, considering that he doesn't seem to ask anything of those people. But honestly, if we could choose to pay taxes, how many people would? I guess the whole life in the shadows thing appeals to a part of me.

Bluesman Mike Lindner Wrote:Well, Mitch, nobody =likes= to pay taxes. But adults know there are some things we need that we can't do for ourselves--i.e., cops, firemen, teachers, armed forces. Needed guys and gals. So we pony up. Don't get me wrong--I like Jack mucho. But I'd like him even more if Paul would slip in a line like, "Jack walked away from the mailbox. A couple of money orders to the feds and state and city. Didn't like it, but... A fire truck came around the corner. Jack waved to the guys. They waved back."

mitch Wrote:I'm with you on the need for cops, firemen, teachers, armed forces, and the taxes that pay them. But if Jack "caved" I think it would fundamentally alter his character. It's like in All the Rage when he calls the people on the subway sheep. He can't understand society.

Bluesman Mike Lindner Wrote:Think that was the beginning of HOSTS. But I understand Jack's reaction very well. Here he was, just taking a subway ride, and all hell breaks loose. He had no choice but to act, but it was nothing he was looking for. He was surely right in putting the psycho down, but taking a life--unless you're a psycho too--ain't easy. (Correction--taking might be easy, the =aftermath= is hard.) But Mitch, here's a fun IMAGINARY ADVENTURE--YAY!! Gia and Vicks are laughing together and walking down Columbus Avenue to meet Jack for lunch. Right before they get to the restaurant, scumbags strike. Gia is left unconscious, Vicky is screaming in terror. How did such a terrible thing happen? Well, in part, because there aren't enough cops on the street. But how could this be? Maybe because some people aren't willing to pay taxes to hire officers. Am I making sense, Mitch?

mitch Wrote:Easy buddy, I'm sorry if I offended you. I'm not supporting his decision not to pay taxes. I'm just trying to understand the character.

Bluesman Mike Lindner Wrote:Mitch, I certainly took no offense. If I came off that way, I wasn't expressing myself well. Which does happen once in a while. Just ask Ken V. And wonderful Maggers. And Jimbo. And KRW. And...

Manda_W Wrote:I have such a soft spot for old people what he did for Mr Canelli was my favorite part, the softer side of Jack. But, my true fan side screams RAKOSHI!!! How cool were they? I was also crazy about dressing The Mother up as an old lady.

mitch Wrote:no biggie