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DP-001
TitleWhere is PUBLIC at? Where are PUBLIC streets at? Therefore an erection in the Panhandle.
Author
PublisherThe Diggers
PlaceSan Francisco
Year1966
Date 1
Date 2
Publication
Volume
Issue
Page(s)
MediumBroadside
DimensionLetter
Extent
ImprintTHE D I G G E R S
Collation
CatalogDP-001
CollectionSOLA-x(SS) | SS-x(PB)
Cit. No.
Notes
Keywords
AbstractThis text is a biting, surreal critique of the collapse of “public” life in a privatized society. Through ironic repetition, it exposes how spaces meant for communal use—streets, schools, parks—have become instruments of surveillance, conditioning, and control. The Diggers respond with parody and provocation, proposing a literal and symbolic “erection” of freedom: a public, ecstatic, collective space where love and liberation replace property and repression. It transforms civic frustration into theatrical revolt—an anarchic vision of reclaiming the commons.
Full Text
where is PUBLIC at?
where are PUBLIC streets at?
             therefore
                          an erection in the panhandle.

the PUBLIC parks — here you can pitch a tent anytime.
PUBLIC streets on riot with truckloads of arms protecting the private property of super-charging merchants.

the PUBLIC beaches — here you can paddy-cake any old time.

PUBLIC streets where fantasy laws justify the concepts of
                              LOITERING & VAGRANCY.

the PUBLIC schools — here you can be conditioned to PUBLIC
                        opinion in order to express yourself
                        in the PUBLIC consensus.

PUBLIC streets where agents patrol, undercovered in 'hip' costumes.
the PUBLIC transport system — here drivers black and white riders for free.

PUBLIC streets where parking meters tick off legality.
the PUBLIC hospitals — here you can born, healed, passed away away.
          PUBLIC streets where exhausting autos pollute the air and
                                                         mutilate the people.

the PUBLIC housing developments —
                                 here you can live a life now done.

PUBLIC streets where lonliness crowds silent, up-tight sidewalks.
the PUBLIC officers — here is the understanding of PUBLIC service.

    Where in the street can two fingers touch 
Where in the street can you get out of neighborhoods
    Where in the street can you escape the economic net 
Where in the street can you trip out your door and smile at sincere
    Where in the street can you hitch a hike down the block 
Where in the street can you take off your shoes and sing and
    dance without disturbing the death called peace 

in voice THE D I G G E R S demand an ERECTION!
                                         THE BALLING BOWL

a FREE PUBLIC structure in the panhandle where individuals can swim in vinyl pools filled with vaseline, WAIL LOVE to downcast brows, and carry-on as much as they want until they think it beautiful to stop.

    THE D I G G E R S fully understand that the cost of erection can be added to the PUBLIC debt and especially appreciate Captain Kiely's generous offer of men and machines to quicken the rise of the ERECTION and give meaning to its eventual climax.

UP THE BALLING BOWL!

THE D I G G E R S .
Trans. Titlewhere is PUBLIC at? | where are PUBLIC streets at? | therefore | an erection in the Panhandle.
SectionCommunication Company
GroupHaight-Ashbury Diggers Movement
Sub-Group
SeriesDigger Papers
Folder

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