Where is PUBLIC at? Where are PUBLIC streets at? Therefore an erection in the Panhandle.
Author
Publisher
The Diggers
Place
San Francisco
Year
1966
Date 1
Date 2
Publication
Volume
Issue
Page(s)
Medium
Broadside
Dimension
Letter
Extent
Imprint
THE D I G G E R S
Collation
Catalog
DP-001
Collection
SOLA-x(SS) | SS-x(PB)
Cit. No.
Notes
Keywords
Abstract
This 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. Title
where is PUBLIC at? | where are PUBLIC streets at? | therefore | an erection in the Panhandle.