ast February, Laura Bush canceled a White House poetry symposium after receiving word that some of the invited guests were planning on protesting the war in Iraq. In response, the first lady declared in an official statement that “it would be inappropriate to turn a literary event into a political forum.” Obviously, Bush has never made the acquaintance of Gino Sky and Ray Obermayr, two men utilizing their artistic abilities to elevate the public’s social and political awareness.

On Feb. 20, Sky and Obermayr will appear at Ken Sanders Rare Books in “Bushwacked: A Night of Bushbashing and other Intoxicating Bashes,” a reading primarily designed to express discontent with the current administration.

“I thought Nixon was bad,” Sky says. “But this group absolutely boggles my mind.”
Obermayr’s views are more explicitly heated: “This administration is the worst in history. Some corruption and favoritism for the rich is inevitable since they choose our elected officials, but this administration is without shame in pursuing advantage for its own class, regardless of the consequences to the American people.”

Both poets harbor fierce opinions supported by years of experience with lies, betrayal and body bags. Sky, a Korean War veteran, was active in his opposition to Vietnam and continues to protest current combat in Iraq. He is most upset over George W. Bush’s hypocritical actions—“sending off troops to their deaths” after a failure to participate in his own generation’s war. “That kind of cowardice drives me nuts,” Sky says.

Sky and Obermayr first crossed paths 40 years ago at Idaho State University, as student and professor, respectively. Since then, the two have cultivated a relationship built on similar aesthetics. The decision to launch a verbal strike against Bush originated during a Ken Sanders event for Limberlost Press. Sky, horrified by recent political actions and dismayed by the press’s apparent lack of interest, called upon his former teacher to help start a dialogue. Obermayr was happy to oblige, recognizing the art as a potential vehicle for change.

ltimately, the literary attack is not based in outright hatred, but in fear of an unmediated government.

“I don’t hate anyone,” Obermayr says. He is simply outraged over the injustices incurred by our nation’s controversial leader. Sky is also fearful of officials who are free to act on behalf of the people without their consent, deeming such activities diabolical. Overall, both are simply tired of what they see as a blatant disregard for humanity.

“Of course the war we were led into by lies is the last straw,” Obermayr says. “The only way for us to make Dubya answer to the more than 500 dead and 10,000 wounded GIs is to speak up for his defeat in 2004.”

Of course, these prolific writers have more on their minds than the outrageous moves of a suspect regime. Obermayr started penning material as early as 1928, when Miss McKeever of Milwaukee’s Root Creek School taught him how to read. His appetite for words led to the release of several novels and collections of poetry. Sky has also published numerous works, one of which is more concerned with celebrating his two favorite holidays— Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day—than with calling out despotic rulers. Neither he nor Obermayr is in danger of allowing tunnel vision dictate innovation.

“Dubya is not by any means the main determinant of the condition my condition is in,” Obermayr says. “In ‘Bushwhacking’ you can expect the reactions of two sensitive writers to the venality, ignorance and absurdity of the Bush dynasty. But there will be much more. There is much more in life to react to than the doings of an ignorant, greedy president.“

Sky compares the voice of the artist, storyteller, poet and musician to the warning call of canaries in a coal mine, attempting to save workers from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We are playing the role of the canary,” he says. “I have no other choice but to do this.”

Participate in poetic and political forum at Ken Sanders Rare Books, 268 S. 200 East. The reading begins at 7 p.m.
jamie@red-mag.com