Joe Bageant needs our love and good vibes

I hadn't looked at Joe's website in quite a while and was getting worried when he hadn't returned my emails, but I've been on Anti- viral Chemo for 6 months and I've have been way too tired to sit and type,But his is much worse

Well, this morning Joe's wife,Barbara,wrote me to break the news. Joe, Author of,"Deerhunting With Jesus"and countless essays,one of my best friends and of many other DUers. Joe has a grasp on the current situation of Class in America and how the Repukelicans stole the Anerican working class from the Democratic Party and I'm real shook up because he is one of my most dearest minds and hearts I've ever known. We first met in Boulder in 1975 and lost contact for decades, then, when writing to complement one of his essays we realized we already knew each other. When my disability came through in 2005, and I was going to the east coast boat shopping, He invited me, for what became 4 months, to live in his guest bedroom in Winchester, " The key is in the mailbox. Just make yourself at home" What a guy, so much it's really hard for me to describe.

So I went to his website and found this dated 1/11/11 (so probably someone has probably posted this already, but I just found out and just had to write a tribute to one of the most influential people in my entire life. I don't think I'll be writing anymore tonight as i can't see the keyboard for the tears, sorry.

sincerely


Wiley The Broke Back Carpet Layer

anuary 04, 2011
A note from Joe

Dear friends, associates and fellow travelers,

As you may or may not know, I have been struck down by an extremely serious form of cancer. Presently I am back in the United States receiving treatment through the U.S. Veterans Administration hospital system. Due to the nature of the massive internal tumor, I am currently unable to even carry on email correspondence or Skype conversations.

Right now I am at a hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Once a treatment program has been designed and set in motion, I will probably be transferred back to the Veterans Administration facility near my home in Winchester, Virginia. The condition is inoperable, but it is hoped that with chemotherapy plus the use of a pain killer such as OxyContin, I will be able to resume my online work.

As soon as I am able to sit up long enough to work online and carry on Skype conversations, I will do so. Until then, please have patience and bear with me in this frustrating and difficult time. Business correspondence and relationships will not be interrupted during this period of recovery because I have several persons willing to work with me through dictation.

Thank all of you very much for your friendship and patience.

-- Joe Bageant

Prayers and good vibes to Mr. Bageant.

Best wishes for both of you.

This was a 2 story victorian with full basementand attic. The guest bedroom opened into a private veranda the width of the house, with a minuature orange tree and overlooking Barbara's flower beds and their lovely and private patio and back yard.

He made me famous ( top of page 191 in "Deerhunting With Jesus", somehow he fforgot the money, actually he gave much of it to the indigenous people of Belize, making it possible for several children to finish school and Barb helped one lady sstart an egg buisness and built coops and bought laying hens.

Socialists in the best sense of the word

truly lovely people

Joe's wife. She is carrying quite a load right now and she doesn't deserve this any more than Joe does

Barbara is petite, blond, very pretty and as brilliant as he is, but she doesn't show it in the gregarious way Joe does, she's much more reserved and quiet and I know she's going through pure hell right now, crying uncontrollably inside But hiding it the moment she walks in his room to be his strength and encouragement, even though true hope is hard to find in this situation.

Barbara, We love you and many of us know that without you, Joe would not have done as much as he has.

Love to both of you,

Wiley

Wiley50, I concur about Joe. He's a delightful and charming guy. One thing that jumps out quickly when you meet him -- he's brilliant.

I sure hope he can stick around a while longer and keep being Joe. Cheers

His writing has had a profound impact on my thinking and deeply touched me. I will keep him in my thoughts. :hug: