RALPH COMMENTS UPON REACTIONS CONCERNING "THE SAME TAPES"

Written By: Ralph Hawk

            Recently my friend F. John Surells wrote a piece entitled “The Continuing Saga Of The Same Tapes.” And it generated both positive and negative “feedback” concerning that book (The Same Tapes), feedback which, as you may expect, given my assigned role as leader of this city’s “artistic enclave,” has now reached my desk. Thus, it seems appropriate that I now address various comments made concerning “the Same Tapes.” And, when I told John I intended to write this piece, he concurred with my decision to do so. And we actually then, as a twosome, determined what should be contained in it. And we agreed upon four points of importance.

            First, I guess it’s abundantly clear now that those who contacted me with their claim that the entire concept of “The Same Tapes” was a hoax, or a “send up,” have, at this point been proven wrong. Indeed the book now appears as both an ebook and a paperback.

            Second, some said the book was too long, and its price too high. But I told them what I feel is really the truth concerning those matters. All of Joe’s tapes needed to be disclosed, and if someone would have given me only the last few pages of the chapter concerning Leonardo DaVinci and Mona Lisa, I’d have gladly given him or her the price for the entire book.

            Third, some claimed the book’s main characters (Joe and Sharon) didn’t do as much as they could have to promote it. Well, maybe that’s true. But yesterday when I called Joe and asked about that, he replied tersely that the time has now come for those who wish to own that book, in one format or another, to simply purchase it.

            Fourth, it was alleged that some sort of “literary establishment” wished the tapes “suppressed” in one way or another. I didn’t know how to respond to that charge. Yet, the most criticized chapter in the book has apparently become the one devoted to Manhattan. Indeed, some readers have supposedly said it doesn’t really concern that borough much at all. And when, during the phone conversation I spoke of earlier, I put those postulations to Joseph Same for his comment upon, he said the “charge” that the Manhattan tape really doesn’t concern that borough all that much is probably true. But then he asked me why I thought that chapter exists as it does. And when I admitted I didn’t know, he said “First of all, I documented all and only those parts of my stay in New York which my overseers wished me to disclose. Beyond that, I think it’s somewhat clear that the lack of focus upon the physical borough of Manhattan itself, plus the limited comment upon anyone creative or not who lives there speaks to the fact that ultimately no one there shall ever restrict or diminish the societal effects of “The Same Tapes.”

            And as I close this piece now, I’d like to say that although some may have been offended by the content of “The Same Tapes,” I still know Joe and Jane needed to “bring it forth” as a written work. And I believe what’s stated in that book needed to be stated and read. And personally, I’ll continue to do all I can to see that life in my city (and everywhere) remains as tranquil as possible. And I’ll also continue to do all I can for all of you who’ve read this piece. And please, don’t take that last sentence lightly. From my position here I can wield some measure of literary clout, to say nothing of the fervent prayers I always offer on behalf of all mankind. And if you don’t believe that, I’d like to end here with some “heart-felt” words I’ve included in one of the chapters I’ve written for the upcoming book “The Students Of The Highway”:  “Nothing and no one shall ever stop Ralph Hawk from fulfilling what he perceives are his ‘assigned roles’ in life. No, he’ll continue on in those pursuits until he’s no longer physically or mentally capable to do so. And, he’ll forever do all he can, whether here upon the earth, or someday within the timeless light, to help facilitate a quiet and peaceful passage of time upon this planet.”