I was saddened to hear that Country Joe McDonald passed away March 7, 2026. I, like many in my generation, became familiar with Joe McDonald when he sang at Woodstock in 1969. He was an antiwar activist who supported military members caught up in war.
My particular memory of Joe McDonald was when I saw him perform at the Garlic Festival with my wife and daughters. Here's a little snippet from an AI bot about what the Garlic Festival was -
"The historic Arlington Garlic Festival was a popular annual event held by the Love Israel Family on their ranch near Arlington, Washington, lasting for over a dozen years until roughly 2002. It was famous for its counterculture vibe, live music (including a 1994 appearance by Eddie Vedder), food, and vendors."
The Love Israel commune was a utopian community in a beautiful valley about 20 miles North of where I live. They built all sorts of shelters for themselves in that valley free from the zoning restrictions imposed in cities. Even a few Hobbit houses built into the sides of hills. It was a special place. It was kind of amazing for me to see Country Joe with my kids 30 years or more after Woodstock. Great day. The Love Israel community like most utopian communities disbanded but it was cool while it lasted (as an observer from afar). My wife had one of the Love Israel children in her preschool. Very polite, very kind little boy.
Country Joe and all the other antiwar activists living and dead have my utmost admiration. Peace be with them all. Like the sticker in B's old VW beetle said, "War is not healthy for children and other living things."
