Pigasus the Pig: A Presidential Election 1968 #AtoZChallenge2021

Writing full-length novels is a time-consuming process. Though I've never felt at a loss for subject matter, piecing together a story filled with tension, conflict, and a satisfying ending presents an endless challenge. That's why posting short articles about topics researched during the writing process is a lot more fun.

The setting for my first Pepper Bibeau novel, FOR EVERY ACTION is Chicago 1968. This era brings back strong memories for people of a certain age. I didn't remember all the events of the time, so while researching articles for backstory, I felt like a kid in a candy story.

This post is a bit tongue-in-cheek.

1968 Chicago Electing a President
Chicago Police holding Pigasus the Pig

  

Disillusioned by the choice of presidential candidates during the 1968 presidential campaign, college students in Chicago during the days before the convention decided to submit their own candidate. As a planned protest, several young men purchased a pig they dubbed 'Pigasus' and hauled it to the Civic Center Plaza (since renamed Daley Plaza) where they proclaimed the cloven-hoofed animal their choice for president. The idea was to show the country how ineffectual the government could be.

Chicago police arrived on the scene to scatter the participants. History records that those taken into custody asked the officers how they learned of the protest. The reported response, whether urban legend or truth, stands:

"The pig squealed."

The protesters soon learned a valuable lesson: for every action ... there are consequences. Following is an excerpt from the official public court record concerning the arrest of seven men and the aforementioned pig:

MR. KUNSTLER: Mr. Ochs, can you describe the pig which was finally bought?
MR. FORAN: Objection.
THE COURT: I sustain the objection.

MR. KUNSTLER: Would you state what, if anything, happened to the pig?
THE WITNESS: The pig was arrested with seven people.

MR. KUNSTLER: When did that take place?
THE WITNESS: This took place on the morning of August 23, at the Civic Center underneath the Picasso sculpture.

MR. KUNSTLER: Who were those seven people?
THE WITNESS: Jerry Rubin. Stew Albert, Wolfe Lowenthal, myself is four; I am not sure of the names of the other three.

MR. KUNSTLER: What were you doing when you were arrested?
THE WITNESS: We were arrested announcing the pig's candidacy for President.

MR. KUNSTLER: Did Jerry Rubin speak?
THE WITNESS: Yes, Jerry Rubin was reading a prepared speech for the pig---the opening sentence was something like, "I, Pigasus, hereby announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States." He was interrupted in his talk by the police who arrested us.

MR. KUNSTLER: What was the pig doing during this announcement?
MR. FORAN: Objection.
MR. KUNSTLER: Do you remember what you were charged with?
THE WITNESS: I believe the original charge mentioned was something about an old Chicago law about bringing livestock into the city, or disturbing the peace, or disorderly conduct, and when it came time for the trial, I believe the charge was disorderly conduct.

MR. KUNSTLER: Were you informed by an officer that the pig had squealed on you?
MR. FORAN: Objection. I ask it be stricken.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
THE COURT: I sustain the objection. When an objection is made do not answer until the Court has ruled. . .

* * * * *

The humor of the situation played out as a backdrop to the more serious presidential election campaign. Meanwhile, life continued at a calmer pace for many citizens of the city. I worked in the Chicago Loop at the time, across the street from the Civic Center. I often took my lunch and sat near the Picasso to watch people stroll by. Many years later, I decided to write soft-boiled mysteries, and chose 'Chicago - 1968' as the setting for my first novel. From that initial decision evolved the Pepper Bibeau mystery series, beginning with FOR EVERY ACTION There Are Consequences.

You can click here to purchase a copy of FOR EVERY ACTION in ebook format, only 99c at Amazon. Also available with Kindle Unlimited and in trade book format. Reviews are always welcome.

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