July 5, 2025 and I hope everyone had a safe July 4th. On this day 126 years ago in 1899, Ed and two friends became involved in a fight with hoodlums in Toronto. Ed was taken to the hospital with head injuries. There has been conjecture that the attack was planned by Ed’s rival for Emma, but this has never been proven. Alas, we didn’t have Detective Murdock or Detective Muldoon available to solve the case. If the rival attack allegation is true, it’s an example of people who react with violence when they don’t get their way. Think about Tonya Harding and John Wilkes Booth.
This incident led to him experiencing headaches for years, and he even attributed some periods of amnesia to the blow. He also sustained a scar on his forehead as a result.
Interestingly, there's a theory that this Toronto incident may have been a contributing factor to Burroughs' eventual writing career. Both he and his wife, Emma, reportedly believed this to be the case.
The incident is referenced more than once at www.erbzine.com, specifically at: www.erbzine.com/bio/years75.html
The fictional drabble for today, “If I Can’t Be The Boss, I Quit,” was inspired by the attack and by those who respond by violence and anger when they don’t get their way. There’s an old saying, “There are men who would gladly go to hell if they could be the conductor on the train headed that way.”
Ed’s editor said, “Ed, I’m starting a new company, come with me. I quit today.”
“Why quit?”
“The managers and owners are fighting. The side that I support isn’t winning.”
“In my experience that’s an issue for lawyers, not for employees, and certainly not ex-employees.”
“I should’ve been promoted and be in charge. I’ll teach them. I’ll steal their writers and start my own company.”
“Are you ten years old? That behavior proves they were right not to promote you.”
“No, I’m right and I’m loyal.”
“I’ll stay where I’m am. Your behavior predicts what I can expect from you.”
No comments:
Post a Comment