The Bass Man's Stage

Stubby, muscular arms hung from his barrel chest. Whether running the rickety printing press, pinching somebody's behind as he or she walked by or stabbing the air in debate, those arms punched out points.

White pork-chopped sideburns and a well-chiseled jaw buttressed the mouth.  And the mouth, that mouth gushed lots of good humor as well as rank remarks.  In debate, it seldom uttered anything other than piercing, rational words that forced sound thought from listeners. Consequently, it often frustrated and deflated many a pompous bigwig.

He worked at many things—from chicken ranching, to engineering boiler rooms, to punching donut holes, to selling used cars, to jamming, jawing, sweeping and politicking... 

Almost four decades went by before he voted.  When he started, he brought a passion, verve and unique perspective to voting that few equaled.

To those irked or tainted by politicians or bureaucrats, he was one bodacious political white knight.  He was one of those rare talents that is, or nourishes, the political richness that often blooms in America.

 He brought a fresh approach to politics that was needed, and he loved teaching others how to do politics differently. It was good that he taught so well, for he was taken too soon.

Maybe he was so good and refreshing on the political stage because, unbeknownst to us who danced to his political music, he had played hard on a totally different stage for most of his younger life. As one of his many black buddies and band members said, he was the best at “swangaan his thang.”

Edwin A. Koupal, Jr.

National Director, People’s Lobby 

November 5, 1927 - March 29, 1976