Nicole Snyder: Okay Garfield, what year were you born and where

							        JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

SHENANDOAH VALLEY ORAL HISTORY PROJECT




              Oral History Interview
                       with

              Garfield P. Shelton Jr.


                By Nicole Snyder

 Food Not Bombs at Broad Street Mennonite Church

                 March 3, 2006
                      JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY:
                SHENANDOAH VALLEY ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

General topic of interview: Life History

NARRATOR: Garfield P. Shelton Jr.
DATE: March 3, 2006
INTERVIEWER: Nicole Snyder
PLACE: Food Not Bombs, Broad Street Mennonite Church

PERSONAL DATA
Birthdate:
Spouse: No
Occupation: none

                                        BIOGRAPHY
        Garfield P. Shelton Jr. grew up in Fairfax, Virginia and came to Harrisonburg
after being released from Western State Hospital in Staunton. Garfield has had a lot of
very interesting experiences in his life. He has been in and out of mental institutions and
given a plethora of anti-psychotic medications. He lived homeless in Las Vegas for a
while behind a Day Care Center. There and many other places he experienced the effects
of a variety of drugs. Although, he was unwilling to go into detail on the subject, Garfield
links his drug problems to his parents’ drug usage. Garfield has been arrested multiple
times for various outbursts related to his schizophrenia, drug usage, or both. However,
Garfield has no intentions of hurting anyone and is a very mild-mannered and friendly
person.

                             INTERVIEWER'S COMMENTS

        Interviewing Garfield was very difficult, frustrating, and interesting because of his
schizophrenia and “Jesus complex”. It was difficult because I was unaware of his
psychological conditions before the interview so the interview guide I had created was
not in anticipation of interviewing a psychologically disturbed individual. It was difficult
because Garfield refused to “pass judgment” or complain about anything because of his
religious fervor. It was interesting because the responses I received for many of my
questions were so far from any response I could ever possibly anticipate.
 (Verbal consent)
Nicole Snyder: Okay Garfield, what year were you born and where?
Garfield P. Shelton Jr.: 1964, Fairfax, Virginia.
Snyder: Okay and how long have you lived in Harrisonburg?
GS: Since... I've lived been in the valley because of Western State Hospital... so, 1997,
   February 1997 I moved to Harrisonburg.
NS: Okay, and why did you move to Harrisonburg?
GS: Well I tried to return to Staunton, because I lived free in Staunton a while and they
   sent me over here because this CSB could help me better?
NS: Okay and what's that program? I mean I don't understand like how... what the...
   how... why it is that you had to be... what is it CSB?
GS: CSB, yeah, that's the aftercare for long term mental ill.
NS: Okay and what... have you been diagnosed with something?
GS: Yeah, chronic schizophrenia, a Jesus complex... I am, I believe I am Jesus.
NS: How long have you believed that?
GS; Since, I guess I suppose since the Bible. I got the New Testament when I was about
   nineteen years old.
NS: Were you raised in a religious atmosphere?
GS: No, not at all, nineteen years old. They gave me a, I was in San Francisco when they
   gave me the New Testament and I loved that truth.
NS: Who gave you the New Testament?
GS: Church people.
NS: Yeah?
GS : Yeah.
NS: So, how did you get involved? Did you get involved with churches after that?
GS: I was disappointed with churches, that's not the right word, I don't know why you
   said church though.
NS: Have you been involved with the religious community at all?
GS: My every thought is God.
NS: So, where were your parents from? Fairfax?
GS: I suppose... I'm black, straight off the slave ship, that's 1964 though.
NS: What was your parents' work experience?
GS: My dad... work experience?
NS: Yeah, what kind of jobs did they have when you were growing up?
GS: I can't say. I never can say that. This is about me.
NS: Okay, so, what kind of hobbies and things did you have growing up?
GS: I liked to build models, small models, of you know like model what is that model
   plane glue stuff? I like to do that... love football...
NS: Okay.
GS: School. I wasn't perfect attendance, but I was always there.
NS: What was the highest level of education that you got to? Did you finish high school?
GS: I did. I went to summer school. Didn't get to march with the class and all that stuff,
   cap and gown stuff, but I lied to myself. I said how many credits you got. When we
   got close to it we just started skipping and fell short.
NS: Why did you start skipping?
GS: I believed that lie about how many credits I had. So, I just skipped. It was easier than
   just sitting there. And I skipped and that was my, but I did see the diploma, yes.
NS: Have you ever been married?
GS: Well, I'm not a virgin, but I don't really believe in that because it's always on their
   left hand and I'm right.
NS: Do you have any children?
GS: I don't think so... because I'm an American and something would catch up with you
   so that's true. I don't.
NS: Okay.
GS: With my last girl friend I was kissing her and I could smell Pampers, like maybe you
   could smell this coat. I was kissing her and I said, “Hey I can smell Pampers.” I think
   people were just trying to be me because I am.
NS: Can I ask you questions about your work experience now?
GS: Yeah Yeah sure.
NS: What kind of jobs have you held in the past?
GS: Well, mental illness that means that you won't have appropriate behavior so I'm
   pretty much unemployed. Oh! When I graduated I was... volunteer for the Navy.
NS: How did that work out?
GS: I was in the ship's store so that means theft of government property and discharge,
   Special Court-Martial and discharge. That's how I ended up in San Francisco,
   California. Then I got the New Testament.
NS: So, you sort got in trouble?
GS: Special Court-Martial, that ain't trouble. That ain't trouble.
NS: I don't really know that much about...
GS: You said trouble. That's a serious military offense, but that's not trouble.
NS: Okay, I don't know anything about it. What does that mean?
GS: Special Court-Martial? That's like worse than Captain's Mast. It's like special
   legal…it’s like bailiff and judge and officer and stuff but it's within the military.
NS: And why did you get that?
GS: I was in the ship's store and I was in charge of like soda cases, sodas, you know put
   in the soda machine, vending machine. Some guy came down and was like sell me
   one. And I was like no I can't do that, and he said do it! I gave him the stuff and he
   gave me five dollars and I just amassed so much that it caught up with me at
   inventory. [Garfield laughs]
NS: So, has that effected? How long were you in the Navy before that happened?
GS: That was my first job. Not very long. [Garfield laughs] Thirteen weeks of boot camp
   and then like SHA school it’s about, I forget, and then San Diego, probably well I
   don't even know.
NS: How did you get become interested in that? Like how did they recruit you?
GS: I was in Air Force Junior ROTC in Mensfield? Then I went to Hampton and then I
   was in ROTC at Mensfield, Virginia's eight-first. That's good. ROTC is good. That's
   the right way to go. It's not like a punk rocker so that's cool. I wanted to be in Boy
   Scouts in elementary school but they wouldn't have me.
NS: Why not?
GS: I don't know. I guess my parents were…were…didn't have enough money for fees
   and what not.
NS: Yeah, it's expensive. So what was boot camp like?
GS: Just great because I ways prepared for... being in the Air Force Junior ROTC, I was
   prepared. I knew what to do.
NS: Have you had other jobs since then?
GS: Let me think, I did not work between here and from there from the brig and
   discharge I did not work until I got here. I came back to Virginia. My Dad's Dad took
   me to Glen Gary brick yard in Manassas. I worked there for probably a month or less
   than a month. Then I....
NS: What did you do there?
GS: Glen Gary Brickyard…I just, there's like the things that wrap the stacks of bricks,
   and there's stacks and stacks and stacks of bricks and so you just sort of make keeping
   it together.
NS: What were the conditions like?
GS: It was summer time. I didn't stay very long. I'm not very strong.
NS: Did they pay you very well or not at all?
GS: I don't remember how much I got. It was 1985 or 1986 so it wasn’t more than six
   dollars or seven dollars an hour..
NS: So you probably would not have been able to support yourself on that?
GS: Naw, well mental illness was coming on because I was…I got the New Testament
   and mental illness was coming on. That's what I told the boss ‘cause I walked off the
   job and he said, 'Why'd you leave?' when I came back. You, know, when I did come
   back I guess to clock out or try to get paid. He said “Why'd you leave?” And I said,
   “Mental illness, mental illness.” Then I just left again.
NS: What do you think triggered? What made you start feeling like you were having this
   mental illness come one?
GS: It was my first…marijuana that's why. It’s illegal that retarded people get marijuana.
   They always strip out. That's what gets it, marijuana is marijuana. What? What did
   you say?. Say that again.
NS: Well, you didn't grow up having this mental illness, so what do you think caused it to
   sort of come on at that time?
GS: LSD and New Testament and psychotic mushrooms and crystal. They had speed,
   they called it water, but I don't know what it is but. Homo-sex, that that makes you
   crazy.
NS: Where did you get exposed to all that?
GS: Well, I smoked weed before I left Virginia for the Air Force, that's not for the Air
   Force, that's the Navy. Then I, picking each other’s noses. What?
NS: How did you get into the Navy, I mean don't they test you for drugs and stuff?
GS: Yeah, yeah, I never got caught though.
NS: Okay.
GS: How did I get into what?
NS: Don't they drug test you?
GS: They don't stop you. They catch you after the fact.
NS: Did everyone try to help you?
GS: How did I get into drugs? Children... parents that use drugs have kids that use drugs.
   That's my answer.
NS: Okay, did anyone try to intervene and help you with the drug problem?
GS: It's not a drug problem. When you're psychotic they say take this medicine.
NS: Oh, okay so you were being given medicine?
GS: That's what causes and triggers schizophrenia.
NS: Oh, okay so they were trying to...
GS: Yeah, chemical imbalance. But I haven't taken the anti-psychotics. I got a piece of it
   here. [Puts hand in pocket] I haven't taken it since you told me we are going to have
   this interview. Oh, I put money in there too. [Takes pill out of pocket and places on
   the table]
NS: So, you?
GS: I'm going to take it when we're done that way I can just go to sleep.
NS: They make you really tired.
GS: They're sleeping pills, sleeping pills. Naw, for me this helps you listen. You don't
   have to think about things if you're psychotic, you don't have to do anything about it.
   That’s what I think.
NS: So, how long have you been taking those?
GS: Since, on and off since '84, the year of big brother.
NS: So you think that helps?
GS: Sure,sure because I would not have screamed like that if I had taken it last night or
   anything. Lady Nicole! [Nicole laughs nervously] I'm back!
[Here, Garfield is referring to when he came into Food Not Bombs, knowing that today
   was they day that I would be interviewing him, screaming, "LADY NICOLE! LADY
   NICOLE! I AM BACK!" He started doing this on the street and continued as he
   walked into the Church.]
NS: What was it like a State Health program that got you on this? Or did you go to the
   doctor yourself? How did...?
GS: Well, when you draw attention to yourself and the police come and say like
   this…this needs to go to the... psych ward. And, they take you, you got to be really
   actin', really actin' because they can tell psychosis from normalcy.
NS: So, was there like a big incident that got the police...?
GS: You draw attention... I was at this guy's house and I just got out of jail and whenever
   you get a long time off of marijuana, and you finally get some then it's just, “What the
   hell?” I said, “The world is your’s! The world is your's!” But I did see Scarface, but I
   wasn't thinking of that because that ‘cause I only glimpsed, “Scarface the world is
   yours.” And I grabbed this little crucifix off of the wall, and that was long after the
   New Testament. I was on... do you know? Someone needs to watch this apartment,
   and I said, “Do you know? Do you know?” And then I left and walked out. I ran with
   the cross. Whoa, whoa, whoa, stuff like that. I was mad that they crucified Jesus. I
   didn't think that I was Jesus, because there he was right there. I was like, “Whoa,
   whoa, whoa.”
NS: Was that the first time that you got arrested?
GS: I think so... I think that was the first time. That was the first time they said, “You
   know, you're mentally ill?” And I said, “Yeah.”
NS: Did you spend a long time in jail?
GS: I didn't do anything that... I didn't break any law. They didn't charge me with
   anything. They took me to the hospital and started me on medicine.
NS: And was that experience like when you first were in the hospital?
GS: I didn't want to take it, because I didn't know what it was. Then I took it and when I
   woke up, I finally told them my name. They were calling me John Doe because I kept
   on saying I was Jesus Christ. I said, “I'm Jesus, I'm Jesus.” So, they called me John
   Doe for a while.
NS: And where was that? In Fairfax?
GS: That was in San Francisco; 1984.
NS: How long were you in the hospital there?
GS: Not very long, at least about four months. Summertime by the time…I just got out of
   jail. Summertime I flew back here and got the job at Glen Gary Brick.
NS: So, and you've been in a hospital here too... near Harrisonburg?
GS: RMH, third floor, fifth floor, third floor, yeah.
NS: How was your experience different in the San Francisco one and the Harrisonburg
   one?
GS: I don't compare. I don't compare. Everybody's nice.
NS: Okay, that's good. So, have you had any other experiences with the police?
GS: Yeah they come down to my house on Myrtle when those crackheads started coming
   down there. I busted my TV on the sidewalk, and they came and they said, “You been
   smokin' today? You been smokin' today? You been smokin' today?” No! They finally
   put me in jail for being drunk in public 'cause I smashed a TV on the sidewalk.
NS: How did the police treat you?
GS: They're nice they never hit me...
NS: No complaints?
GS: No complaints. Peace officers. That's what the psychologists'll tell you and the
   psychiatrists'll tell you, “Do you want to hurt yourself or anybody else?” And I said,
   “No.” I don't think I've ever done any violence. I don't hit hard. I'm haven’t done any
   blood.
NS: What is your? What do you think of the War on Drugs?
GS: Wine is a marker and strong drink... who is there received thereby is not wise... what
   are you talking about?
NS: The War on Drugs.
GS: I have no judgment on the War on Drugs. Just behave. Everybody should behave.
   More harmful then good, drugs are, I think. Gives you bread, strength in your heart,
   wine to cheer a man's heart [mumbling]. War on drugs. Goes in one ear and out the
   other.
NS: Can I ask you questions about your daily life in Harrisonburg now?
GS: Yeah.
NS: Are you currently employed here?
GS: Part time.
NS: Where at?
GS: Transition temporary employment at CSB. They can tell how crazy you are if you're
   working or not. They can tell if they need to change your medicine or if you need a
   little bit more money, being productive.
NS: What does CSB stand for?
GS: Community Services Board.
NS: Do they give you money to pay your rent and stuff?
GS: I get social security, but they can take my money if I'm not doing it right. They'll
   give me enough to live on.
NS: What they give you is sufficient for your needs?
GS: Social security.
NS: Is it enough?
GS: Sure. Jesus said have food. The Bible says Jesus said, “Have food and clothes and
   be satisfied with that.” Jesus is that way the truth and the life. The Bible, I hope that's
   right, the whole entire word of God. ‘Cause it says in Revelations here that says has
   anything the plagues would be added to ‘em, and he that takes anything away his
   reward be taken out... heaven... taken stuff out. It's called the Holy Bible. I saw a
   Bible in jail in San Francisco it said, “The Bible.” I put it back.
NS: And, you had Bible study before this? Is that where you were?
GS: Yeah [pats cassette tape player] on the radio.
NS: Where do you go to Bible study? Is it just on your own or do you do it with other
   people?
GS: I'm God! I'm God.
NS: So, you have your own?
GS: Yeah.
NS: So, what places do you go on a typical day. What do you do in Harrisonburg?
GS: I go to the bathroom then I go to the kitchen and then I go... [both laugh].
NS: Outside of your house.
GS: I have a post office box, that's something to do. I go to the new place, what's the new
   place on Elizabeth Street?
NS: Oh, the Rocktown Infoshop that Emily and Nottingham [Emily and Nottingham are
   two young people who come help cook at Food Not Bombs regularly] were opening
   with...?
GS: Those were some sour cookies I got on the free table, no good. I go to the post office
   and the soup kitchens. Here's a soup kitchen today.
NS: How do you get around?
GS: I walk mostly and the bus the bus.
NS: Has the schedule... I mean is it enough to get around where you need to go?
GS: Sure.
NS: And you live near here on Myrtle street?
GS: I did once and now I live on East Gay Street near Sterling.
NS: What is that neighborhood like?
GS: It's got a graveyard right there [Nicole laughs nervously]. I stay at my place.
NS: Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?
GS: Safety is in the Lord. That’s what has saved me. That’s what they tell me, “Saved
   means kept safe.”
NS: What's the racial makeup of that neighborhood?
GS: It's good, like a rainbow.
NS: You've got a lot of different people?
GS: Yeah, yeah. They're coming to America.
NS: Do they all get along together alright?
GS: Yeah, I haven't heard any gunshots. When I was in DC I heard gunshots a lot.
NS: But not in Harrisonburg?
GS: Not really.
NS: Have there been any tensions between the police and the people in your
   neighborhood.
GS: Behave! He's got a gun, a legal gun. It says in the Bible that he doesn't bear the
   sword in vain 'cause like... you gotta behave. Fear the power. Behave. So that sinners
   shall die. [laughs]
NS: Can I ask you? Do you associate yourself with a political party? Do you vote?
GS: I like a Republican. I'm registered again. I got the right to vote restored recently.
NS: Do you vote every year?
GS: Every four years or every two years. Every year? If I care, if an election is coming
   and they mean come vote then I come vote.
NS: Do you feel like your vote is important?
GS: Sure.
NS: Do you think that by voting you actually...?
GS: It's secret ballot. Yeah.
NS: Do you think that the people who you vote for, have you been satisfied with what
   they've done?
GS: There's no power but a God. He sets up Kings and does what he wants.
NS: Okay, do you want to talk about how Harrisonburg has changed since you've been
   here? You’ve been here what ten years? Fifteen years?
GS: Not yet ten years.
NS: What was it like when you first moved here? What was your first impression?
GS: I haven't had breaks from anti-psychotics for a long time. So it's like in one ear and
   out the other. I love this place. It's the Friendly City. I didn't know that was the name.
   Queens City is Staunton until I got here. I was like Queens City what?
NS: You lived on Myrtle Street and Gay Street and where else?
GS: Main Street and Rockingham on the Waterman side, and Jail, 25 south... for a
   hundred and thirty-two days.
NS: A hundred and thirty two days? What was that experience like?
GS: Not bad. You've got to behave or you'll be there longer than that if you don't behave.
NS: That's true. Have you noticed if the area that you've lived in have changed since
   you've been here?
GS: I don't have a judgment, my every thought is God, Lord Jesus. [laughs in slow and
   drawn out manner] I've been on like the anti-psychotics consistently so I don't think
   it's changed. I have no judgment. I can't remember. God has caused me to forget.
NS: Do you feel that you have been discriminated against for your mental illness?
GS: No! God loves me! God loves me!
NS: But, what about everybody else?
GS: I love everybody. I love everybody.
NS: And, they don't like...
GS: I despise not any.
NS: Do you feel like people have discriminated against you because of your...?
GS: I don't have your hand. [reaches out and grabs Snyder's hand as she laughs
   nervously]. I don't have that and that and that, What's my word? and that and that I
   don't want to say aspect? and that and that. There's a word.
NS: I don't know what it is.
GS: I haven’t found it. [Garfield laughs]

INTERUPTION: Do you guys know that food is ready upstairs?

GS: I just got back from the grocery store. I'm cool.
NS: Do you want to take a break?
GS: Yeah, yeah. Let's take a break. I just got back from the grocery store.

[BREAK]
[Some portion of interview not recorded]

GS: the judge says that you need to stay here in the hospital until you're not a danger to
   yourself and anyone else... probably goes... or not before the Brig. The Brig was first
   time, then San Bruno, then the lock ward, psychotic, Purple Rain had just come out -
   _ “Let's Go Crazy” 1984. I guess DC…DC was next. And then I did failure to
   appear, because I had a court date and I flew to Las Vegas and they finally caught up
   to me with the good thing in the car, and police car, and ID and what-not... until I got
   extradited and I flew back..?
NS: Why did you go to Las Vegas?
GS: Because I was shaking and I was like I should go to the desert and fast or something.
   I never did. I went to the desert though I lived in San Francisco... Nevada. I went back
   and I stopped in Oklahoma.
NS: What did you do in Nevada?
GS: I was homeless, I worked every now and then... I sold blood... you could sell blood
   then there.
NS: That's how you got by?
GS: And food stamps. I mostly sold the food stamps for half price. It wasn't very long. It
   was only like from spring to fall.
NS: Did you go to like soup kitchens to get food?
GS: Yeah, soup kitchens.
NS: Where did you live? Where did you sleep at night?
GS: I slept behind this closed daycare center. There was dust storm one time.
NS: What was that like?
GS: I slept in the behind…it was dark in there so it was closed daycare center. It wasn't in
   like use or anything, and I thought I ain't going in the dark. There were streetlights. I
   saw a gunfight from there too.
NS: Wow.
GS: It didn't trip me out. I was in a sleeping bag. It wasn't this color though [pulls on
   jacket]. It was warm, real warm it was dry heat. [laughs] I can't remember. I guess
   that's enough. That's enough incarcerations.
NS: Could you talk a little bit about maybe one of those experiences?
GS: There was a dust storm and a guy was like here's some pills take 'em. I took 'em and
   I got real sleepy. I got high and then I was sleep walking like a blackout when you
   drink too much and you don't know what you did. I Knew I was trying to sleep, and I
   was very sleepy. I was walking and walking back to my place where I store my stuff.
   There was a chair on the sidewalk and some girl woke me up and said, “You've got
   you walkman sitting there.” And I picked my walkman up. I was real sleepy. I got up
   and made it to my sleeping bag place, and I was real sleepy and there was a big dust
   storm. I asked what day it was.
NS: Who gave you those pills to take?
GS: Just some guy I met on the street.
NS: Did you know him?
GS: No... there was a dust storm. I was really sleepy. You're getting very sleepy… I was
   drowsy. I thought I won 50,000, but I was so sleepy that I blacked out and I never
   found out if I did or not. I never did go up to the... I was in the downtown Las Vegas.
   I never went to the big part. I went to a show that time. What was that? Atlantic Star
   or maybe Star Point? Yeah Star Point, that was it. I can't remember the beat though.
NS: How did you get to Las Vegas.
GS: I forget what airline, but I caught the subway to the airport in DC. I just asked how
   much was it and I didn't sit in first class or nothin' like that. I just flew. We stopped
   before... We flew and then we landed in Salt Lake. It was raining and I thought
   maybe I'd get off here. Nah, it’s raining [Garfield laughs]. I just kept on to Vegas.
NS: What did you do once you got there?
GS: Before I left [unclear]. That's the Department of Labor... that tunnel. It's like the
   city college in D.C. second in three...
NS: Why did you go to Las Vegas?
GS: Because I didn't believe I should be on probation.
NS: Why not?
GS: I was following Jesus and Jesus is my judgment. Naahh, I'm Jesus, or I'm with Jesus,
   I do it the way Jesus does it. I had some money, but I put away money, and I asked
   for it back. I was in the Navy, and I give them one dollar and they put two dollars
   towards education and it was okay if you didn't use it. They give you exactly what
   you gave, instead of the extra. So I had that check, and I just applied for disability,
   because of schizophrenia. So I had a check for welfare plus the money from the
   education, I was supposed to use for education that I was supposed to use. What was
   the court case? Why did I fly?
NS.: Why were you on probation?
GS: I wasn't on probation. That's why I flew. I would have been on probation. I would
   have been on probation, but... I probably would have just got probation, but I didn't
   think about it. The didn't want... y probably would have made me pee... but I sure
   didn't want it. That's when they called it "Love Boat" PCP or John Hinkley stuff. I
   liked it that way. That's what I got caught with. And they let me out. I had a job, and
   they let me out on my own recognizance. And they's like... probation and…and give
   a urine sample. Just take blood man, sssssssssicko pee man, ahhhh never mind. I'm
   going to Vegas. I was shaking ‘cause this guy gave me bam. I told him to get me
   some coke because I had all that money right, and he gave me some bam. And I must
   of caught some anxiety attack and I said, “Wow! I got this money, I'll go to the desert
   and fast and what not and pray.” That's where Vegas is – the desert. So the anxiety in
   that bam...

…
NS: What exactly is that?
GS: Mental illness?
NS: Schizophrenia.
GS: False beliefs, that’s what they say.
NS: How does that affect your every day life?
GS: It's just that... I’m not sure about anything sometimes because it's like... you're
   wrong, take this, you're wrong, take this stuff... take this stuff... you're wrong... take
   this stuff...
NS: So do you get frustrated with um, the medicine and your treatment?
GS: Not really, my burden is light. My burden is not heavy, it's not grievous... They've
   made great advances in medicine by now... great advances. It's like side effects are
   minimal.
NS: Were your side effects worse when you first started taking them?
GS: Yeah, ‘cause they gotta find out which medicine corrects the problem. Gotta find
   which medicine corrects the incorrectness in the brain. It takes a while to get the right
   medicine to where that medicine works instead of... doesn't work. This is the stuff
   though... "Zyprexa to the rescue!" (?) It's football shaped isn't it... oval, oval... So it's
   Saturday tomorrow, right? ...
NS: Yeah. How long have you been coming to Food Not Bombs?
GS: Not very, long. I didn't know about this, this one. I knew about the other ones.
NS: It seems like not many people know about this, do you know why that is?
GS: I don’t know how long this has been here. ‘Cause people don't - word of mouth they
   don't tell, a lot... they don't tell...
NS: Do you go to other kitchens?
GS: Yeah, I go to all for them I think. Just once a day. Most of them once a day.
NS: A lot more people go to those?
GS: I don't see too many. Not here in Harrisonburg. There are great big places in DC
   about ten times more people than the average of these... This is a small city, I think...
   unless they're in prison houses or something. Sitting home mentally ill can't go
   outside, close the windows close the doors. I’ll bring you food.
NS: Have you had much interaction with the college students since this is a big college
   town?
GS: I don’t know, tough white boys, tough boys, I want you... or you... tough white boys
   say, “not today... not today, god.” I don't have... “Madison, James Madison..."
NS: Do you have a lot of interaction with the students?
GS: No... I'm patient. I'll live forever. I'll live forever. I'm patient.
NS: What do you think is the relationship between JMU, the college community, and the
   Harrisonburg local community. Is there much mixing?
GS: I can't say.,. I don't have any judgment concerning that... The Kingdom of God, the
   kingdom of this world become the kingdom of his Lord and his Christ... and he shall
   reign forever and ever.
NS: Could you tell me a little about your religious beliefs?
GS: I've been doing that, I've been doing that....
NS: Specifically? Why is it that you are so outspoken about your religious beliefs? What
   is it that drives you?
GS: I love the truth and the Bible... the Bible talks to me...
NS: Do you have any experience with religious organizations or churches?
GS: I still haven't been a membership, member. I haven't been a member yet.
NS: No? But do you go to churches in Harrisonburg?
GS: I like it, yeah.
NS: Do they have a lot of outreach to the community?
GS: I have no judgment concerning that question.
NS: And... was there anything else you wanted to talk about that we haven’t talked
   about?
GS: Oooohhh.... ... ... ... nope. Nope.
NS: I think we are good then. Thank you Garfield I really appreciate it.
GS: What’s that word? That’s the lost lyric. I tell you.