Virgin Burner of a Different Sort

[Badkarma]

Hello Burners,

My name is Blaine, 45 (I know, old for a virgin right?) and single lol. I'm ex-military and currently a government contractor for the company formerly known as Blackwater, and this I believe sets me apart from most Burners. I have always been politically conservative, but have come to see things for what they really are, a "system of life". Working the regular 9 to 5, struggling just to pay Uncle Sam 50% of our income in taxes in some form or another. Being indoctrinated to believe whatever the current topic of lies, our government wants to spit out next. I'm not an anarchist per se, but after spending most of my adult life working for the government, I can honestly say that I DO NOT trust them. I feel we need to let go of all the ties that bind us to our current "system of life" that mainstream society and our government have created, and truly start enjoy the ultimate gift called LIFE...

I would like to bring to Burning Man my optimism and positivity that a community/society made up of not only free-thinkers but doers with a greater vision for this world, than simply being pawns in someone's chess game. A perspective from someone who has served 3 combat tours and has given 22 years of service to this amazing country and it's people, in order to TRULY be free.

I'm always there to help someone who's willing to help themselves and would really like to contribute to Burning Man however possible, as I have a nothing but free time for the 2-3 months that I'm not working overseas. I also plan to live on the road for the next few years in either a tent or travel trailer in order to pay off some debt, yeah thanks Uncle Sam lol

On a creative note, I make jewelry with chain maille, wood, and leather.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[AntiM]

Welcome Aboard.

I'm over 60, a Navy vet, although not a combat vet. I have lived in Saudi and Iran, way back in the 70s. My husband is also retired Navy. I was born and raised "in the Navy", so I do appreciate the dichotomy of what shaped my life and the Burning Man ideals. There's actually many vets at the event, and yes, we've run into contractors who worked in Iraq before.

[Netty58]

I love that your introductory post ends with your jewelry making.

You sound like a man with perspective.

[Badkarma]

SWEET, glad to hear I'm not alone or the only military type here. Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

[forrest Gump]

Hi Blaine

First of all thank you for your service. I am going to premise this with I am no expert on Burning Man, and I have yet to meet one. So in my very humble opinion Burning man is a platform or a canvas where you can safely express yourself (as long as you don’t harm yourself or someone else) without judgment. Political views run the gamut. No judgment or blame all the burners I have ever met don’t whine or butch they just get shit done…. Well with exception of the snarkyness which I thrive on.

All are welcomed but it is not for everyone I run a theme camp and nearly every year we get at least one person wandering into the camp so over whelmed by the shift in reality, they have a meltdown.

I can honestly say you are not set apart because of your political view or who you work for my camp has had a porn stars, a NSA employees(with a top secret security clearance), a dominatrix, ex-military people, politicians ect..It works for a multitude of reason which I will not bore everyone with.

You cannot really understand burning man until you have gone but I can say with confidence it is whatever you want it to be. “You” are Burning Man.

I see you have been burning since 2019?..you have been sent from the future?... So the government has sent you back to stop burning man before it take over the world!?!

That said the age limit for virgin burner is 44, so close but I am sorry to say you can’t go.

Peace
Dr. Baron von Realz, Esq.
)'(
“Eat the bacon, just don’t drink the ‘kool-aid’ ”
- Dr. Baron von Realz, Esq.

[Savannah]

That said the age limit for virgin burner is 44, so close but I am sorry to say you can’t go.

- Dr. Baron von Realz, Esq.

Welcome, Badkarma!

You're not too old; there are tons of Burners 40+. The greatest age cohort is 25-40, last I looked, and that was a few years ago. Veterans typically do amazingly on the playa; they're used to hard work, difficult to faze, and aren't afraid of an 8-hour haboob.

Note: Jewelry made with the man symbol + the year are popular gifts on the playa, so feel free to show off your talents, if you're interested. There's no need to make tons of them (often too expensive) but if you're of a mood to, make some to give out to folks with whom you have a particularly meaningful conversation or adventure. (I make about a dozen necklaces a year, sometimes fewer.)