[Jeff Emidy]

Workers of ther World:
   It has been a long 8 years that I've spent here with y'all, but it's 
time for me to leave. Let me point out that I'm not leaving today, but 
will in the next couple of weeks (bad time to do this, I suppose, but a 
good time for me to write it).

   In the tradition of others who have passed before me, I offer the 
following farewell:
	In this little internet Dreamworld where we coexist, I've been fortunate 
to come across some stellar people: Andy, with whom I did my first tape 
trade, Andrew Pye, who opened my eyes to other Oz music, the Grunion, 
Martin, Pete Poitras, LouLou, who offered me solace -and a place to 
stay- when My County was aflame, the Reisenweaver gang, and many others. 
I like my friends from the internet. It's funny that I know more about a 
lot of you than folks I see every day at work.  I remember when Jon & 
Sena met, got married, and Sena made the move. I remember seeing birth 
announcements of kids who can probably now sing Oils tunes in their 
Sleep. I remember when we mourned Michael Hutchence rather than 
ridiculing his band.  I've been here a while, and you folks have become 
part of my life. I thank you for that.
	This list is nothing if not interesting.  Some join with Instant Karma, 
others make their first post and start a Feeding Frenzy.  "Tell me the 
Truth," they say, "is Surfing With a Spoon about drugs? Is Peter a 
Christian?" and we're off again. Oddly, whenever we have these cyclical 
topics on list, we get some new input from those who think things would 
be great If Ned Kelly was King, or that this really is a Redneck 
Wonderland.  Then we go off again listing our favourite songs: 
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 until we're all done and we decide that Whoah! What 
Goes On here? I Have the Power and the Passion, but I have Forgotten 
Years worth of stuff, and now, I've decided, those old albums that are 
collecting Dust are the best, not the new ones.
	My country is one of many paradoxes.  Over the years, I've felt like I 
have had to defend the US Forces more than once, that we've been Used 
and Abused on the list for things that (Sometimes), we should not have 
been.  Remember this, not every US citizen is a money-grubbing clod. 
I'm not looking for Someone Else To Blame, but I also Don't Wanna Be The 
One who takes the abuse for my government when I don't support them 
either. Put Down That Weapon Dubya!
	People of Australia, you live in a very old place. It is unique in the 
world... and thanks to this list, I've now been there.  I've made 
Progress, I've got the Pictures, they'll help me and my Short Memory to 
remember the places I've seen, things I've done, and people I've met. 
I've taken the Bus to Bondi, toured the Dead Heart, and been closer than 
ever before to Antarctica.  The Oils, and you all, have helped me 
understand these places, and many of the issues that surround them every 
day.
	All of you, Powderwork(s)ers, have helped me to learn a great deal about 
my country, my planet, and my self.  I appreciate that.

	My name is Jeff, and I am a Powderworker.  I've been a fan since Diesel 
and Dust and have seen the Oils five times.  My favourite Midnight Oil 
album is Red Sails in the Sunset. My favourite Oils song is King of the 
Mountain - I like to sing it while I bike.  I don't have all of the Oils 
albums.  I really, really like redneck Wonderland and Breathe. I think 
Capricornia is the worst Oils album ever. In addition to the Oils, I 
enjoy the Clash, Everclear, Dean Martin, Powderfinger, Neil Finn, Toad 
the Wet Sprocket, the Police, Tony Bennett, the Damchords, Superjesus, 
and Zola Turn (among others). I don't know the tabs for anything. I do 
know what the story is behind Bakerman, and I like it, damnit! I've been 
here too long, and I need to go now. I think the Surf's Up Tonight!

	So long, my friends.

	-Balki
	Space Ranger First Class