SONGS FOR A NATION IN NEED
These eight songs chronicle the enormous challenges presented by the current American President during a progression of events from the first primaries to the present moment. With every tune, we hope to remind each citizen to sing out and shine the light of truth on every day. Indeed, we have the power to change this world when we work for the greater good with honor and dignity for all.
I share these songs in the hope that others will sing them. Plant the seeds of kindness with all you do. Do us proud. Sing them loud. Let your voice be heard. Every vote counts.
1. Me and You – During the 2016 Primary Election campaign season, I felt compelled to interrupt the incessant cruel banter that became the dominant theme. Such crass dialogue demeaned the commitment to peace and justice that many of us had already sacrificed for. My
sense of responsibility to speak up when something is wrong is just part of my DNA. When it seemed like nobody else was willing to take a stand against such destructive behaviors, I stepped up to the microphone to be heard, asking the essential question: “If not me and you, then tell me who will help us to be saved?”
2. Walking in the Light of Love – On Election Night 2016, I was reminded of the spirit of marches past where I had walked in support civil rights, environmental protection, and world peace. Unbroken by a sequence of questionable presidential actions that seemed to dishonor those efforts, I returned to a practice I had known earlier in my life that connected me with a higher purpose. Whenever love leads the way, I will be walking with you.
3. Anyone’s Guess – After the first hundred days of the new administration, the writing was already on the wall. Untruthful and manipulative messaging appeared to be emerging as a widely accepted form of communication by an entire cast of newly appointed, self-serving representatives of our government’s Executive Branch. Such a travesty was made possible only by the silence of good people who knew better. To defeat deceit, we must speak up. What do
you say?
4. Divided by None – Hope finally speaks up in this compromising era of identity politics and the rise of nationalism. The Pledge of Allegiance was etched into the memory of my childhood, speaking of belief at the start of every school day. The repeated statement of a promise to protect the honor of our nation was forever present in my thoughts. The best of who we were in an earlier time would simply have to rise again to define who we are in the present era. We offer
up this anthem to remind all that hate is a vice and not a virtue. We stand together or we fall apart.
5. Known Cooperator – Harassing the helpers is just one more attempt to silence those who would dare to speak up for those who could no longer speak for themselves. Practicing kindness toward strangers while staying ever mindful of the needs of others is seen as an act of
defiance in the face of authoritarian nationalistic hate. The most subversive thing a person might do would be to treat everyone as equals in the same respectful manner without exception.
6. Trust but Verify – Don’t get played by the game. When the truth is not true, then it’s a lie. As the intention behind those manipulative actions becomes more clear, integrity falls away to reveal a darker strategy. Accepting the unacceptable is another symptom of a much larger problem. Drawing the line by simply asking the right questions becomes the responsibility of every citizen in a participatory democracy. Don’t settle for less.
7. Heaven Shines on Everyone – The infinite wisdom of a time-honored African proverb delivers a powerful thought to start this song, “You don’t have to be tall to see the moon.” As refugee children were being stolen from their parents by ICE Agents at our country’s southern border, this song seemed to speak of a deeper truth. I sing of hope for all children seeking a safe harbor, everywhere.
8. On Common Ground – As competing forces dig in deeper, we lose sight of higher purpose. This is a brief tutorial on responsibilities of citizenship in a functional democracy. There is no place in my community for the dishonorable display of self above service. Going forward, all of us can do better.
Sing truth to power. Lead by example. Keep showing up. Act with integrity. Know more, do better, act now, and be the change.
