You know I love a good philosophical argument, a rousing political or religious one is wonderful too. Alas, in the current atmosphere in the United States I find it increasingly difficult to have these exchanges. Its no longer stimulating or fun, it has become serious, even between friends. I have long and dear friends who will always have that status with me, I respect and admire them for their viewpoints and willingness to share them with me. I believe they hold the self-same thoughts as I. I say that and yet some of the content of our exchanges anger me and my responses, them as well. We do not live in like worlds, we see it differently, unalike, convoluted from each other, different and distant. Still I respect the discourse itself yet feel I must back away during these times to protect us all from the loudness of our screams. The United States has never been an easy to understand place; it's politics, it's belief system, it's modernity, it's past. The anchor drags along the bottom as the ship drifts this way and that. This could be the time of the 2nd revolution in the US of A. I am far to old to join the active battle for the hearts and minds of the populace. The right has it's points, the liberal leaning Democratic left, always weak in the US, is suddenly ahead of the game while being pursued vigourously by the Republican and religous right. The current financial situation has polorized the public. Red or Blue, Right or Left, Secular or Not. Yet we are all citizens of this great country, a star among the nations of the earth, un-perfect but stiving to be so. This season of discord will pass, times ahead will reveal themselves to be better and more dynamic. These are the doldrums of our nationhood, the teenage years of angst and separation. We abound still, financial crisis or not, the world IS our oyster. Our culture is complex and yet accepting of those unalike and wanting. My optimism counters the pessimism of the times, I think I'm right and that we will accend to a greater place and time. My friends will remain my friends, to confound them, to confront and create angst in them is not my desire. Creating hope and confidence in the future is far more a goal, a toast to tomorrow for them. Maybe there's a chance for us all.
Oh and here is a groove from Mr. Willie Dixon, oh how he can play the Bass! Wow!
