Electronic Writer

I am absolutely loving the writers over at Jimmy Kimmel these days.  Of course, this is just one example of their stellar work . . . .

One of the first major loves of my life was Joni Mitchell, and it was this album, Hejira, that opened my ears and transformed me from someone who listens to whatever is on the radio to a lover of music . . . .

Thank you, Joni.

This has got to be one of my favorite jazz performances of all time . . . .

Karl Wallinger created the band World Party in 1986–a one-person music project, and recorded all of these songs at his house. And, “Ship of Fools” made the UK Top 40.

It is an interesting, eclectic style of music, and watching the video now, it seems somehow . . . prophetic.

Enjoy.

Dear Mr. Boehner,

You may be in a position of power, but you do not speak for the majority of Americans.

Our Democracy was founded upon the principle of equality for all, and in November of 2008, when the entire country cast their votes of equal weight, the majority spoke.  We said we want change.

We did not choose the campaign who told us to be afraid and that only they could keep us safe.  Instead, we chose a promise of change and hope.  And, our leader, President Barack Obama, told us “Yes, We Can.”

It was a message unlike any I can remember.  Yes, We Can is not about a political party, or about a leader, or about morality–it is about us.  It is a message that summons us to greater things.  It expects us to fulfill our duties to this country, and challenges us when our service is needed.  And, it implies that our nation will not work without us.

We chanted Yes, We Can leading up to election day – it was our rally cry – and, we yelled it at the top of our lungs in exuberance after the votes were counted.  After eight long years of being silent and afraid, it was nice to hear our voice again.

From the moment our movement began, you started speaking louder–telling us to be silent.  Telling us that we should be afraid.  You have continued to raise your voice in your quest to silence ours.  Now, you shout openly.

But, simply repeating the same message does not make it true.  Regardless of your power, truth lies beyond your reach.  No matter how loudly you shout, you cannot change it.  And, the truth is that we, the majority of Americans, have spoken.  We want change.

It is time to stop shouting.  It is time to stop sowing fear.  It is time to end your obstructionism–and, join us.

Yes, We Can.

Roll up your sleeves, and get back to work representing your constituents.

Yes, We Can.

Even while we were shouting in exuberance, there was room for you and your values in our America.

Yes, We Can.

One more voice in a country founded upon dissonance and debate tempered with humility and acceptance.

Yes, We Can.

Join us, Mr. Boehner–you know the next line . . . .

Hear the Song . . . How it was Written

I saw The Ropes as they were pulling through San Francisco. My friend, Katrina Skalland of Deluxe was playing, and The Ropes were actually the headlining act. Good stuff . . . .