“Now we knew what the rest of our lives needed to be about.” That is EXACTLY the realization I came to after the November 2024 election. I’m 61 years old. I accepted that I likely would not live to see the changes I hope to see and a halt to the conservative Christian nationalist movement overtaking America. But I can make the rest of my life about helping to turn the tide for my grandchildren’s benefit.
I read John Lewis’s biography in the first few weeks post-election because I’d read other books he’d written about his time in the civil rights movement. He fought for decades to gain equity and justice for all. He endured violence, oppression, ridicule, and loss. Great gains were made. He also lived to see backsliding and losses. Still he persisted and so must we.
The question is what leaders will emerge to coalescence the millions of Americans who want to stand up against the injustices and inequities that are gaining ground in America? Who will once again teach us the principles that drove the Civil Rights movement, the first tenet of which was nonviolence. Let’s start by embracing that tenet and adjusting our rhetoric. Too often, our responses in social media and our conversations with those we align with are filled with a verbal form of violence toward those with whom we disagree. It’s too often profane and abusive, as though our “better” views give us the right to respond with vitriol towards those whose views are repugnant to us.
The gentleness of Peter Yarrow as he discussed his memories of that day in Washington should inspire us all.
It was tough times than and tough times ahead and we all need a Reason to Smile.
We are grateful for you, your wisdom and steady hand. Even in your darkest days & darkest hours you bring it to us... the masses. Despite it all you continue to inspire me with your wisdom and grace.
Thanks, Dan! The song along with Peter Yarrow’s eloquent commentary gave me goosebumps and, finally, since the election, hope and a conviction to work as hard as I can to do my part. Bless you.
This is funny. I *just* responded to a post about illegal border jumpers protesting deportation in Modesto, Ca by posting PP&M singing "Leaving on a jet plane!"
Thank you ever so much, Dan, this song has skyrocketed to the top of my chart, as we all face a fearsome future four years. I harken back to how you ended your newscasts, "COURAGE". Indeed, we all will need profound courage in the face of Donald Trump!
Holy cow everyone is getting old. I always performed Peter, Paul and Mary music. That was a long time ago. They had intricate guitar two part songs. A friend of mine in college and I played several of their songs. We all loved their music. That was around 1970. That’s a while ago. We have since lost contact. I don’t even know if Mike is still around.
So wonderful and while I came of age in the 70s, the 60s were so impactful in our consciousness and music. I can’t help but wonder if today’s young musicians do not take up the injustices like they did then. Is it because today’s issues are so complicated? Not as simple as opposing a war we were fighting? Or what?
One of my favorite songs of theirs had nothing to do with politics, protests, or the issues of the day. Born in 1951, growing up in Queens, NY, of course I was aware of those things, including the threat of nuclear war-told to hide under our desks if the sirens went off during school. I was more concerned about making my Little League team and how the Yankees were doing. Their song, Right Field, still brings back memories of trying, and failing, to start my career in baseball at ten years old, and yes, not being very good at it, I wound up playing… right field. A hard lesson early on. Years later, at NYU,
Thank you for your wisdom!
“Now we knew what the rest of our lives needed to be about.” That is EXACTLY the realization I came to after the November 2024 election. I’m 61 years old. I accepted that I likely would not live to see the changes I hope to see and a halt to the conservative Christian nationalist movement overtaking America. But I can make the rest of my life about helping to turn the tide for my grandchildren’s benefit.
I read John Lewis’s biography in the first few weeks post-election because I’d read other books he’d written about his time in the civil rights movement. He fought for decades to gain equity and justice for all. He endured violence, oppression, ridicule, and loss. Great gains were made. He also lived to see backsliding and losses. Still he persisted and so must we.
The question is what leaders will emerge to coalescence the millions of Americans who want to stand up against the injustices and inequities that are gaining ground in America? Who will once again teach us the principles that drove the Civil Rights movement, the first tenet of which was nonviolence. Let’s start by embracing that tenet and adjusting our rhetoric. Too often, our responses in social media and our conversations with those we align with are filled with a verbal form of violence toward those with whom we disagree. It’s too often profane and abusive, as though our “better” views give us the right to respond with vitriol towards those whose views are repugnant to us.
The gentleness of Peter Yarrow as he discussed his memories of that day in Washington should inspire us all.
Beautifully said, as always Mr. Rather!!
Prophetic and profound! Thank you 😊
Beautiful song, Mr. Rather. He will be deeply missed as a great song writer but also for his activism.
It was tough times than and tough times ahead and we all need a Reason to Smile.
We are grateful for you, your wisdom and steady hand. Even in your darkest days & darkest hours you bring it to us... the masses. Despite it all you continue to inspire me with your wisdom and grace.
THANK YOU & ROCK ON!
Thank you for reminding us of our past battles and giving us the needed encouragement to continue.
I saw PP and M at a small venue in Southern California nearly 30 years ago, and just like Puff, it was magic.
So much work to do.
Thanks, Dan! The song along with Peter Yarrow’s eloquent commentary gave me goosebumps and, finally, since the election, hope and a conviction to work as hard as I can to do my part. Bless you.
This is funny. I *just* responded to a post about illegal border jumpers protesting deportation in Modesto, Ca by posting PP&M singing "Leaving on a jet plane!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVEATF7VNTk
PS: We'd be remiss not to remember that Peter Yarrow was a convicted pedophile.
Thank you ever so much, Dan, this song has skyrocketed to the top of my chart, as we all face a fearsome future four years. I harken back to how you ended your newscasts, "COURAGE". Indeed, we all will need profound courage in the face of Donald Trump!
Holy cow everyone is getting old. I always performed Peter, Paul and Mary music. That was a long time ago. They had intricate guitar two part songs. A friend of mine in college and I played several of their songs. We all loved their music. That was around 1970. That’s a while ago. We have since lost contact. I don’t even know if Mike is still around.
So wonderful and while I came of age in the 70s, the 60s were so impactful in our consciousness and music. I can’t help but wonder if today’s young musicians do not take up the injustices like they did then. Is it because today’s issues are so complicated? Not as simple as opposing a war we were fighting? Or what?
Hmmmmm, great questions....
Thank you for sharing my favorite singers!
One of my favorite songs of theirs had nothing to do with politics, protests, or the issues of the day. Born in 1951, growing up in Queens, NY, of course I was aware of those things, including the threat of nuclear war-told to hide under our desks if the sirens went off during school. I was more concerned about making my Little League team and how the Yankees were doing. Their song, Right Field, still brings back memories of trying, and failing, to start my career in baseball at ten years old, and yes, not being very good at it, I wound up playing… right field. A hard lesson early on. Years later, at NYU,
Thank you for including unpaid subscriptions. It just isn’t possible to pay for more. Thanks for everything you do.