In light of Obama's inauguration I found this old poem to be especially moving.
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
(America never was America to me.)
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed--
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.
(It never was America to me.)
O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.
(There's never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this "homeland of the free.")
Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?
I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery's scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek--
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.
I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one's own greed!
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean--
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today--O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,
The poorest worker bartered through the years.
Yet I'm the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That's made America the land it has become.
O, I'm the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home--
For I'm the one who left dark Ireland's shore,
And Poland's plain, and England's grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa's strand I came
To build a "homeland of the free."
The free?
Who said the free? Not me?
Surely not me? The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we've dreamed
And all the songs we've sung
And all the hopes we've held
And all the flags we've hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay--
Except the dream that's almost dead today.
O, let America be America again--
The land that never has been yet--
And yet must be--the land where every man is free.
The land that's mine--the poor man's, Indian's, Negro's, ME--
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.
Sure, call me any ugly name you choose--
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people's lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath--
America will be!
Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain--
All, all the stretch of these great green states--
And make America again!
-Langston Hughes
James's Journal
My Podcast Link
01/18/2009 20:52 #47442
let America be America Again01/15/2009 14:10 #47415
Not sure how to feel about thisSo,
There is a comedian with cerebral palsy who goes on this Norwegian weekly satire show and sings to famous songs with his own brand of lyrics.
On one hand, it is freakin' awesome that his guy is out there performing and making people laugh. On the other, what are they laughing at?
He is raising awareness of cerebral palsy, but it is very uncomfortable territory. He is making jokes about his condition. We shouldn't be afraid to laugh at the miseries of life, but that needs to be balanced by a certain respect so it doesn't become LOLtard crap. I am really not sure what to think of this guy, but I am pretty certain this sort of thing wouldn't fly in America. Ya, once the Kennedy's had put this issue to us and Corky was on TV. But the subsequent political correctness has pushed issues of size, race, gender, ability, etc to the side for fear we will offend.
Folks who know or work with people with disabilities, what is your opinion?
There is a comedian with cerebral palsy who goes on this Norwegian weekly satire show and sings to famous songs with his own brand of lyrics.
On one hand, it is freakin' awesome that his guy is out there performing and making people laugh. On the other, what are they laughing at?
He is raising awareness of cerebral palsy, but it is very uncomfortable territory. He is making jokes about his condition. We shouldn't be afraid to laugh at the miseries of life, but that needs to be balanced by a certain respect so it doesn't become LOLtard crap. I am really not sure what to think of this guy, but I am pretty certain this sort of thing wouldn't fly in America. Ya, once the Kennedy's had put this issue to us and Corky was on TV. But the subsequent political correctness has pushed issues of size, race, gender, ability, etc to the side for fear we will offend.
Folks who know or work with people with disabilities, what is your opinion?
museumchick - 01/17/09 13:05
One of my close friends has C.P. and his roommate has Muscular Dystrophy. They often make jokes about their conditions and call themselves cripples. It helps them to use humor to cope. Its hard for me to laugh at their jokes sometimes, though, because I don't see either of them as being "cripples". I just see them as my friends.
I think its good that the comedian you spoke of has the opportunity to do comedy. Hopefully, the audience respects him and enjoys his shows.
One of my close friends has C.P. and his roommate has Muscular Dystrophy. They often make jokes about their conditions and call themselves cripples. It helps them to use humor to cope. Its hard for me to laugh at their jokes sometimes, though, because I don't see either of them as being "cripples". I just see them as my friends.
I think its good that the comedian you spoke of has the opportunity to do comedy. Hopefully, the audience respects him and enjoys his shows.
drew - 01/17/09 10:13
Christ Farley knew that people were laughing at him, and he made the choice to go for it. I think others should have the same freedom.
Christ Farley knew that people were laughing at him, and he made the choice to go for it. I think others should have the same freedom.
leetee - 01/17/09 01:22
Are people laughing at or with him? That's the big question for me.
It's not like he is locked up and we are laughing at him without him being aware. Like back in the day when people would go round to the asylum and laugh at the lunatics. The idea, if i can used that term, was to point and stare. And that it was someone deserved, this afliction.
This man, however, is a person who desides what he is willing to laugh at, maybe even the things that might make others uncomfortable. Including himself and the unique situation that he finds himself in as his life marches on. His sense of humour is not limited, nor, as he states, is his cognitive ability. He is making the decision to poke fun of himself with sound mind.
Of course, i do think he may run the risk of those laughing with him to turn into those laughing at him. But i get the feeling he doesn't care.
I find some of the humour clever.... in a juvinille sorta way. Then again, who am i to judge since i prefer the high brow comedy of Craig Ferguson...
Are people laughing at or with him? That's the big question for me.
It's not like he is locked up and we are laughing at him without him being aware. Like back in the day when people would go round to the asylum and laugh at the lunatics. The idea, if i can used that term, was to point and stare. And that it was someone deserved, this afliction.
This man, however, is a person who desides what he is willing to laugh at, maybe even the things that might make others uncomfortable. Including himself and the unique situation that he finds himself in as his life marches on. His sense of humour is not limited, nor, as he states, is his cognitive ability. He is making the decision to poke fun of himself with sound mind.
Of course, i do think he may run the risk of those laughing with him to turn into those laughing at him. But i get the feeling he doesn't care.
I find some of the humour clever.... in a juvinille sorta way. Then again, who am i to judge since i prefer the high brow comedy of Craig Ferguson...
lauren - 01/16/09 11:42
Hmmm. This is certainly interesting. I have to say, I didn't think much of it was all that funny until he started singing "I wanna pee, all by myyyyy seeeeeeelf." Priceless. Of course you have heard of Josh Blue, the comedian with cerebral palsy from Last Comic Standing? Granted, he's not dressing in drag and swearing, but I think there are some similarities. Who are we to judge?
Hmmm. This is certainly interesting. I have to say, I didn't think much of it was all that funny until he started singing "I wanna pee, all by myyyyy seeeeeeelf." Priceless. Of course you have heard of Josh Blue, the comedian with cerebral palsy from Last Comic Standing? Granted, he's not dressing in drag and swearing, but I think there are some similarities. Who are we to judge?
drew - 01/16/09 08:35
I think that this is awesome. People with disabilities can and should be as funny as they want. He's witty, edgy, and better than a lot of mainstream stuff out there. I say give him a network show!
I think that this is awesome. People with disabilities can and should be as funny as they want. He's witty, edgy, and better than a lot of mainstream stuff out there. I say give him a network show!
01/09/2009 12:54 #47339
Post-It Note!Hi,
The only thing I read in the New York Post is the pun for their leading front-page story. In fact, sometimes for fun I like to imagine what their headline would be for colorful historical events.
Trotsky: "Don't Pick Me!"
Louis XVI gets ahead of himself
Mishima spills guts to gov
But someone recommended yesterday's editorial and I was surprised.
We are in a financial crisis, no doubt. But currently New York ranked second among states with highest state/federal tax burden. How is it that other states are able to do just fine without the benefit of already taxing the shit out of people? Why did Patterson make this budget before the stimulus package hits the financial institutions who's poor year caused this financial crisis in Albany? With Medicare being gutted by the budget, is Patterson hoping that federal medicare dollars make up the difference? Why is Patterson against a millionaires tax that would cut the deficit in half?
The answer to all of those questions is 2010. That is when Patterson is up for election and by looking at some early poll numbers the governor has every reason to be concerned. He will face a primary challenger and he possibly will face Rudy Giuliani in the general and the poll numbers, compiled in November before the budget shit hit the fan don't look good for a man who had very good approval numbers just a few months before that. Patterson is going to need every Millionaire SOB to bankroll him instead of Rudy.
We know we are buried in a mess. I believe government can have a positive role in fixing the mess. But Patterson is not leading when we need it most. He is offering no vision for a new New York. This sort of politics is exactly why we are hemorrhaging people and companies every day and we can't stop the bleeding like this.
The only thing I read in the New York Post is the pun for their leading front-page story. In fact, sometimes for fun I like to imagine what their headline would be for colorful historical events.
Trotsky: "Don't Pick Me!"
Louis XVI gets ahead of himself
Mishima spills guts to gov
But someone recommended yesterday's editorial and I was surprised.
"The state of our state is perilous," Paterson warned. New York faces its "gravest" challenge "in nearly a century."
No argument here.
Thing is, Paterson has said this before. And nowhere in his 63-minute speech did he suggest what to do about it.
Rather, he rambled on about what he termed an "epidemic" of childhood obesity - scarcely noting that New York's fundamental problem is its scandalously obese government.
We are in a financial crisis, no doubt. But currently New York ranked second among states with highest state/federal tax burden. How is it that other states are able to do just fine without the benefit of already taxing the shit out of people? Why did Patterson make this budget before the stimulus package hits the financial institutions who's poor year caused this financial crisis in Albany? With Medicare being gutted by the budget, is Patterson hoping that federal medicare dollars make up the difference? Why is Patterson against a millionaires tax that would cut the deficit in half?
The answer to all of those questions is 2010. That is when Patterson is up for election and by looking at some early poll numbers the governor has every reason to be concerned. He will face a primary challenger and he possibly will face Rudy Giuliani in the general and the poll numbers, compiled in November before the budget shit hit the fan don't look good for a man who had very good approval numbers just a few months before that. Patterson is going to need every Millionaire SOB to bankroll him instead of Rudy.
We know we are buried in a mess. I believe government can have a positive role in fixing the mess. But Patterson is not leading when we need it most. He is offering no vision for a new New York. This sort of politics is exactly why we are hemorrhaging people and companies every day and we can't stop the bleeding like this.
jason - 01/09/09 15:58
I don't think it ever really does occur to some folks that the state government really is obese, and really is spending more than it can afford, or even take in. They would rather punish us for their incompetence and corruption. They call tax hikes "hard choices" but in reality it is the easiest choice, and the only ones NYS politicians can stomach. People will still be leaving here in droves because it's clear the government will not reform itself.
I don't think it ever really does occur to some folks that the state government really is obese, and really is spending more than it can afford, or even take in. They would rather punish us for their incompetence and corruption. They call tax hikes "hard choices" but in reality it is the easiest choice, and the only ones NYS politicians can stomach. People will still be leaving here in droves because it's clear the government will not reform itself.
james - 01/09/09 13:55
Or as Rod Watson called it in his editorial in the Buffalo News "Patterson's slash-and-burn (and then tax the fire) budget".
:::link:::
Or as Rod Watson called it in his editorial in the Buffalo News "Patterson's slash-and-burn (and then tax the fire) budget".
:::link:::
mrmike - 01/09/09 13:45
I concur. So far he's given every reason to stay away or leave altogether and suggested both will be taxed.
I concur. So far he's given every reason to stay away or leave altogether and suggested both will be taxed.
01/06/2009 13:05 #47306
Uncle TalkIf you recall a dream I wrote about [inlink]James,47152[/inlink] about a talk show called Uncle Talk. Last night I had a fourth Uncle Talk dream and it is worth journaling about.
The premise of the show is that a bunch of uncles sit around and talk about issues affecting uncles. This week very special guest Michael Cera was on. He was George Michael on Arrested Development and was in the movie Superbad among others. He was on promoting a new movie in which he goes to an exclusive high school for child prodigies. The school is across the country however and he must move in with his single uncle. Even though he is a child prodigy, he can't seem to see that his uncle is obviously a dirty uncle. A discussion about the film and the unfair treatment of uncles in films ensues.
Very pleased with my subconscious.
The premise of the show is that a bunch of uncles sit around and talk about issues affecting uncles. This week very special guest Michael Cera was on. He was George Michael on Arrested Development and was in the movie Superbad among others. He was on promoting a new movie in which he goes to an exclusive high school for child prodigies. The school is across the country however and he must move in with his single uncle. Even though he is a child prodigy, he can't seem to see that his uncle is obviously a dirty uncle. A discussion about the film and the unfair treatment of uncles in films ensues.
Very pleased with my subconscious.
joshua - 01/06/09 22:33
Hey, I've got one -
How to snoop through a memory card you found in a camera your nephew sent for you to fix, and then find your nephew doing all kinds of unsavory things in pictures, and then how to let your nephew know that you know he did some unsavory stuff.
Hey, I've got one -
How to snoop through a memory card you found in a camera your nephew sent for you to fix, and then find your nephew doing all kinds of unsavory things in pictures, and then how to let your nephew know that you know he did some unsavory stuff.
mrmike - 01/06/09 20:31
What are tyou snacking on before bedtime?
What are tyou snacking on before bedtime?
drew - 01/06/09 15:47
I'm thinking its time to produce this show. I am likely to become an uncle soon, and I need to get educated on the issues I might face.
I'm thinking its time to produce this show. I am likely to become an uncle soon, and I need to get educated on the issues I might face.
james - 01/06/09 15:44
The two previous dreams the issues were
1) How to safely put your nieces car seat in your truck
2) Kissing baby bellies with a full beard.
just to give you an idea what issues uncles face.
The two previous dreams the issues were
1) How to safely put your nieces car seat in your truck
2) Kissing baby bellies with a full beard.
just to give you an idea what issues uncles face.
joshua - 01/06/09 15:27
Issues facing uncles. I have to say I never considered this one!
Issues facing uncles. I have to say I never considered this one!
01/06/2009 00:25 #47299
Nothing left but drinkSo,
Lindsey Lohan has a myspace page. The content is pretty much what you would expect. But the comments. The comments. Oh sweet fucking god. Thousands of people, humbly prostrating themselves before the mighty Lohan. Offering words of encouragement at the latest rumors surrounding her relationship. Patting her on the back. Don't listen to those tabloids baby, you are top shelf no matter what they say. It is the diarrhea of star fucking.
Lindsey Lohan has a myspace page. The content is pretty much what you would expect. But the comments. The comments. Oh sweet fucking god. Thousands of people, humbly prostrating themselves before the mighty Lohan. Offering words of encouragement at the latest rumors surrounding her relationship. Patting her on the back. Don't listen to those tabloids baby, you are top shelf no matter what they say. It is the diarrhea of star fucking.
I've always loved that poem by Hughes... thank you for reminding me of it.
Langston Hughes - a great American and one of my favorite poets of all time. This is a beautiful poem but in its correct context the meaning of it is far more profound. Thanks for posting it!
Amen