Maybe we’ve had it backwards all along. It wouldn’t be the first time. Maybe Ralph Hodgson is the one who had it right:
Some things have to be believed to be seen
These are discouraging days in a lot of ways and it is very easy to lose faith in our government, our media, and our society. But maybe everything is so degraded because that is what we expect of it. Who expects politicians to be honest? And how can we say we do, if we continue to elect people who lie to our face and dare us to do something about it? How can we expect truth when there are no consequences for blatant, repeated dishonesty?
As a parent, we do not expect our children to be perfect from the start. They will make mistakes. It is up to the parents to teach their children right from wrong. We each do that differently – some with gentle encouragement and some with harsh punishment – but the bad parent, and the bad citizen, is the one who accepts misbehavior with a shrug or cynical laughter.
Maybe it is time for us to stop looking for a leader to solve our problems and assume the mantle of leadership ourselves.
If the people will lead, eventually the leaders will follow
Florence Robinson
Can't see nothing in front of me Can't see nothing coming up behind I make my way through this darkness I can't feel nothing but this chain that binds me Lost track of how far I've gone How far I've gone, how high I've climbed On my back's a sixty pound stone On my shoulder half mile of line Come on up for the rising Come on up lay your hands in mine Come on up for the rising Come on up for the rising tonight Left the house this morning Bells ringing filled the air I was wearing the cross of my calling On wheels of fire I come rolling down here Come on up for the rising Come on up lay your hands in mine Come on up for the rising Come on up for the rising tonight There's spirits above and behind me Faces gone black, eyes burning bright May their precious blood bind me Lord as I stand before your fiery light
Words & Music by Mike Power 