Come Forth [View all]

On St. Patrick's Day, I came across this version of the Cranberries' anti-war song “Zombie.” As a general rule, I'm not big on re-makes of great songs, except when the Beatles improved other artists' work early in their career. But this Ukrainian-American girl did the song justice – and more – and I do believe Dolores would be mighty proud. It got me watching more of the girl playing the violin, including her version of Lennon's “Imagine.”

Playing music on the street is a form of social activism. Some might complain that she isn't playing the Stones' “Street Fighting Man,” or Lennon's “Revolution 9.” (But how, I ask, could one play “Revolution 9” on a violin?) This playing of music in the streets is a good thing. This is a case of a teenager communicating with society. It is important for older people to listen closely to the younger generation, including but not limited to those already of voting age.

There are some who resent the young for a variety of reasons. This, of course, is common since post-WW2, because it was only then that “youth” created their own culture. Pre-WW2, there was not a recognized period of late teens to mid-twenties deemed “youth.” One was a young-to-middle teen, then an adult.

Outdoor protests will likely pick up again as the weather improves. Obviously, the current administration is seeking to use force to prevent such demonstrations. They know that the anti-war protests on campuses ended with four dead in Ohio. I think that will be a factor. Keep in mind that every significant protest took place when the weather was good. We need to be there with them. Singing and non-violent.

Some folks complain about young people. Some folks complain about those who complain about the current lack of leadership in our party. I propose that we focus on the positives – including positive potentials. Now, I like old people. In fact, I will be an old person for the rest of my life. I feel mighty lucky to have made it this far. But I know the limitations of old age, just as I know the limitations of middle age and youth.

More than that, I know the proper ways for these age groups to coordinate to create a just society. It isn't in trying to go backwards in time. It's dealing with now, today, to improve tomorrow. In good times, leadership comes from the wise elders. In times of strife, younger leadership steps up. There are times when the young and old coordinate privately, other times publicly. We see AOC and Bernie delivering that message today.

There are other young leaders rising up. It is important to focus on those currently at the state level, who eventually will be in DC. I'm in New York. Two of my favorites are Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and state senator Michelle Hinchey. (My daughter-in-law knows Delgado, and my aunt was the top aide to Michelle's father, former congressman Maurice Hinchey.)

In 1968, Beatle Paul sang, “Take a sad song, and make it better.” We are in a sad and dangerous time. The song “Zombie” is about the horrors of war. Ireland, Ukraine, or Gaza and now the West Bank – though the media isn't covering the hell in the West Bank for some curious reason. There is a lot to do. And it requires all of us, from young to old.