We Are At War

“We are at war” was a mantra of the Bush administration and it was the defining principle of most of its policies. Certainly, after 9/11 it was easy for us as Americans attacked to feel that we were at war … at war with a shadowy enemy that clearly had no limits. The Bush administration was able to use that dark day to lead us into an unnecessary war precipitated by an age-old animus, like players in a Greek tragedy.

Anyway, I was pleased to receive this link to a worldwide music project. Mark Johnson went around and recorded musicians from different countries performing various songs. The songs are well-produced and truly do underline our common humanity in the face of strife, war and senseless killing. I frequently perceive music to be on the front lines against forces of war.

Oh wait, that’s a war metaphor.

See? It’s insidious.

Anyway, Johnson’s idea could be called naive and sentimental, but is really beautiful and pointed. It’s worth it to check out the interview with Bill Moyers.