What Would Bob Marley Do ?

Poets, songwriters, and philosophers entertain and instruct us. In addition to the words and music, many are known for an outlandish lifestyle and an untimely end. Like Jesus. To quote Paul Simon "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and tenement halls." This wisdom is available on music and Epose' shows but seldom on Cable News. On FOX or CNN for example, we must be satisfied with the rantings of politicians as they promise Change We can Believe In or some drivel about how the other side is going to shut down government. Their words are as dry and flavorless as a rice cake. The only background music is the bee-hive-like droning on of other members of the "House" expostulating on more legalisms and "Whereas's". Talking heads trying to drown out one another so that neither of their lyrics is intelligible. Everyone in a gray suit and a red tie "Cause it looks good on TV."

The simple message, oft repeated, put to music in a protest song or a patriotic jingle is so much more memorable. I can't remember the last time I was in the shower singing or humming the words of Queen Nancy or that Boner guy. I sing "Get Up, Stand Up" or "One World" all de Ras time. There are "Many Rivers to Cross" and "You can Get it if You Really Try." Now try to remember a political quote that makes you want to sing it out. Even the last famous presidential quote worth repeating "Ask not what your country can do for you..." just has no harmony. It would work better on one of those framed needlepoint pictures or a toilet seat cover.