10/21/01 Some thoughts on 9/11

The events of 9/11/01 left me in a state of shock and all my intentions to update the page slipped away. I found myself walking around in a semi-daze for a few days just trying to sort it all out. Somehow, nothing I was doing at the time seemed very important in this context. Too many factors to get a clear vision and I fear this is also the case with our leaders. I'm not a Muslim but I've learned long ago that it's a beautiful religion and like all the great religions, it promotes love of mankind. I do know we can't judge those who committed this atrocity on the basis of their religion. We can't group all Muslims with those few terrorists who would base their hatred on their love of Allah. We can't do that any more than we could consider the Ku Klux Klan as representing Christianity, though they based their warped fundamentalism on some self-serving interpretation of the Bible.

In the period following 9/11 I've been heartened by the cautious deliberation of our government and the introspection of our people regarding the past actions of our country that may have fostered the kind of hatred that caused this catastrophe. Our self-examination may do more, in the long run, than military action, to prevent future terrorist acts.

I've been heartened by the new spirit of kindness that I see around me, even in the most hard-nosed, take-no-prisoners business people. I hope it can continue.

As I'm in a position to hear lots of new songs, I've heard many that have been inspired by this event. Most writers first react with patriotic songs using the clichés that are closest at hand, the ones everyone else uses. Consequently, they do little to move their audiences. The songs that have moved me are more personal stories and feelings that put me in touch with my own feelings. There are also songs from our past that have united us before. Some of the songs presented on the wonderful, unprecedented international Telethon like Neil Young's simple and passionate performance of John Lennon's "Imagine" and Paul Simon singing his "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" were particularly comforting despite their appearance on Clear Channel's well-intentioned list of songs their radio stations should avoid.

As songwriters it's natural for you to use your art to express yourself. I would ask, however, that you don't capitalize on this event to generate a buck for yourself. If you want to contribute, create a CD and donate proceeds to the charities that will be supporting the many victims of this atrocity.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are suffering, everywhere. May this terrible event remind us that we're all connected.

Peace
John