The other day I came across Leonard Cohen’s poem “Anthem”. I had not read it in a long time because up until recently, perhaps like many of us, I thought our democracy, despite its events and challenges over the past several years, was still making progress in the areas of civil and human rights, new job growth, international relations and participation in minimizing climate change - albeit this is slower to catch fire than what is required. My interest in Democracy and desire to see it prevail for America and other countries was strong, but my actual participation was evidently significantly less that it should have been as a citizen.
There are of lots of reasons for this but no good excuses. Job time, family time, major moves, other interests all distracted me from the serious undercurrents of discontent brewing in The States. I saw them only as shadows but not serious threats that would end up disrupting and threatening many institutions that currently do support the American people in important ways. But now, we are here. And each of needs to decide how we engage and rework this Democracy. Enough of the Country has said very loudly that they are unhappy, and things must change. It is once again a time of revolution in America.
More than 80 years ago, John Dewey said, “Democracy needs to be reborn in every generation and its midwife is education.” How do we now begin that process of education among us? There are many avenues to pursue, and each person needs to discover in themselves where their passion for Democracy lays. True and enduring passion is underlaid by personal values and beliefs; it may or may not be affiliated with a political party. I would be hard pressed to say that I agree 100% with the platforms of either of the two political parties in America today. And many would probably agree with me. If you are one, then it leaves each of us to re-examine our notion of democracy without the framework of our political party affiliation. And it leaves each of us to examine ourselves to determine, if we want to act, where our talents are best utilized? I won’t suggest any specific actions in this piece because the Democracy is Us Blog of February 18 does a fabulous job of outlining those options. You can read it here:
So back to my opening line of why remember “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen and why does it still inspire. Here are the first few verses but I encourage you to read the entire poem:
The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start againI heard them say
Don't dwell on what has passed away
Or what is yet to be
Ah, the wars they will be fought again
The holy dove, she will be caught again
Bought and sold, and bought again
The dove is never free
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
The entire poem inspires me in so many ways and suits for many of life’s challenges, but the key message is this: whatever you end up doing go ahead and do it in the best way you know. I hear many people say either “What can I do?” or “It won’t be enough” or “I don’t know where to begin”. Remember our best is often just fine so “Forget your perfect offering”. Look for the cracks, the place where you can help and towards the people that are vacillating about their decisions. Look with compassion. Some are growing more fearful as they begin to experience the reality of the changes being enacted. Look for the cracks. Challenges exist yes but these times of turbulence provide a vast number of opportunities to rebirth Democracy again. We are the midwives.
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in….
By Susan Wright, Democracy Is Us Board and Council Member
Yes figure out what works for you & just keep going! Thanks Susan