Presidential inauguration on MLK day

January 21, 2013

It's an important day for our country. The timing of Barack Obama being sworn in for his second Presidential term and the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. is very inspiring.

Today I think of a non-violent and peaceful society. I will be singing from 3-6pm at Grand Central mezzanine just above the 4/5/6 platform and near the shuttle corridor. Dan Kleederman will join me on bass we'll be rehearsing our set for Sunday 27th appearance Habitat For Humanity gig in Hudson NY with Melissa Auf Der Maur, Melora Creager, Meshell Ndegeocello and Tommy Stinson.

If you happen to be out and about come by and allow me to film you for my What's Your Inspiration? project, and how Dr. King's life has inspired yours.

Dr. King inspired me to have a conscious and seek out truth, to believe in peaceful protest, to understand that only with a voice can we be heard. I learned that music is a powerful tool against ignorance and hate. that is what I will sing about today.

some words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's last address April 3, 1968 at Riverside Church given the night before he was assassinated.

"....only when it was dark enough can you see the stars......non-violence or non-existence that is where we are today...we got to stay together and maintain unity...."

Obama Speaks at West Point Extra, Extra More Troops to Afghanistan

December 1, 2009

We are so precious. So how could we have gotten to the point of occupation in the name of liberation? For eight years I have been shuddering, pained by the loss of life, rush to war, lingering in war, a ‘renewed’ focus on the war and now this. Continued casualties in the name of national security Continents away. Increasing troops by thirty thousand? How did ‘they’ arrive at this number? And then be so convinced, that’s all they’ll need, only eighteen months and then home as if on a business trip. Hmmmm, makes one question. A speech at West Point, to make a military, might point? Cadets=volunteers who carry the weight of these decisions heavily on their shoulders. Enlisted under what pressure? No conscription

Senator Kennedy

August 27, 2009

I got this email today, Senator Kennedy worked hard for the middle class, welfare, healthcare and civil rights. We should all be indebted to his life of service.

Cathy --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama