This is a song of helplessness. But helplessness never lasts.
It leads to anger. And action.
Something must be done.
Now is not the time to be polite. Or sympathetic. Or not want to cause trouble.
It is a time to say something. It is impossible to not “get political”.
Everything is political.
Growing up in America, I pledged allegiance to the flag at the start of the school day. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
I didn’t realise how much those ideals were a part of my identity until the USA changed sides.
Now I live in a small German town and it is happening here too. The recent election results are simply heartbreaking.
Every third person I see walking their dog, waiting for the bus and going about their day – one out of three people I exchange pleasant greetings with every day has cast a vote for lies and hate.
These are people whose grandparents fled their countries. Walked thousands of miles in fear and ate weeds to survive. Have they forgotten their history?
Some of these people are children and grandchildren of the bad guys. Responsible for taking part in the most evil acts.
They should know better. They have forgotten what Never Again really means.
They feel like they are being taken advantage of and something must be done.
Something.
Anything.
They will never admit it, but they feel helpless. And helplessness never lasts.
It leads to anger. And action.
This is the common ground we share.
The emotional arc is always the same.