Last night, after signing off, I felt seriously in need of a "music bath". I don't often find myself in the position of correcting the record on Limbaugh--a distasteful task in and of itself. I started by playing through "Secret O' Life, "Hope (Robin's Song)"-Morrison

...You've got to stare it in the face, you can't flinch and look away You can't deny what's going down But if you draw your loved ones around you and you hang on tight you can hold a little ground. When all is said and done Here at the ending of the day I look out on this world-- It still takes my breath away.

I played some comforting hymns ending with Amazing Grace (which I played as a sad blues last night).

I always remember an obscure news story from a few years ago. The story was about the vacationing First Family inviting James Taylor to come over to their vacation house and serenade them. A slow grin spread from ear to ear as I suddenly realized that it was JT who had the real power at that summit. The government can make me miserable, poor, even jeopardize my life, but music can touch my soul, encourage me to be a better man than I currently am in spite of my circumstances. Music can bring together a diverse group as this to civily discuss issues about which we REALLY disagree. WE have the power.

Old Devil fear, you with your icy hands Old Devil fear, you'd like to freeze me cold When I'm afraid, my lovers gather 'round And help me fight you one more time

Old Devil hate, I knew you long ago Before I learned the poison in your breath Now when I hear your lies, my lovers gather 'round And help me rise to fight you one more time

No storm nor fire can ever beat us down No wind that blows, but carries farther on And you who fear, oh lovers gather 'round And we will rise to sing it one more time

-Seeger (sorry I don't know how to do the clickety thing)

Now, this guest has overstayed his wecome. Best wishes,

John