This I Believe

I Believe that Imagination Precedes Action

Mark Twain once observed: “In religion and politics, people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination. I believe that Twain was right in stating that “a truth is not hard to kill, but a lie — told well — is immortal.” The ‘truth’ it seems is getting harder and harder to find. The truth is hidden on YOUTUBE among the various pirated videos: Paris Hilton wash a car in a bikini ( 564,368 page views) and skateboard rider groin injuries ( 65,155 page views). The truth about the Iraq war insurgency (5292 page views). The idea that the public would rather watch a video with a skating injury than a video that is current and important to our everyday lives sickens me. It shows that most of the public doesn’t pay attention to what is really going on, and needs a disaster like September 11th or Hurricane Katrina to get up and do something!

I believe John Lennon was right when he said “Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives.” Only hours after the tragic events of 9/11, the corporate controlled Clear Channel radio chain included Lennon’s song ‘imagine’ on its famous list of dangerous or discomfiting music to be avoided in the ‘new war era.’ A song saying to “Imagine all the people Living life in peace” being misconstrued as dangerous and discomforting in times of war is almost impossible to conceive of.

I believe that there will always be conflict in the world until we stop buying into the myth of organized religion and start valuing people over property. When a disaster strikes you can run to your church and pray… or you can take action to help and support your fellow man.

I view “Imagine” as neo-gospel music. It quietly affirms the possibility of a new and different world from the very darkest pit of this old one.

I believe the people of our world still have the chance to better themselves, and help rid one another of foolish, misguiding, impeding religions.