My American Prayer

[JoanM]

I'm not sure if you've seen this powerful video but I've been drawn to it this morning. American Prayer (http://www.myamericanprayer.com/video.html)

Here's some info from Dave Steward about the video
... When I set out to make a video for the new version of this song, I wanted to honor all of those millions of people, especially young people, who are, for the first time, feeling empowered to voice their beliefs. I wanted to capture how Obama's message of change has echoed across the broad fabric of what is America. To do that, we've cast the film with an eclectic array of personalities, including Forest Whitaker, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, Joan Baez, Macy Gray and Joss Stone. They appear alongside veterans, teachers and everyday citizens— all of whom have been touched by this simple idea of change. As an Englishman, I'm not an expert in all the intricate details of American politics. But as an artist, I understand how rare it is to inspire a connection to a bigger idea or purpose. This video isn't so much an endorsement of Barack Obama as much as it is a celebration of all those who have picked up a sign, who have registered to vote and are working to make the world a better place...

[aabram]

Why do all the good posts which go up need the volume to listen to them!!!! Again I'm on a computer which doesn't have this facility. Thank you for posting it though, Joan. Right now I'm praying that Catherine hasn't got arthritis in her back. She has enough to worry about without that hanging over her too.

Annabel

[hoops]

thank you for the link Joan
peace
hoops

[Dee]

An excellent video. I hope it becomes a catalyst for the changes that are so badly needed in these dark times.

Thanks for posting about it Joan. After a very bad morning, I needed that!

“Senator Obama has inspired millions to raise their voices in a call for change— the likes of which have not been seen in this country in forty years,” said Stewart. “History has taught us music has the power to be the heartbeat of social change. It is in that spirit that this American Prayer is dedicated to all the current young people, who, for the first time, are standing up for what they believe in.”

[Dee]

Cool. There's even a version with captions (http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=R1QpTMdzGLQ). :cool:

[Wildflower Fever]

First off, it's an inspiring video, and well meaning. But I see it as chicken soup for the soul of democrats. It's really preaching to the choir, and when you look at it from a republican perspective it represents the stereotypes of our party- chock full of left leaning celebrities. Sadly, it will do nothing to convert them. I find that using everyday "main street" americans in pro dem ads makes more of a point and helps repubs take their blinders off. This reminds me of a typical scenario in my neighborhood, a typical urban and heavily liberal area. At local businesses, national liberal organizations stump for patrons, asking for support. Whenever they approach me, I first applaud them for their efforts but then ask why they are spending valuable time preaching to the choir. What I've uncovered is that they are rarely spending time in republican areas, the only place where their effort isn't wasted. If they were doing both, that would be different, but alas, no. What inspires me is my mother who lives in a suburb that voted 90% republican in '04. She spends time volunteering for Obama in her town even though she is in the deepest minority there, and even risks her business standing doing so. After I vote in my liberal district this November, I'm driving out there to help her. These are the things we should all be doing, IMO.
Anyway, sorry JoanM, it really is a nice video.:)

[mixtymotions]

Was THAT Barry Manilow? Could anyone see his lips moving? :eek:

[JoanM]

Cool. There's even a version with captions (http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=R1QpTMdzGLQ). :cool:
Thanks Dee, I hadn't seen that one. Wildflower...nothing to be sorry about, I happened to need a little chicken soup today. It's helping me regain my focus.
jm

[gisli]

Here comes I...

.....I have heard Obama talk and talk and talk about "changes" about him having a "dream" and bla bla bla......

What strikes me when I hear him talk is that he seems only to know the problems......he says words we want to hear "End the War" and "Better Enviroment" etc etc etc.....But how is he going to do it??????? I dont hear him come forth with a solution as to how to bring on these changes.

He has a dream.....maybe he should wake up to reality before his dream turns into a nightmare.....

...and....here goes I.

[DaveM]

At the moment, both candidates are using "change" as a mantra, but not explaining what they mean by it or how they will bring it about.

Alas, that's pretty much business as usual with politics in the United States.

[gisli]

....just find the better candidate and use your rights to http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=olpCyDA4kYA