"IT'S HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN"

        We've come through another eventful year. Since 9/11, we have received many promises from the federal government claiming it will protect us from terrorists, yet there is little to show that we are any safer than we were before that tragic event.

        Even now we are under heightened alert of another catastrophic terrorist attack. All year long we have been given double talk about how the fighting in Iraq is protecting America by engaging the terrorist there, yet once again, America is threatened.

        In just a few days we will enter the portals of 2004. We have the opportunity to return intelligence, sanity and fiscal responsibility to the White House by electing a Democrat.

        First we must choose a candidate in the Primaries. No matter who it is we must ALL get behind that person to take back the White House and increase our representation in Congress.

        It will be difficult for those who have been working hard for the candidate of their own choice to continue to work hard for one who has been a rival in, what has become, the ongoing, bitter Primary battles.

        But it is vital to do so because the alternative is unthinkable. We found a great poem, ANTHEM, by Leonard Cohen, that may be helpful. The verses will strike a chord for their prescience.

        Let's join together to ring in our winning candidate. The winner of the Primaries may not be our individual "perfect offering" but "it's how the light gets in."

        The birds they sang
        at the break of day
        Start again,
        I heard them say,
        Don't dwell on what
        has passed away
        or what is yet to be.

        The wars they will
        be fought again
        The holy dove
        be caught again
        bought and sold
        and bought again;
        the dove is never free.

        Ring the bells that still can ring.
        Forget your perfect offering.
        There is a crack in everything.
        That's how the light gets in.

        We asked for signs
        the signs were sent:
        the birth betrayed,
        the marriage spent;
        the widowhood
        of every government --
        signs for all to see.

        Can't run no more
        with that lawless crowd
        while the killers in high places
        say their prayers out loud.
        But they've summoned up
        a thundercloud
        They're going to hear from me.

        Ring the bells that still can ring.
        Forget your perfect offering.
        There is a crack in everything.
        That's how the light gets in.

        You can add up the parts
        but you won't have the sum
        You can strike up the march,
        there is no drum.
        Every heart to love will come
        but like a refugee.

        Ring the bells that still can ring.
        Forget your perfect offering.
        There is a crack in everything.
        That's how the light gets in.

        twanda@sover.net

        2003-052

        Copyright 2004 Renee T. Louise and Ruth M. Sprague, Ph.D. These articles may be republished for noncommercial use only, provided that they are copied intact, and that this copyright notice is attached. Address all queries to: twanda@sover.net.

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