Exactly. There are dangerous chemicals and isotopes left over from weapons (in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example) and nuclear accidents. The 1986 Bhopal gas tragedy in India still contaminates soil and water wells. Nuclear and chemical waste on Indigenous land in the U.S. and Canada, and on and on.
Beautiful song. I listened and watched first to absorb the emotional power of it and then read the translated words. The words carrried it beyond lament into something more complex—a lament blended with indictment. Yes, people are people around the world and are the same in terms of our deepest desires and hopes, and our ability to work together to solve problems. Yet we—power structures and those of us who support it either passively or actively—are also collectively stupid in the same ways. There are too many stories like this around the world. I hope some relief has come to Vietnam since 2016 when this song was performed.
Oops, thought I posted twice. In my best moments, I say keep trying through the best means available; in my worst, I lose faith that all the destructive cycles can be effectively halted.
Agreed. When I get really down in the dumps about the state of the world, I sing these songs. The one for 4/19 is "Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'round." That's a great mantra/ear worm to have handy, Kathy. Never give up! There are millions who are supporting you.
Same history was experienced in Minamata Japan. Long term effect is still making survivors suffer.
The issue of marine pollution from microplastics, radioactive substances, etc. continues.
Exactly. There are dangerous chemicals and isotopes left over from weapons (in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example) and nuclear accidents. The 1986 Bhopal gas tragedy in India still contaminates soil and water wells. Nuclear and chemical waste on Indigenous land in the U.S. and Canada, and on and on.
Beautiful song. I listened and watched first to absorb the emotional power of it and then read the translated words. The words carrried it beyond lament into something more complex—a lament blended with indictment. Yes, people are people around the world and are the same in terms of our deepest desires and hopes, and our ability to work together to solve problems. Yet we—power structures and those of us who support it either passively or actively—are also collectively stupid in the same ways. There are too many stories like this around the world. I hope some relief has come to Vietnam since 2016 when this song was performed.
You raise a good point, Kathy. Power structures maintain the status quo. How do we interrupt them? With the pocketbook, I guess (and mass protests?).
Oops, thought I posted twice. In my best moments, I say keep trying through the best means available; in my worst, I lose faith that all the destructive cycles can be effectively halted.
Agreed. When I get really down in the dumps about the state of the world, I sing these songs. The one for 4/19 is "Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'round." That's a great mantra/ear worm to have handy, Kathy. Never give up! There are millions who are supporting you.