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By coujeaux Date: 2003 Nov 24 Comment on this Work [[2003.11.24.02.28.1421]] |
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Hear it everywhere we go in this land of the free, home of the brave; such affectionate names, Contrast that to what spews from the mouths of three-piece podium men within political claims. Index finger in the air, points it at anyone who doesn't fit into their definition of righteous living, While their other hand obscures a page in the holy book they treasure that speaks to forgiving. And the gathered salute him, spectrum shifting right; getting a little closer to God, so they say, 'Cause nobody ever gets to Heaven by moving to the left when damnation is coming their way. Somewhere in America a child asks their parents why women are kissing or men holding hands, Depending on what Mommy and Daddy believe, this becomes what that generation understands. Their ears, so young and tender, may hear songs of tolerance or orchestrated hate; which rules? A mere coincidence our places of higher learning are as much battlegrounds as educational tools? In youth so much finds us we little realize impact until we're the elders; what lessons do we teach? Could we be the ones to break the cycle of blind prejudice at last if we became who we can reach? See the puppeteers behind the pulpits, in robes or suits, each selling a version of right and wrong, Eroding the sanctity of paper-and-ink source of authority by cursing anyone who won't play along. Say they've done their research in the legal and liturgical realms; it's all there in black and white, Then stunned silence when free-thinking whiz kids point out other passages that read just as right. You'll fight your wars on far distant shores, mister; waging one on your own people isn't so smart, It's the love we refuse that's often too precious to lose, and no territory is more vital than a heart. |