Great Music But Nobody Cared vs. Needed Politics People Ignored
— Some choose difficult pathways; others simply saunter on
This Joshua Bell story holds an ironic pleasure for me. Not only do I admire his violin virtuosity, but I, too, have performed music in the subways and on the streets … I’ve shared his feeling.
It was 1990, I was a two-term state representative from Portsmouth, New Hampshire —supposedly, a politician on the rise. I likely would have been unopposed had I run for a third term, this since I was unopposed when I ran for my second term. I was originally elected by knocking off a five-term incumbent in the Democratic Primary and I defeated the assistant mayor’s son in the general election.
I was well-positioned and well on my way!
I could have played it safe and climbed the political ladder … could perhaps have become the governor! Instead, that year, I ran for Congress advocating what I perceived as the most difficult issue of the time: drug legalization.
Although more and more people are awakening after 50 years of severe drug war failure, drug legalization remains a difficult issue. On the surface, it seems absurd. But deeper down analysis shows it could provide a more sensible remedy to the overall problem.
I knew I’d lose my bid for Congress, but at least I’d go out moving the agenda and hammering home at one of most difficult public policy positions possible. This, a form of energy, much-needed in today’s political world. More politicians should act accordingly.
Throughout the candidate forums I clearly won the debate. But when it came to the facts? Few cared, fewer noticed. The overriding fact was the drug war had become too profitable for too many in too many ways: For those waging it and for politicians enhancing careers by postulating look-good tough clampdown postures. Of course, a genuinely-concerned electorate always needed to feel like something was being done to cure the problem.
But here, besides an increased death count, is all the drug war ever accomplished:
These days more and more people die, bankers and mobsters get enriched, gang warfare pervades over an underground economy and the politician’s uncle, cousin or friend finds tremendous profiteering opportunities from the private prison industry or from pushing urine-testing and ankle-bracelet sale technologies. Draconian measures abound while the folks expecting help, and those desperately needing help, get fooled over and over again!
Two Dozen Reasons to Legalize Drugs
— Society Suffers From America’s War on Drugs!
m-weddle.medium.com
So calling for drug legalization was the end of my political career!
Music over Politics
During the five years preceding my election, in my young 30s, I taught myself how to play guitar. I quickly began writing my own songs. Ninety-five percent of everything I performed was original. I refrained from doing the popularized cover tunes. I had become an all-original musician. I was happy!
But when I got into politics I rarely played the music I worked so long and hard to develop. Indeed, I had morphed into a 1,000% politician! Ultimately, my choice became clear: I had to give up hanging with politicians and go back to hanging with musicians.
Upon losing the election I moved back to Cambridge, Massachusetts and became a subway/street musician. Some argue, myself included, this was an upward step in career mobility. Whatever it was, I at least was comfortable being me again and the smiles I surrounded myself with had once again become genuine.
So I played my heart out in the subways and on the streets. Overall, I can’t describe strongly enough the exhilarating feeling of performing songs to others, songs that nobody had ever heard before. But that was about it. Call it a feeling!
I learned quickly exactly what the world renown concert violinist Joshua Bell experienced: Nobody much really cares unless they have time to dress up for the event.
But still one seeks that which is special. For me, this became the experience, while performing, of observing the allure and wonderment present in the eyes of children who’d insist their parents take time out so they could watch you perform. It is from moments like this where new musicians are born!
My recommendation to the maestro, Joshua Bell? Stay in the subway. Don’t give up on it! The simple fact of reality is: It’s hit or miss! Sometimes you really can pull in a fan or few and they’ll appreciate your creative art, become your friend even. Yes, this counts and way more than money!
Advice overall? Please do support your local musicians!
PS: Also, when supporting Democratic politicians? Support the fried clam working person politician over the opportunistic and elite bacon-wrapped scalloped politician.
