Stoking Fires

It's taken me too long to post. My last dry spell was blamed on Delaware (always a foolproof excuse for any occasion), but I've got no good reason this time. The closest I can get is that I've had the Dish turned back on. And amazing luck had us stumble upon a free week of HBO and Showtime right in line with room on my DVR's hardrive. So if my excuse is the tv, then that doesn't bode well for the future. But I'll try. I promise.

I can't go forward without mentioning the tragedy. This event took place on a magnitude that very few could of imagined (even though it was predicted, contrary to Bush's assertions). It has turned into a gigantic reality check for this country. It tests our morals, priorities, and beliefs. Every person in this country has been touched by Katrina. Members of my wife's family has lost their homes, leaving one person spending his days in a Georgia hospital. Despite the death, destruction, homelessness, disease, pollution, corruption and general havoc that has surrounded this event, rays of the positive have already started shining. The outpouring of goodwill has been amazing. Last week approximately 35 tractor trailers reached the gulf coast from Vermont filled with donated supplies. Ten families in the small town of Barnard, Vermont have opened their doors to refugees. A country void of leadership has found direction within itself. Neighbor helping neighbor. It gives me hope.

TV On The Radio -Dry Drunk Emperor.mp3

This is the first tune that I've come across that responds to Katrina (thanks Stereogum for the heads up). TVOTR states "it is our hope that this song inspires, comforts, fosters courage, and reminds us... this darkness cannot last if we work together. let us help each other... heal each other.... look after one another ... the human heart is our new capitol.... this song is for you....us.....we....them..."