Pete Seeger

I was so tired last night, but I got sucked into a program on ETV about the life of folk musician, Pete Seeger. I had heard of him before, and am familiar with some of his songs, but had no idea what a fascinating life he has led. I would now count myself as a big fan, and I really want to hear a lot more of his music. (The first three songs on my music widget are all Pete Seeger songs- though not performed by him.)
I was really struck by the way he has used music to draw people to a cause, such as civil rights, war protests, or saving the environment. Whether you agree with his politics or not, you have to admire his dedication to peace and non-violence and his love for his country. He was the driving force behind cleaning up the Hudson River and was the founder of the Clearwater movement. If you can, do try to catch the program. It's good stuff. Here's one of my favorite quotes- (I think this was in response to being called a liberal.)
"I like to say I'm more conservative than Goldwater. He just wanted to turn the clock back to when there was no income tax. I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages and took care of each other."
I think I'm with him on that one.
It's interesting- there is something afoot these days in our culture. It's been around for a while, but only on the fringe, never mainstream. But it's gaining momentum, and people are talking, and making changes. Even big business is starting to take note. I can't put my finger on one word to describe it, but I think you will know what I mean. It's that feeling that things aren't quite right. That, hey! I don't want to feed my kids pesticides anymore. And, hey! What is all this plastic JUNK doing in my house? And, hey! Maybe natural medicine IS better! And, hey! Why am I spending my evenings watching TV programs about other people living life instead of actually living my own? (Exception: Pete Seeger program. :- It actually inspired me to live my life- better.) And, hey! Maybe I don't WANT to be available all the time via email, IM, phone, Blackberry, etc.
Maybe the word is natural. Or green. Or unplugged. I'm not sure- but it definitely is here, and gathering on the horizion like a thundercloud, and I like it. I see it in other people's blogs, like Jennifer's and Rebecca's and Jade's. I see it at the grocery store in all the new organic products. I see it in my own life as I make choices with new guiding parameters. (Is this natural? Is this worthwhile? Is this helpful or harmful- to us, to our world?) I'm definitely no Soule Mama yet, but I'm a lot closer than I was a year ago.
Interesting stuff, friends.