Speaking of age…

Yes, he got this slot because he’s hyping a book, but the former President did not stay on message, he did not need to be loved, he spoke his truth.  And whether you agree with him or not, it was fascinating to see someone who’d been there and done that reflecting on the issues of the day.

Jimmy Carter has not had plastic surgery.  I haven’t seen photos of him dancing in clubs on TMZ.  He’s not trying to be young and hip and that’s refreshing in a world where those over fifty either see themselves as dead or act like thirty year olds, or even twenty year olds.  Why can’t we respect and revere our elders?  Because they don’t blindly consume the crap that America manufactures?

That’s the main reason the old are ignored.  TV’s not interested in them.  They’re not susceptible to advertising, they’ve seen the ruse, they’re no longer impulsive, they want to make an educated purchase and this is anathema to marketers who want your dollars today and to hell with tomorrow.

You can’t talk about sacrifice.  Jimmy put it so well…  That too many Americans feel they’re entitled under God to consume the world’s resources and politicians enable them, afraid to stand up for what’s right.

There’s only so much oil in the ground.

We’ve got issues of pollution and global warming and so many Americans want to do the right thing if only someone would speak the truth and lead them.  But we live in a duplicitous society where everyone wants to be liked, wants to be on the team and slapped on the back.

That’s what we used to love about our artists.  They were loners.

And speaking of loners, isn’t it interesting that Neil Young is one of the few artists of his era who can still tour and get people to listen to his new music?  He never did what was expedient, he didn’t sell out to corporations, he went his own way and look at the dividends it’s paid him!

And Jimmy Carter is not a sexless automaton.  He said one of his most gratifying moments was when his wife was named to the Top Ten Best Legs list.  Come on, how much more human do you want it?  We want to be proud of our spouses.  And despite the protestations of so many, without sex, without intimacy, none of us would even be here, so can we get out of each other’s bedrooms and have some fun?

It’s so refreshing when someone goes his own way.  When he continues to do so even though the spotlight is no longer upon him.  Jimmy Carter was President long ago, but he hasn’t retired, he’s still advocating for peace, justice and the American way.  He demonstrates that you can be a military man and still be compassionate, still be a Democrat.

We’re looking for leaders.  Now more than ever, in an era where we have less, are worried about the future and have more questions than answers.

Leaders get attacked.  They’re derided, people try to tear them down.  But their adherents, their constituency thrives on their directions, and if the message is good and there’s passion involved a force to reckon with can be established.

It’s fashionable to say that music can’t change the world.  But so many of the freedoms you enjoy today were garnered in the sixties, hand in hand with the music of that decade.

Do you want to make a difference or do you just want to get rich?

Do you want to do what everybody tells you to or what’s right?

It’s your choice.  And now, more than ever, you have the tools at your fingertips to get your message across.