This is one of the best speeches I've ever read, hands down. I've printed it off and read it again from time to time. I e-mail it to whomever I think might actually read it. And I think it's important right now, when socialism is being bounced around town halls and the media like it's a dirty word.As I've said before I agree with almost everything that ever came out of Kurt Vonnegut's dear mouth. And Carl Sandburg? Who could forget that fog comes on little cat feet? It was kind of Mr. Sandburg to point that out to us. It is one of my favorite poems. It was even short enough, that my dumb ass could memorize it. Wasn't that kind of him? It saved my ass in English class a few times.
Let me state right here (and if SB ever runs for office, and I might, you have it here definitively) that I am a socialist. Some pinhead with a bullhorn yelled at all of us lined up to get into a Kerry/Edwards rally years ago, that we were all a bunch of damn communists. After being momentarily startled that anybody actually still considered communism a threat, I yelled back that he had it wrong and that I was actually a damned socialist.
I believe in universal healthcare. I believe that the wealthy should pay more taxes than the poor or middle class. I could go on and on, but Mr. Vonnegut put it all so much better than I ever could.
So, here you go: http://www.vonnegutweb.com/archives/arc_carlsandburgaward.html
Please read it. I don't ask for much, but I'm asking this of you. You won't regret it. I promise.
And God bless you, Mr. Vonnegut. Wherever you are.
6 comments:
Hey SB
I am proud to say that my soon to be adopted home (I hope) is a socialist country and the region I want to live in is viralently socialist and guess what it works, yes taxes are high but you have universial health care for everyone, low infant mortality rates and an education system that allows for the poorest families to proudly send their daughters and sons to study, often for the first time in that familys history. Pe4ople there believe in social mobility and there are no limits who can join the club, Yes some abuse the system but I bet its NOT as high as the number of super rich assholes who use tax dodging loopholes and schemes and shirk their responsibilities.
Have a good weekend and remember
'up agaiant the wall motherfuckers'
Nick
XXXXX
Nick,
I am SO proud of you that you are young and realize how important quality of life is for all people.
You really do make me proud, and I love you.
[Nick is SB's adopted brother, for those of you who don't know.]
I believe in democracy but I also believe in healthcare for all, that more taxes should go for education and to protect the environment, and a host of other things that are would probably be labeled as socialistic. I also believe that all men and women were created equal--what a novel thought.
That was such a fine speech and what Carl Sandburg said? You could say that right now and substitute those fucking right-wing republicans for Billy Sunday and it would make perfect sense and be appropriate.
Thank-you for linking.
And does this mean that Nick is now part of my family too?
Syd,
I love you for particularly the last portion of your comment. You are a gem!
Ms. Moon,
Yep--Nick and you and yours are SB's adoptive family. It's nice to pick your relatives. Most times it works out better than nature and chance.
Love you MORE,
SB
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