Remembering Kent State

Today, 4 May, is the anniversary of the shootings by Ohio National Guardsmen at Kent State University 40 years ago. I was in high school and remember when it happened, and Neil Young's song "Ohio" memorializing the event.

From Wikipedia:

The Kent State shootings – also known as the May 4 massacre or Kent State massacre – occurred at Kent State University in the city of Kent, Ohio, and involved the shooting of unarmed college students by members of the Ohio National Guard on Monday, May 4, 1970. The guardsmen fired 67 rounds over a period of 13 seconds, killing four students and wounding nine others, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis.

Some of the students who were shot had been protesting against the American invasion of Cambodia, which President Richard Nixon announced in a television address on April 30. Other students who were shot had been walking nearby or observing the protest from a distance.

I suggest looking at the accounts of what happened that day, before, and after. What was the response—by the media, other schools, the people.

Consider this: "On May 14, ten days after the Kent State shootings, two students were killed by police at the historically black Jackson State University under similar circumstances, but that event did not arouse the same nationwide attention as the Kent State shootings." (Wikipedia)

Is that just how it goes . . . how we are? With short attention spans. History has a singular purpose of informing the future. I would like to be informed. Not necessarily to carry an emotional situation forward, but to enhance my observation skills. Increase my "what to be on the look out for" abilities.

Kent State was tragic and the whole thing 40-years later has a dampening effect on an already rain-sky darkened day. I don't always have to feel good about the day I'm in.

Read also:
An analysis of Neil Young's song "Ohio"

Peace All Over the World ~ Episode 23

A new year, a new decade....

Playing for Change ~ Band on Tour

They may be coming to a city near you. Support 'em. Make your own music!
~ anais

Playing For Change ~ Episode 17

Playing For Change ~ Episode 16

Support the music. Buy their CD—I did—it's great! Click here.

Mary Travers 1936 ~ 2009

Mary Travers, of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary, died yesterday of leukaemia.

From her biography:

Mary Travers was an iconic folk singer, a dedicated activist, a writer and a poet, a mother, and, along with Peter Yarrow and Noel (Paul) Stookey, a member of perhaps the most influential folk music trio in American history.

Peter, Paul & Mary became famous for their ability to convey powerful personal and political messages through a repertoire of songs that became, for millions of Americans, an introduction to political awareness and activism in the movements born in the 60’s; movements for freedom, justice and social equity. For many, Peter, Paul & Mary became the soundtrack of their participation in an ongoing commitment to a progressive American vision of social equity, justice and freedom.

I sing some of their songs. What folk singer doesn't? I perform at Colter Coffee house in downtown Kalispell Friday night. I plan to sing for the joy of it, for the remembrance of Mary Travers, and in thankfulness for the music she created.
Mary Travers at Wikipedia

Playing For Change ~ Tour Highlights

Laughing Yoga

This is wild!

Playing For Change ~ Rockin' Music Around the World

The website: http://www.playingforchange.com/news
Episodes: http://www.playingforchange.com/episodes

From the site:

A 57 minute version of our feature length documentary film, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music," is going to air nationally on PBS throughout August-- click here for the schedule! Over the course of this film, you will not only have the chance to see and hear new amazing performances from around the world, but you will also get to meet the musicians who make them so special.

Additional screenings are being scheduled by PBS daily, so for the most up to date listing check with your local station. We will also be updating the screening schedule linked above often-- this schedule is current as of July 30th right now.