MY POLITICS
one boat no shore
“My number one duty is to experience joy and share it. My number one tryority is to always be kind no matter what, because there is no true joy where there is a lack of kindness.” - Corky Siegel (80 years on this earth - finally realizing simple answers).
Older posts
VERY IMPORTANT: “Never respond, in any way, to dis-information" on social media because the response will empower the message no matter how you respond. You can report dis-information here and that will be most effective. https://reportdisinfo.org If you want to join an organization that are experts at handling dis-information let me know.
The new album Songs for Truth and Harmony is actually not an album but a MUSICAL OP ED.
Talking points:
Only love will get us there: Democracy with Love
Better angels Prayer: Healing
Don't wait for Peace: Participation
One boat no shore: Kindness / Democracy
The Question: Contemplating values
I'd like to live where the animals are: Meditation
Big time losers blues: If you can't embrace the truth you are a loser
Cool fragrant breeze: The Truth is your friend
One: Ultimate Harmony
From 2015
A SWEET POLITICS
My job in this world is to bring joy to myself and others through music. There is no wall between that and the rest of my life. Doing my part in promoting kindness and defending & nurturing democracy has always been a natural extension. So I offer my perspective as it arises out of a life of music, in the hopes that it might be helpful to one person..
One Boat No Shore
I had a dream that we were all in one boat and there was no shore.
We are the captains, who can steer this boat
toward sweet gentle waters, to keep us afloat
Defending Democracy
Dear Cousin,
Consider this: The fight for the common good has been going on since the beginning of time and it will continue as the sun rises and falls in the sky. It's not about winning. It's an ongoing process. It's about always working to bring more good into the world no matter what. We all have been contributing to that in our own way through our work, our relationships, and our civic involvement. And we will continue to do this no matter what the world looks like.
We have each other and more
We have brilliant people and brilliant organizations doing great things that can make great use of our help. They have always had our back and have always been fighting the never ending battle for truth justice and the American way. They needed us then, they need us now, and they will always need us. Donation is essential, but if we are able, participation is the best.
There is opportunity
Nothing really has changed but that the sleeping dragon has risen, our calling now shouts in our face, our participation is required, time is of the essence, and opportunity is now a dazzling cornucopia of low hanging fruit.
There are Solutions
What we all need now, for our own hearts, and for the world, is to work together joyfully for the common good, and in the comforting presence of friends. We can stand up strong, clear and fearless with wise strategy for what we each know is good and right. But how?
Here's One recommendation of note
Right at this moment my best recommendation for a personal action plan besides running for office is some degree of involvement with Common Cause. It's been a non-partisan #1 defender of democracy for 45 years. It's time has come. It partners with other organizations and it gets things done! NOTE: Started by Republicans over 50 years ago. Same non-partisan agenda. Money out of politics, Truth to power, Fair elections, Voting rights, …
The more we Can join together, the more we can accomplish
Visualize where we would be right now without the Electoral College. Think about it. You might be interested to know that Common Cause has been working on getting back the 1 person 1 vote - everyone's vote counts - popular vote, for years. Amazingly they are more than 60% there and you can be part of the effort to push it all the way. Now, think about where we would be right now with a stronger push for campaign finance reform, money out of politics, no more partisan political gerrymandering, full voting rights, and automatic voter registration for all. What would be different? Think about it. ... Exactly!
THE DNA OF democracy
What I especially have loved about Common Cause is that their issues (like the ones above) are basic and pervasive. These issues are the DNA of democracy and they affect everything in our lives. The more people have a voice and the less they are suppressed and drowned out by money interests the easier it will be to resolve other issues. Since a super majority of citizens are in favor of the issues Common Cause is putting forth, they have been able to make headway. But there will always be opposing forces undermining progress. Our forefathers handed the citizens a responsibility known as due diligence so we were really called upon to not only watch-dog the process, but to always be part of the process. Last night my wife/manager, Holly, was watching the BBC news and someone said; "You can't have only a goalie in the hockey game, you need to have a team on the ice to move the puck toward the goal."
Defending Democracy
Common Cause has been described in different ways depending on the changing political landscape: Truth to Power, The People's Lobby, Money out of Politics, The People's Voice, and Holding Power Accountable, Though there are all these different facets, Common Cause is essentially; Defending Democracy. And to do this effectively they have to remain flexible and responsive to current events. So to really understand the brilliance of this mission we would need to look at their history and how it applies to current issues. In the meantime; Defending Democracy.
We don't have to throw our shoes at the news
Holly and I, are constantly working with Common Cause Illinois and we have a very nice time together making a difference in the world. Instead of throwing our shoes at the news, we look at each other and say; Well, at least we know we are taking part and supporting work that can help fix this problem. You are welcome to join us in Illinois. If not, there are over 30 state chapters.
Spreading the word
When you hear people expressing concern or dismay, or they are just complaining, tell them not to waste their precious time and energy on such things. They can use this energy to move things forward and improve a situation. Take this opportunity to send them to this site, contact me, or just do what you think is best. Maybe we can inspire them to get off the sidelines and get involved.
Thank you for your interest and friendship. I want you to be happy. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Corky (and Holly too)
Common Cause Illinois.
205 W. Randolph Street. Suite 1220 - Chicago, IL 60606 - Phone: 312-372-2422
Common Cause National Office
If you are not in Illinois, Common Cause has chapters in 35 states.
Thoughts
The Dream
I had a dream that all my FaceBook friends (with diverse opinion, culture, and desire) were in the middle of an ocean with no shore, and we were all together in one boat. It became immediately clear that pure kindness was the first and most valuable aspiration. The Dalai Lama said something to the effect: You should always be kind. If you find it impossible to be kind, you should still be kind. When you think about all of us in one boat in the middle of the ocean you can see why kindness is so important. And don't think that kindness is weakness. On the contrary. Kindness requires thoughtfulness, thoughtfulness leads to clarity and wisdom, and in wisdom we find the best strategies to overcome our greatest enemies both inner and outer.
Other thoughts As they arise
Hindsight is 20/16 Foresight is 20/18 Perfect Vision is 20/20 (11/3/2015)
We have only exactly the right amount of time to turn life into love. (1,3,17)
Nothing is worth accomplishing without kindness. And nothing is really accomplished without kindness. (1.2.17)
There is contentment when a challenge is placed right in front of us, and it is clear, we are in the right place and it is the right time. (1.2.17)
Have a plan and don't look back (12.29.17)
A beautiful life. The sky, the earth, touch, fragrance, color, love. And just as profound the opportunity to nurture and defend democracy. (12.30.17)
I'm sure people ask me about these particular topics for good reasons. While I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, I do claim to be a friend.
How can I honor the sanctity of life? (4.18.22)