Sgt. Shamar Thomas has been in the spotlight of Occupy Wall Street long enough to make Americans really think about protest security. Drawing the line quickly between *riot* and *event.* And I commend him for his ability to do so, considering the circumstances.
I have seen security at a riot and know for a fact that it quickly becomes an eye for an eye situation if the crowd is violent first. And that, however the outcome turns out, is at least understandable. One may observe and come to a reasonable conclusion that the police reacted violently to violence. Which is part of their job detail, I remind myself. They are people doing security at a riot. I have done college/bar security. And anyone will appreciate the police the more and more you do bar security. Believe me. Drunk people can be assholes!
But...
If I am at a concert and all the ticket holders are watching a fight, the security does not beat their way through the crowd to get to the action. Because it's an event. And the concert promoter does not want ANYONE beating on their clientele for ANY reason. And it makes no sense to use unnecessary violence to keep people in line. Especially if they are just observing.
So...during OWS, I think the security failed to recognize the difference between riot and event, and Sgt. Thomas had to remind them. Because the police had simply gone too far?
While you think about that, lets take a look at another OWS situation with U.S. Military involved.
Scott Olsen is another War veteran in the OWS spotlight. An actual casualty of a protest misplayed as a riot. Although there is footage from Occupy Oakland that the police were being hit by paint balls before hand, I do not find it reason enough to launch projectiles at unarmed civilians. Maybe if they were up against a hockey team, but they were not. Olsen has sustained injuries that have affected his speech. He is unable to speak. I'm sure the officer who was pelted with paint is still talking. Though he hasn't said much yet.
All is fair in love and war, we know...but let me remind you again...this was a protest/event.
So here is a tune dedicated to those 2 military servicemen and all who serve this country. What we can do is remind them why they serve. Give them (and yourself) a reason why they put their lives on the line. Establish something of a standard to recognize as home. Something that contrasts war.
You gotta hold it down, the reason that we're living for Gotta make it real and count another day Try to keep it in your mind and never let it go They've been fighting now so long You gotta let 'em know what life is worth each day
You gotta hold 'em to those reasons they've been killing for Gotta make it known and never change your way Try to keep it in your heart and never let it go They've been fighting now so long You gotta let 'em know what life is worth each day
So remind 'em what it is when you find it Remind them if you think they've lost their way Remind them what it is when you find 'em They've been fighting now so long You gotta let 'em know what life is worth each day
You gotta show them all that love that you've been living for Gotta let it shine and lead you on some way It's a feeling in your soul that you have always known That you've been fighting now so long Gotta let 'em know what life is worth each day
So remind 'em what it is when you find it Remind them if you think they've lost their way Remind 'em what it is when you find it They've been fighting now so long You gotta let 'em know what life is worth each day
I have been a musician for 27 years in the Sf Bay Area. My taste in music is about as eclectic as the people of this area. We get folks from all over the world and it is our responsibility to write and play them good music. I have seen what turns people on and off. From rock to soul to country and blues. Funk, punk, classical, pop, electronic and of course, hip hop. Some of these styles have been enhanced by technology: auto tune, sampled backing vocal tracks, special audio enhancing effects, etc...
But when folks start spending hard earned money to go to see a band perform, they're usually looking for raw talent. A voice to deliver a message with sincerity, soul and sophistication. Someone to act as a channel between the driving, live sound of the band and the audience. Someone to identify with during this life long journey. And as I mentioned earlier, technology has allowed almost anyone to emulate and replicate the sound of talent, but few will be acknowledged as someone with a natural gift of music.
What I hear from Nadiyah Lewis is natural and raw talent. Hers is a voice that rings loud and clear beyond any synthesis or enhanced version of vocal melody. Enriched with that wisdom of clarity so coveted by singers we have grown up with and still listen to today. Mick Jagger is one of those singers who has said his attempt to sound like a black lady should be more than apparent. Because he loves the sound. It's a voice that tells the history and struggle of African/Americans alike. It is a sound that comes from the very roots of this amazing country. A sound that has always been at the heart of our music and culture in America. And there is no better example of it once you hear the real thing.
Nadiyah Lewis, the singer of AmA Evolutionis exactly that.
Delivered live with sincerity, soul and sophistication. Something we all love to see more and more of during these strange, crazy and benevolent days...
