Recalling a lesson learned in Political Science college courses more than three decades ago, I am reminded that most of the impact and real "power" that a president exerts comes not from his or her actions, but from the tone and character of the policies that the leader establishes. Like a rock thrown in a pond, the impact has limited direct change, but the ripple effect of the action carries far and wide. The disdain and disrespect for government, the ideologic extremism and the self-centered ethic shown by George W. Bush undoubtedly fostered the ensuing corruption, incompetence and mismanagement that spread throughout virtually every corner of his Administration. The point is not to "flog a dead horse" but rather to learn from mistakes.
Going forward, it behooves President-elect Barack Obama to carefully consider the tone and character of his decisions and actions as President. Such choices can send ripple effects that could change the current of present discourse in the country and throughout the world.
Initial decisions regarding his new administration have been mixed. Pronouncements that appointees must pass muster and subsequently adhere to higher standards of ethics designed to inhibit conflicts of interest is a good start. The choice of some Washington insiders walks a dificult line between the pragmatic desire to get things accomplished in an entrenched Washington and the promise to bring real change to the way Washington does business. Yet the choices made so far include individuals of competence that far exceed the levels generally seen in the Bush Administration. Rather than just reward cronies for what they have done for the candidate or party in the past, Obama seems to be making an effort to select individuals for the talent and skills they bring to the table and what they can do for the country in the future. It is a subtle shift, but a hopeful change in tone and character.
One thing that the country could profit by in these times of spiritual as well as economic crisis might be the appointment of a Minister of Culture. Beyond the cliche that "man cannot live by bread alone," there lies a truth that in times of trouble we need something to inspire us to action to improve our circumstances. The need to fill our bellies for survival does not assuage the hunger to feed our souls with ideas and sentiments aspiring to a better existence.
There is perhaps no person, US citizen or otherwise, better suited to fulfill this role than Steveland Morris. Known to millions as "Stevie Wonder," he has been the voice of a generation and his body of work has inspired us for decades. If we take the time to look beyond the captivating rhythms and creative harmonies that Wonder has created, we find critical and complex lyrics that challenge, admonish and inspire us to seek a better world. For an African American of poor beginnings, without extensive "formal education" and who happens to be unsighted, his career and cultural contributions are unsurpassed.
Consider excerpts from songs "a Time to Love":
We have time for racism
We have time for criticism
Held bondage by our ism's
When will there be a time to love
"Higher Ground":
Powers keep on lyin'
While your people keep on dyin'
World keep on turnin'
Cause it won't be too long
I'm so darn glad he let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin'
Till I reach my highest ground
and "Conversation Peace":
All for one, one for all
There's no way we'll reach our greatest heights
Unless we heed the call
Me for you, you for me
There's no chance of world salvation
Less the conversation's peace
One need only examine critically, or indeed just listen to, his commentary to recognize that this man who lacks physical sight has shown a greater and clearer vision of society than almost any sighted person. Perhaps the genius lies in seeing the world as it is rather than how it would like to perceive itself. In an era in which media and imagery carry such weight, Wonder stands as an unapologetic standard bearer for social justice.
Beyond his musical genius as a poet and lyricist, Wonder also has demonstrated remarkable creativity and innovation in developing new styles of music and entertainment and the use of novel technological modes of creating art. His breakthroughs in orchestration, the use of digital technology in recording and other examples evident in his work demonstrate an openness to change and innovation in delivering cultural messages to the public. His many collaborative projects evidence a philosophy that creativity can be a process that is inclusive rather than isolationist and self-indulgent.
Yes, appointing Stevie as a Minister of Culture could do wonders [pardon the pun] for the country. The need for bringing us all together and inspiring us toward responsibility as well as hope is great at this time. To paraphrase one of his songs "As", a voice from a higher power tells us:
We all know sometimes life's hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your life times that, and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed.
So make sure when you say you're in it but not of it,
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell.
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell.
I'll be loving you
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