ανταπόκριση από μια ...L.A.WOMAN !

ένα γράμμα μας περίμενε στο mailbox σήμερα, ένα γράμμα από μια φίλη στο LOS ANGELES (LA WOMAN, αγαπημένο τραγούδι των DOORS - για τους νεότερους...)


Dear friends, near and far,

OBAMA wins and it truly is a new day for the USA!

My favorite post election email:
"They have a sign up sheet for volunteers to help Bush pack his sh*t
and get the f**k out, Nov 5th. I put us down for the 3-8 shift. Keep
it going....." ; )

Nothing short of a miracle, even I was doubtful up to the very end
that this could actually become a reality. I remember the day when
Bush was "selected", 8 long years ago, and I remember going to school
and to work that day dressed in black from head to tow, and sporting a
black veil over my face. My peers and I, we were mourning the Death
of Democracy.

When the whole thing repeated itself 4 years later, it was very hard
to find any good sentiments at all about being American, whether we
were at home or abroad. I remember in 2004, watching the "selection"
from a tiny TV screen in the home of a community leader/medicine man
of one of the few remaining indigenous communities in Costa Rica. We
were all in disbelief, and it began another, even more depressing
period of the American saga. I literally had to pull myself out of
politics during these past few years just to protect my self-dignity
and very soul while Mr. Village Idiot ran his rampage in office.

And now, for the first time in my life, I am excited about the man
who is president of our country. It is a new feeling, one I am not
familiar with. And it feels SO GOOD!! For the first time in a very
long time I can say, "I am proud to be an American." THIS IS HUGE!!!
I mean, this is just massive!!!

We truly experienced a miracle last night. It lifted up a heavy
weight from our hearts and brought people together in a way that has
not happened for a long time here. In San Francisco, in New York, in
Chicago and in so many places, we took to the streets - NOT in the
spirit of protest but in the spirit of celebration! We hugged each
other, even complete strangers, we laughed, screamed, cried and
danced together.

From 8pm last night until this very moment, every time I read a
letter, an article, hear a speech, view a film clip, or do anything
that bring my attention to this victory, I am moved to tears. They
are sweet tears of joy, long awaited tears, that spring from the
realization and depth of this significant moment in our history. It
is truly remarkable to be alive at this time, and to be part of
making this happen.

I heard the music of Toumani Diabate this evening (Malian master of
the Kora or African Harp) live in San Francisco. His fingers ignited
melodies that weave tapestries of memory and beauty in honor of great
Malian heroes. His words on the election of Obama were simple and
profound:
"Thank God." The crowd roars. "But Obama is just one man. We, WE
must forgive all the bad things that have happened in this dark
history and look forward. We must move on and look forward, with
this hope alive."

Yes.

And another one of my favorite quotes from Michael Moore's letter of
response to the election, and the times we will see in the coming
years:

"We may, just possibly, also see a time of refreshing openness,
enlightenment and creativity. The arts and the artists will not be
seen as the enemy. Perhaps art will be explored in order to discover
the greater truths... What will it be like to work and create in an
environment that nurtures and supports film and the arts, science and
invention... We've entered a new era, and if I could sum up our
collective first thought of this new era, it is this: Anything Is
Possible." - Michael Moore

Yes, yes, and YES!!!

After all, "Barack" means "Enlightened", "Hussein" means "King" and
I am sure "Obama" means something too, but I don't know what, and it
doesn't even matter because it just sounds good! I will be singing a
new song at the show on Sunday. Come and listen...

With great light, humility and love,

Lucia

For those local Bay Area folks, hope to see you this Sunday to
continue the celebration:

Sunday, November 9th, 2008 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Lucia Comnes Combo
Bissap Baobab Senegalese Restaurant
2323 Mission St.@ 19th
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-9287
http://www.bissapbaobab.com
Lucia and Friends play their monthly show at the best African
restaurant on the west coast! Come enjoy fresh juice cocktails,
delicious Senegalese food and great live music!
No cover.
Full band from 7-8:30 PM, Trio from 8:30-10 PM
Band members include: Sean Stillinger (bass), Will Bates (drums),
Aharon Wheels Bolsta (percussion)

More info at:
www.luciacomnes.com

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Check out my recent films on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOrBA1YLOc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPB-Yc69NaI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpAdpGr_zL0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEWHt3rqVik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKQ0NfEPaaw