I was inspired by lots of folks in the late 50s and early 60s. Among them was Pete Seeger. His words helped me to keep on even when things were very scary. He died a couple of days ago at age 94. Accolades have poured in. Everybody seems to love him.But back then not so much. He was seen as a dangerous person. A subversive. His was a leading voice for social justice.
If I had a hammer....I'd hammer out freedom and justice all over this land...I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land.
His career was derailed in the early fifties when a book listed his group, the Weavers, as communists. He refused to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He did what nobody else did at that time. He didn't plead the Fifth Amendment. He pleaded the First Amendment. Freedom of speech.
He was blacklisted for years but kept on keeping on.
To everything Turn, Turn, Turn
There is a season Turn, Turn, Turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven.
Pete Seeger, some say almost single handily, cleaned up the Hudson River.
He was a big war protester.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to grave yards everyone,
When will we ever learn?
Pete Seeger was concerned about urban blight.
Little boxes on the hillside
Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes
Little boxes
Little boxes all the same.
Pete Seeger helped Martin Luther King, Jr. choose one of the greatest protest songs ever,
We shall overcome some day.
The truth is Pete Seeger suffered hatred from lots of folks over his long 94 years. But he is a hero to many others, like Bruce Springsteen - and me.
***
