An Ode to Bob

Today - May 11 - in Sierra Leone is Bob Marley Day - (as some of you may or may not know Freetown was a settlement for many freed slaves in the late 19th century, many of whom came from Jamaica and traveled through Nova Scotia settled around the old cotton tree and founded Freetown) It was on this day over a quarter century ago Bob Marley came and performed in Freetown - since this time May 11 has been used as a day of celebration to honour Bob Marley his music and his messages of justice, hope, peace and ‘one love’. While much of his music speaks to these issues I would like to share with you a song I believe says it all…

War

Until the philosophy which old one rates superior and another------------ inferior
Is finally----------- and permanently----------- discredited------ and abandoned
Well, everywhere is war
Until there is no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes
Me say war
That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race
Well there’s a war
That until that day the dream of lasting peace---------- world citizenship------------ rule of international morality---- will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued------------ but never attained
Now everywhere is war…me say war

I hope you find the time today to think about these words…to look inside of you and outside of you – to challenge those who believe they deserve more because of geography or history or worse the colour of their skin…we are beyond autonomy within our borders – we are global citizens capable of unifying and uplifting all – or isolating ourselves and destroying everyone - with privilege comes responsibility…are you being responsible?