Springsteen: "The beginning of the work that we need to do ourselves"

John Kerry conceded...for his own reasons...but this doesn't render Springsteen's stump speech...we can't put a better world on hold for the next four years.

I'm sure that if there any among us who are disappointed, Bruce Springsteen must be at the top of the list. But his words still ring true, with or without John Kerry in the mix.

http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html

BRUCE'S FINAL SPEECH
As a songwriter, I've been writing about America for 30 years: who we are, what we stand for, what we fight for -- these ideas are what's at stake tomorrow. I believe our American government has drifted too far from American values: The human principles of economic justice, healing the sick, health care, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, a living wage so folks don't have to break their backs and then come home and not be able to make ends meet, an open American government that's unburdened by unnecessary secrecy, protection of our environment, a sane and responsible foreign policy where we take our place amongst a community of nations, civil rights and the safeguarding of our precious Democracy here at home. This is what we're fighting for tomorrow. Now, nobody's got all of the answers to all of America's problems. And when John Kerry wins tomorrow, it's just the beginning of the work that we need to do ourselves to create a humane American society. I got involved in this election because I saw the opportunity to have somebody in the White House with a heart that would honestly ask the hard questions, that would respect our most struggling citizens, and a spirit that would seek the solutions to bring us closer to fulfilling America's promise for everybody. I believe that Senator Kerry honors these ideals, and that he'll work for them. He's lived our history over the past 50 years; he has an informed and adult view of America and her people. He's had the life experience and understands that we as humans are not infallible, we make mistakes. And as Senator Edwards said during the Democratic Convention, "struggle and heartbreak will always be with us." That's why we need each other, that's why we need to be able to depend on and keep faith with one another through hard times and good times. That's why "One Nation Indivisible" and "United We Stand" can't become empty slogans, but need to remain guiding principles of our public policy.

I was speaking to Senator Glenn the other night, and he said "politics is supposed to be the Personnel Department of the Constitution." It is supposed to be a shining service. And that's why we need good, wise, and trustworthy servants to put our ideals in action. Senator Kerry, since he was a young man, has shown us by having the courage to face America's hard truths, both the good and the bad, that that's where we find a deeper patriotism, a more complete view of who we are, a more authentic experience as citizens, and the power that is embedded only in truth to make our world a better and safer place for our kids to grow up in. These are the things that have brought me here tonight.

Paul Wellstone, the Minnesota senator, said, "The future is for the passionate and those that are willing to fight and work hard for it." Well, the future is now. It's time to roll up your sleeves and let your passions flow in the service of a more just and equitable society. That's why I'm here to stand alongside Senator Kerry and to tell you that the country we carry in our hearts is waiting. So tomorrow, get Grandma, get Ma, get Pa, get 'em all out there and vote! We've had a sax player; I think it's time for a guitar player in the White House. Go out there tomorrow and Vote for Change!

and aware of election fraWd © MagicSpork

I respect him so much. I respect ALL of our heartfelt, pro-democracy artists.

speak those words on the eve of the election. It really had an impact on me and it made me respect Bruce for the courage to speak from his heart with the conviction of his soul.

I recorded that night as well as a lot of the other Kerry/Edwards rallies and they always made me feel hopeful and optimistic.

I will continue to bring to light the injustices hiding in the darkness. If we all make a commitment to expose the darkness, we will all have a better chance of change for the future!