Into mid-century American history are written two kinds of heroes. Of course, the primary heroes were those who fought in Asian fields of death, dying, suffering and confusion.
But there were others, too. Especially those who wanted them home. Those who spoke of choosing life. Yes, "making love, not war." About what it meant to be a human being.
The nation's conscience was appearing, and it was radiating from our younger, better angels.
It emerged on college campuses; in protests, chaotic disruptions, gatherings and, sometimes, with a certain violence. Yet, there was a sense that something special - and good - was happening.
This new collective conscience was coalesced, memorably and beautifully, by art and music. Soundtracked by Jim Morrison and The Doors, the Who and the Rolling Stones. Chorused by Martin, Robert, Timothy and an historic collection of thinkers and orators.
And, mostly importantly, it created dialogue. Nixon famously despised it - and later, to his regret, he simply disregarded it. Dissonance was attacked with rhetoric, racism, belittlement and shame. Mistakenly - and purposely - righteousness was cast in the context of drugs, pot and ignorance.
But the coffins kept coming home, draped in flags; and the cameras rolled. The images indelibly imprinted and energized the young, beaded and bell-bottomed. The result was a movement that would define their generation.
Musicians and artists added their own kind of symphony and momentum. Historic voices, poetic words, beautifully blended chords and bass rhythms. Like the Who's poetic tantrum about teenage wastelands.
From the past, they leap at us as something really, really special.
Especially a famous dialogue from Chicago V: "Dialogue parts I & II," written by Robert Lamm in 1972.
It was passionately vocalized by Terry Kath and Peter Cetera. Terry, on his lead guitar, sent Lamm's words and chords across the studio to Pete, who responded with bass guitar and inspirational naivete.
It's stirring and beautiful. To sing along and replay over and over is to glimpse the special moments in 1972 when heroes came in more than one form.
Dialogue, parts I & II - YouTube
"Are you optimistic 'bout the way things are going?
No, I never, ever think of it at all
Don't you ever worry, when you see what's going down?
No, I try to mind my business, that is, no business at all
When it's time to function as a feeling human being, will your Bachelor of Arts help you get by?
I hope to study further, a few more years or so. I also hope to keep a steady high
Will you try to change things, use the power that you have, the power of a million new ideas?
What is this power you speak of and this need for things to change? I always thought that everything was fine - everything is fine
Don't you feel repression just closing in around?
No, the campus here is very, very free
Does it make you angry the way war is dragging on?
Well, I hope the President knows what he's into, I don't know
Don't you ever see the starvation in the city where you live, all the needless hunger all the needless pain?
I haven't been there lately, the country is so fine, but my neighbors don't seem hungry 'cause they haven't got the time
Thank you for the talk, you know you really eased my mind. I was troubled by the shapes of things to come.
Well, if you had my outlook your feelings would be numb, you'd always think that everything was fine"
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