Chicago-Midwest

This is a story of life and death. On Facebook, I saw the news that Gil Scot-Heron, one of my favorite artists, had died. I checked a news site and confirmed the truth. Then on 20/20 I saw the story of Channing Moss, an American soldier who had been wounded by a rocket propelled grenade. A group of soldiers risked their lives to save his.But would his unborn child ever see him?

Asian, white and black men  helped  to get Channing Moss off death's door, removed the grenade from his body and helped him to walk again. His daughter saw her father walk across the stage to receive a medal from the United States military. I think about this story because I too, am an  African American veteran. Although I was spared the horror of combat service, my uncle recently died as a result of his injuries stemming from the Vietnam War. And I have seen how important the vfeterans have been in leading struggles for human rights in America.

 

It is fitting to think about the sacrifices of men like Moss as we approach Memorial Day. It was a group of men who did not see race or color but only that he was one of theirs. So there is the contrast of life and death. I had read about Gil Scot-Heron’s struggle with substance abuse and the rumors that he had not much time to live. He performed at a time when we expected great political change would take place in America.

 

We did not all share the vision of revolution but we knew that America in the era of Nixon was a nightmare. Now it’s morning in America, an African-American president is leading us in three separate wars. And ordinary men like Channing Moss sacrifice their lives. What will the revolution mean? There are revolutions across North Africa and we are told we must aid those who are behind these revolutions.

 

I want a revolution in health care here at home. I want a revolution that reunites families and reverses the trend of infant mortality. I want a revolution that brings single payer from Vermont to Wisconsin. Will that revolution be televised? There are no poems to be read tonight. It is a time to say goodbye to Gil Scot-Heron and thank you to Channing Moss.

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