Music isn’t just my job, it’s a lifestyle.  Most of my time and efforts focus on the creation of music.  Life is good as long as I’m looking at the walls of a studio or the lights of a stage.

There is, however, one other matter of concern.  There has been a complete failure in the ability of humans to be human.  I’m speaking of the appalling conditions those in the third world live under, and the suffering and death they endure that we accept as inevitable so we can stay safe in our cozy homes.

I look south of the border at the horrific actions of a President, with the consent and approval of the majority of his citizens, with a combination of anger and sadness.  Then I look at the actions and inaction of my own country as a whole and myself as an individual, and I’m frustrated and disgusted.

I watch a “natural disaster” wipe out a large number of people in Southeast Asia and witness an outpouring of generosity from developed nations.  But then I wonder where this generosity and support was during the enormous “man made” disasters in Rwanda and East Timor.  What about the Congo, Sudan…  It seems we help people when a so called “act of god” occurs, but when we, as humans, are the cause or have the ability to stop suffering and death, we ignore our responsibilities and turn a blind eye.  Obviously some humans are more human than others.

“It’s hopeless.  I feel like it’s pointless to even try to do anything. I don’t understand what’s going on and I’m just too busy to worry about it because I barely have it together myself.”

That’s what I catch myself saying.  If you’re like me, then please look up Romeo Dallaire.  Read his transcripts and listen to what he has to say.  He has lived a nightmare but has awakened with solutions.  This man is a godsend....Eric Reed

A transcript of a speech and Q & A

An article and interview

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