I would submit to Mr. De Vane - with a modicum of caution as 1) I know nothing about the integrity of his cardiovascular system and 2) I know less about his comprehension capacity. (But taking a wild guess, I'd venture he's probably NOT the sharpest knife in the drawer.) - that things are presently on the 'glum chum' side in our Homeland (Please see gas prices in CA, national unemployment numbers, the rising costs of quality medical care delivery - just for openers.). And on the international scene, well, Sheldon Harnick said it well in the 50's and things haven't changed that much.
By way of background info, Mr. Harnick had been described as a "cranky misanthrope" who was rather upset with the rest of the world's ingratitude for the beneficence of the USA. So, he groused, "They all hate us anyhow so let's just drop the big one now." Shortly thereafter, The Kingston Trio - a profoundly popular and clever folk group of the era that had large influence with collegiate audiences - performed something of a commentary on this droll, apocalyptic fantasy-comedy. Their 'satirical social analysis' was far more accurate an evaluation of the 'international scene' and was titled (tongue-in-cheek) "Merry Minuet."
Now then, Mr. De Vane of "protect-yourself-from-the-problems-of-the-world" messaging, please sit down and get comfy. You may want to shut that wall safe door. This won't take long and should you become upset, you can always open it and toy with your shiny gold coins. Promise. We know how you love the way they feel. You may even recall the words of that Kingston Trio song but this is to be a serious read so pu-leez, no humming or dancing. Just thinking and CARING. Give it your best shot, Bill. This PSA is for you:
MERRY MINUET
They're rioting in Africa,
They're starving in Spain.
There's hurricanes in Florida
And Texas needs rain.
The whole world is festering
with unhappy souls.
The French hate the Germans,
The Germans hate the Poles.
Italians hate Yugoslavs,
South Africans hate the Dutch
And I don't like anybody very much.
BUT,
We can be grateful and thankful
and proud
For man's been endowed
with a mushroom-shaped cloud.
And we know for certain
that one happy day
Someone will set the spark off;
and we will all be blown away.
They're rioting in Africa,
THERE'S STRIFE IN IRAN.
What nature doesn't do to us
will be done by OUR FELLOW MAN!
(Copyright Alley Music Corp. and True Music Co., Inc.)
So in 1958, Sheldon Harnick independently and Dave Guard of The Kingston Trio were very publicly bleeding from the "problems of the world". (I don't recall what you were doing, Mr. De Vane - perhaps your Dad's bidding, "Buy land.") We Americans were collectively searching for enough alpaca clothing to withstand the Cold War's Big Bear threat. Today, again, as a nation, we pray we shan't be the "last flag flying, the last target on" the Taliban's list.
That's it. You can get up now Mr. . . . Mr. De Vane? You'll never fit your entire 'self' inside that wall safe. You're fine. The "world's problems" won't hurt you. You've got that plane. And you have your horse. I'll bet he's a speedy steed, too. This was a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT, anyway. You don't even have to listen, let alone do anything. Mr. De Vane?
Have a 'good one',
Later, Lorane. . . .
