1530) We have perhaps noticed that the world with which we are familiar is collapsing. The abrogation of responsibility, by those in positions of power towards those who are dependent upon them, would seem to be a leitmotif of our recent history: political personal, professional and moral violation is endemic in contemporary culture. The new world is struggling to be born while carrying passive repercussions of the past and facing active opposition from the old. The future is in place, and waiting, but we have yet to discover it. Our present position in the bridge between. This position is hazardous because we are building the bridge while crossing it.

A reasonable person would despair, but hope is unreasonable and redemption an actual event. Artists, musicians and poets deal in the unreasonable on a a daily basis. This is the living breath of our work and the invisible glue which holds together performers, audience and our song.

Redemption and repair, for those committed to serving this creative impulse, is an aspect of applied art and utterly practical. Grace - readily available, simply experienced, beyond understanding - requires no reason to enter our lives but does need a vehicle.

Robert Fripp
liner notes (8/10/1993) to
The Bridge Between (cd, 1993)
by The Robert Fripp String Quartet

1531) CALVIN: Doesn't it seem like everybody just shouts at each other nowadays? I think it's because conflict is drama, drama is entertaining, and entertainment is marketable. Finding consensus and common ground is dull! Nobody wants to watch a civilized discussion that acknowledges ambiguity and complexity. We want to see fireworks! We want the sense of solidarity and identity that comes from having our interests narrowed and exploited by like-minded zealots! Talk show hosts, political candidates, news programs, special interest groups... they all become successful by reducing debates to the level of shouted rage. Nothing gets solved, but we're all entertained.

HOBBES: Hmmm, you may be right.

(pause)

CALVIN: What a boring day this turned out out be!

Bill Watterson
"Calvin and Hobbes" (syndicated comic strip, 11/26/1995)