“In every generation there has to be some fool who will speak the truth as he sees it.” (Boris Pasternak) Boris was that kind of person. It said that during one of his purges, Stalin crossed out Pasternak’s name and said, “Leave that holy fool alone.” “Holy Fool!” Isn’t that an interesting expression? What do you think it means? Can you see yourself in Boris’s shoes? ;-) Jack
FROM C.R. IN MARYLAND: ......I like that one.
FROM MOLINER, C.F.: That's Politics.
FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: if the jester hat fits...
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I read a little about Pasternak this morning. Perhaps Ron Paul is the modern day Boris Pasternak. Paul’s run for president is treated by the elite establishment with great disdain if it is reported on at all. We elect politicians, not statesmen, we want someone to lie to us—because the truth is far too potent to seriously consider. When I consider the 14 or 15 rent seekers running for the presidency—it is Ron Paul that is considered by many to be the lone fool or the “Holy Fool” speaking the truth. Though the poem below was written long ago (update to men and women)—these are the words and deeds I wish presidential candidates, the 535 lords and ladies, the executive branch, and the judiciary would embrace.
God, give us men!
GOD, give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty, and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.
Josiah Gilbert Holland
FROM D.S. IN CALIFORNIA: Let's see, Boris Pasternak ---- Jack Freed. Hmmmmmm
FROM E.A. IN MICHIGAN: A very lovely poem that does apply today. But you must remember, these are the same types of integrity and hoped for ethics in all of his (Holland's) books,. Great to want but seldom gotten.
FROM G.G. IN INDIANA: Yes, I can.
1 comment:
A person has to be pretty confident to be a holy fool. Some of us speak up with the truth as we see it and then follow with a question seeking agreement from the other person because we're either humble or we're lacking in confidence. I wouldn't want to be President at all and sort of wish President Bush hadn't wanted to be President. What do you think?
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