A story from IRAQ... why we must keep speaking out.

[David Ippolito]

David Ippolito here. (The guy who wrote the song, "JesusLand".) Last year, through my website, I was introduced to Gordon.

Gordon is that remarkable young man who, even though he was vehemently opposed to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the twisted policies of George W. Bush's administration, followed his inner "calling" and went there anyway, to help the people of that country. He spent time in Afghanistan, helping them organize in the ramp up to their elections, and as a civilian, did everything he could to help the people of Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Last year, Gordon sent us some emails and pictures from that part of the world, kind of as our correspondent, which I posted on my website. And, his mom shows up once in a while in our "Forum". (message board)

I'm happy to report that Gordon is alive... but, worn. And, Gordon's NOT coming home. He is another man who realizes that he must follow his "calling"... that one true Voice that I talk about once in a while, that I've written about in song, (the less-funny songs) the Voice even I hafta follow. (Even though I may have driven a stake through the heart of my career, alienating a part of the audience I used to enjoy so much.)

That "calling" is real. We all have it. And, the people who are of the mindset that can't understand that... "Oh Dave, man! Why do you hafta write about the things you do! Why can't you just shut up! You and Jon Stewart, man! It's gettin' old and boring!"

Well, I suspect some people never will understand.

That's cool, I guess. I guess, it's gotta be. That's life.

But, here are some of Gordon's words in that regard:

"Calling. Mine is faintly but consistently telling me that I 1) don't need to feel attached to a UN paycheck; 2) need to get out of war-zones both real and perceived; 3) have the ability to bring people together in positive environments and can provide a creative spark to those who gather.

At various times I have been convinced that I only prolong my stagnation when I ignore my calling. Still, I frequently relegate that Voice to the back of my mind out of convenience or fear. e.g. "can't leave mid-contract" my rational mind argues. Well, I am about to take the advice of that Voice, and with my girlfriend Consuelo, who I met here back in April, will embark on a whole new journey. Our plan is to open a b&b/retreat/creative workshop space for like-minded friends from around the world, more an extension of our home than business per se. We would love to see you there as one of our guests. It will take some time to get up and running: first we'll go to the Canary Islands, Spain (off the coast of western sahara) to find the land with a house, then we'll come to NYC to sort out last u.s. details, then get on with the creation of our vision as it unfolds.

I've spoken to my mom about my decision not to live in the U.S. right now, echoing obvious frustrations with us foreign and social policy. But, as I think about it, I understand clearly that this decision is not a 'protest'. I am tired of protesting. I know now that I must Live only according to calling. Not that these last years, those winter marches before the war (when I so naively felt the administration would listen), and the protests after the bombing began, are wasted effort. But I see, in how I've aged, in my (now waning) obsession with all the misdeeds of GWB et al., that in many ways I've given these years more to underscore their idiocy than to explore my own genius (the same genius that resides within us all). So from here on my friend, I have to write my own story, not reinforce the tragedies and errors of others.

(a side note: I was in Spain recently, and not hearing the constant clanging untruths and justifications (as Iraq is no longer a subject for the national conscience, since Zapatero followed through on his promise to withdraw) was undeniably a comfort and motive in my decision...)

Next week, on my website, I'm gonna start telling Gordon's story, by posting his words and those of his Mom.

To me, it's a comfort to know that there are people like Gordon in the world.

Whew! If you've actually taken the time to read all this, I'm glad there are people in the world like you, too.

Maybe I'll see you at: http://www.thatguitarman.com

Thanks

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