People often tell me that our show, Liberty, is "so timely", that
this musical story of one immigrant's struggle so perfectly parallels
the heated debates on immigration that are nightly segments on our news
shows, arguments at our dinner tables, and confrontations in our daily
lives. As I see it, the immigration debate in America began over 500
years ago on the day the Native Americans first laid eyes on the
European settlers as they began to build their homes in Patuxet (a.k.a.
Plymouth).
One might consider Squanto the 15th Century equivalent of Lou
Dobbs. At first he was strongly opposed to the acceptance of these
foreigners. Unlike Mr. Dobbs though, in time these immigrants touched
Squanto's heart. He saw that they were sick and weak with hunger, and in
need of compassion. He helped them and taught them how to survive in
the new world. And they later showed their gratitude with the pursuit of
the decimation and incarceration of the entire Native American
population - Happy Thanksgiving!
So the immigration debate is not new, that's for sure. But it has
changed drastically since the 2012 presidential election. The voting
results show, in no uncertain terms, that America has shifted - the
entitled white male has become a minority in the voting population - and
there is a fear that surrounds this reality.
In the past, the arrival of varied ethnic groups caused panic for
established citizens, but yesterday's immigrants became part of the
white establishment. Today, the face of the country is so much more
diverse, it is hard to see past it, and "Traditional Americans" are more
frightened than ever, asking themselves "what if these people get ahead
of me?" What if the "wretched refuse" become the majority? Maybe they
already have.
I love our show because this issue of immigration is still so
controversial, and there is no clear solution. I personally do not have a
committed stance on whether immigrants should continue to be allowed
into the United States, but I do see some things we should consider.
Our borders are temporary, man-made creations. They were meaningless
to the Native Americans. And if you consider it from a spiritual
perspective - that we are all one, regardless of race, religion or any
other separator - then it is pretty arrogant to think that any land or
any thing belongs to anyone. All of this is temporary, as are we, and is
always changing. We celebrate this in one of the more direct lyrics
from the show - that you are "the ever-changing face of liberty."
So while the talking heads on the TV continue to fuel the fear of
our now multi-ethnic majority, I will just sit back, laugh, love, and
make more music - and I am confident that as the face of America
continues to change, these will be the only things that really matter.
Jon Goldstein
December 20, 2012
