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Catalina Byrd, www.catalinabyrd.com

By Catalina Byrd, www.CatalinaByrd.com

(BALTIMORE - July 2, 2009) - I didn’t realize until I received many emails after the first posting that a person being passionate about the arts and politics in equal measure was such a rarity. In fact, I thought it common knowledge that the two were connected indefinitely. I thought it appropriate that this be my post for the year because it will set the platform for the articles that will follow in weeks to come. I was invited to write here because I am an Independent, as I explained before. I am an Independent because of my understanding of America and its purpose. The arts and philosophy have helped to shape those ideas for me just as they did our founding fathers.

America’s creation can be largely attributed to the ideals and principles set forth by Plato in The Republic and his description in The Laws of how to form a functioning and comprehensive State. However, Plato was not just a political theorists, he was a poet as well, an artist. Confirming my first belief that artists are the mirror of society and in other era’s that was not only recognized but also highly respected. In our moving further away from the arts to embrace scientific advances, we have lost an aspect of our culture to the extent that society suffers.

After the passing of the generations of Statesmen that formed our nation by applying the lessons taught by the writings of such scholars as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, politics in America changed.

My personal affinity has always been for the art of the written word. Whether it be poetry, essay/editorial, novel, or speech – the arranging of words and their meanings to express a feeling or idea has always been fascinating. For one to have the power to make another feel something within themselves, or redirect a way of thinking, is an awesome ability and one necessary in the human experience to promote self-growth and reflection. Fore I do not believe possible to mature if one does not revaluate themselves at various phases of their lives, and that is as true of society as it is the individual living within it.

After the passing of the generations of Statesmen that formed our nation by applying the lessons taught by the writings of such scholars as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, politics in America changed. It was in this time of change that we see the role of the artist change in politics, no longer is the mind of the writer the basis of an ideology. Beginning with FDR the employing of speechwriters writers were now used for their talents to effectively project the ideas of their employer. No president since FDR has not had a speechwriter, and in the inclusion of this element to politics changing the simultaneously the purpose of the artist. Writers no longer were sought for their own thinking, now instead for their ability to make the vision of the employer palpable to the listener and/or reader. Artists were used to create language for speeches that began dialogues that have divided us and keep us divided to this day. An abuse of the artist and their talent that resulted in an even greater tragedy for society as it less and less mirrored reality and set out to rewrite history and hope that it changed the future.

Now where are we? A nation plagued by fear in large parts as the result of cleverly selected words, another sect in denial of the separations of church and state, and others believing that their beliefs must adhere to a specific political agenda and when they do not they seek to conform. Where once art dictated our greatest possibilities it is being used now as a tool of division, however, the artists still remain on the outskirts of popular opinion. Thought to be disenchanted with politics or “too deep” to participate, all across Baltimore and the rest of the country in slam competitions and open-mic arenas the voice of the people and their feelings can be heard loud and clear. Still there reflecting what society is doing to itself, attempting to aspire faith that we shall again overcome and encourage those capable to continue to strive for the greater good. Though politics as we know it now has downplayed the need for these talents, the artist preservers feeling indebted to the people first and politics never.

I encourage any one reading this that is either an elected official, or employed by one to seek the local artists and go to a show. Many you will find are the teachers of your children, coaches, volunteers for charities, and supporters of all people trying to effect positive change. Do you want to know what the workers of the educational system need? Go listen. Do you want to know what are the challenges met by the participants of failing re-entry programs? Go listen. Do you want to know which non-profits to consider for reoccurring budget? Go listen to the artists tell you which one’s are saving lives and which ones are wasting governmental funds. The answers just as always have been there for you to learn from to improve upon the work that you do for us. We all play a role in the realization of our dreams as a nation, artists, politicians, and regular people alike.

I am a poet, a philosophy major, a political consultant and a voter. I get involved and offer my talent to be used in hopes that instead of being exploited to bring more to one side of a line, that my words can like those of the President-Elect spark a unification that is needed for us to overcome what are truly our greatest challenges. Dr. King once wrote that “human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted”. I believe Dr. King knew as I do that it is in the arts that the human experience is chronicled and is it also the catalyst of all of the greatest accomplishments of mankind. I seek to unify the driving forces of our government by building a bridge between the artists and the politicians, the people and those entrusted to serve the interest of the people. I really hope that all of you will open your hearts and minds to the notion and help me.

Please support these artists, who are also my friends, and have committed their gifts to enlightening and uplifting all people.

*The Art Of Conversation hosted by Ethepoetemcee - Every Saturday @ The Yabba Pot, 2431 St. Paul Street from 7- until

*Organic Soul Tuesdays hosted by Olu Butterfly Every Tuesday @ Eden’s Lounge, 15 W. Eager St. from 7-12

Tags: black political economy, Politics