There comes a moment when political theater becomes theater of the absurd, when talking points no longer shield the politician from the public's verdict, when everyone sees through your clothes to your underwear.
The choices then are to double-down or sing "Kumbaya".
Last night, after 2 hours of debate in the City Council Chamber to approve a $15.95 M bond ordinance for the municipal garage, the 3 dissenting members, Michael Russo, Theresa Castellano and Beth Mason dropped arguments made moments before to join hands with their opponents, Carol Marsh, Michael Lenz, Ravi Bhalla, Dave Mello and Peter Cunningham, for a rousing chorus of "Kumbaya".
All eight voices rose up and filled the chamber. Even Lane Bajardi, who had given his most subdued performance in memory, joined in with his lovely baritone. As did all in attendance, clasping hands and swaying to the lyrics while the bond ordinance passed 8-0.
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
The entire city applauded. This will be remembered as the night our once bitterly-divided City Council rallied around the campfire united for our common good.
Hopefully to be repeated and repeated often.
Doesn't singing this song veer into the grey-area of Church/State separation...?
ReplyDeletePhew; now pass the s'mores please.
ReplyDeleteDid you miss Insidersedge at nj.com going all Baghdad Bob. "the council majority's scare tactics and chaos was silenced in favor of everyone doing the right thing. " http://www.nj.com/forums/hoboken/index.ssf?artid=100452
ReplyDelete""There is no presence of American infidels in the city of Baghdad."
Saw it, what a hack. It's the grandiose musings of jhowe1 that fascinate me.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD6bQ3DQSLA&feature=related