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Imagine That -- I’m Still Anti-War

KatKat Posts: 4,863
edited August 2014 in The Porch
Imagine That -- I’m Still Anti-War.
July 16 2014

Most of us have heard John Lennon sing

“You may say I’m a dreamer,… but I’m not the only one.”

And some of us, after another morning dose of news coverage full of
death and destruction, feel the need to reach out to others to see if
we are not alone in our outrage. With about a dozen assorted
ongoing conflicts in the news everyday, and with the stories
becoming more horrific, the level of sadness becomes unbearable.
And what becomes of our planet when that sadness becomes apathy?
Because we feel helpless. And we turn our heads and turn the page.

Currently, I’m full of hope. That hope springs from the multitudes of
people that our band has been fortunate enough to play for night
after night here in Europe. To see flags of so many different nations,
and to have these huge crowds gathered peacefully and joyfully is
the exact inspiration behind the words I felt the need to emphatically relay.
When attempting to make a plea for more peace in the world at a rock concert,
we are reflecting the feelings of all those we have come in contact with
so we may all have a better understanding of each other.

That’s not something I’m going to stop anytime soon. Call me naïve.
I’d rather be naïve, heartfelt and hopeful than resigned to say
nothing for fear of misinterpretation and retribution.

The majority of humans on this planet are more consumed by the
pursuit of love, health, family, food and shelter than any kind of war.

War hurts. It hurts no matter which sides the bombs are falling on.

With all the global achievements in modern technology,
enhanced communication and information devices, cracking the
human genome, land rovers on Mars etc., do we really have to
resign ourselves to the devastating reality that conflict will be
resolved with bombs, murder and acts of barbarism?

We are such a remarkable species. Capable of creating beauty.
Capable of awe-inspiring advancements. We must be capable of
resolving conflicts without bloodshed.

I don’t know how to reconcile the peaceful rainbow of flags we see
each night at our concerts with the daily news of a dozen global
conflicts and their horrific consequences. I don’t know how to
process the feeling of guilt and complicity when I hear about the
deaths of a civilian family from a U.S. drone strike. But I know that
we can’t let the sadness turn into apathy. And I do know we are
better off when we reach out to each other.

“I hope someday you’ll join us,…”

Won’t you listen to what the man said.

— Eddie Vedder

http://pearljam.com/activism/news/1/22386/imagine_that_--_i’m_still_anti-war

Falling down,...not staying down
Post edited by Kat on
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Comments

  • cacarr1cacarr1 Posts: 344
    Well said!
    PJ Bootleg Artwork


    Twitter: @cacarr1
  • PJammer4lifePJammer4life Posts: 2,647
    Eddie is a good man..someone's gotta take the torch from John Lennon....
    Bridge Benefit 1994, San Francisco 1995, San Diego 1995 1 & 2, Missoula 1998, Los Angeles 2000, San Diego 2000, Eddie Vedder/Beck 2/26/2002, Santa Barbara 2003, Irvine 2003, San Diego 2003, Vancouver 2005, Gorge 2005, San Diego 2006, Los Angeles 2006 1 & 2, Santa Barbara 2006, Eddie Vedder 4/10/08, Eddie Vedder 4/12/08, Eddie Vedder 4/15/08, 7/12/2008, SF 8/28/09, LA 9/30/09, LA 10/1/09, LA 10/06/09, LA 10/07/09, San Diego 10/09/09, Eddie Vedder 7/6/2011, Eddie Vedder 7/8/2011, PJ20 9/3/2011, PJ20 9/4/2011, Vancouver 9/25/2011, San Diego 11/21/13, LA 11/24/13, Ohana 9/25/21, Ohana 9/26/21, Ohana 10/1/21, EV 2/17/22, LA Forum 5/6/22, LA Forum 5/7/22, EV 10/1/22, EV 9/30/23
  • elwayvedderelwayvedder Posts: 9,124
    Thanks Kat. I needed to hear something from the one front man I have put my faith in for over 20 years and the one singer who has brought so much to my life and to countless others. I'm glad he said something and didn't stay silent. Thank you Kat for sharing.
    -EV
    www.operationyellowribbon.org
  • derbydavederbydave Posts: 11,254
    WE MUST!!!
    '96: Seattle: Key Arena
    '98: Seattle: Memorial Stadium 1 & 2
    '00: Columbus: Polaris
    '03: Columbus: Germain
    '10: Columbus: Nationwide Arena
    '11: East Troy: Alpine Valley - PJ20 1 & 2 + EV Detroit
    '12: Missoula + EV Jacksonville 1 & 2
    '13: Chicago / Pittsburgh / Buffalo / Seattle
    '14: Cincinnati / St. Louis / Tulsa / Lincoln / Memphis / Detroit / Moline
    '15: New York City - Global Citizen Festival
    '16: Greenville / Hampton / Raleigh / Columbia / Lexington / Ottawa / Toronto 1 & 2 / Wrigley 1 & 2
    '17: Brooklyn - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    '18: London 1 & 2 / Seattle 1 & 2 / Missoula / Wrigley 1
    '22: Nashville / St. Louis


    http://www.livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=170

  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,162
    Imagine that. After all the anti-Israel vitriol, after all the pro-Palestinian controversy, after all the nonsense on both sides...after all that it remains an anti-war speech.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • RiotZactRiotZact Posts: 6,245
    The title is awesome.
  • mrluthor9mrluthor9 Posts: 264
    And the World Will Live As One... BRAVO EV!
    All the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives,.....choosing the shiny ones instead,......
  • PJammer4lifePJammer4life Posts: 2,647
    JimmyV said:

    Imagine that. After all the anti-Israel vitriol, after all the pro-Palestinian controversy, after all the nonsense on both sides...after all that it remains an anti-war speech.

    Truth..
    "With about a DOZEN assorted ongoing conflicts in the news everyday, and with the stories
    becoming more horrific, the level of sadness becomes unbearable."
    "War hurts. It hurts no matter which sides the bombs are falling on."
    Bridge Benefit 1994, San Francisco 1995, San Diego 1995 1 & 2, Missoula 1998, Los Angeles 2000, San Diego 2000, Eddie Vedder/Beck 2/26/2002, Santa Barbara 2003, Irvine 2003, San Diego 2003, Vancouver 2005, Gorge 2005, San Diego 2006, Los Angeles 2006 1 & 2, Santa Barbara 2006, Eddie Vedder 4/10/08, Eddie Vedder 4/12/08, Eddie Vedder 4/15/08, 7/12/2008, SF 8/28/09, LA 9/30/09, LA 10/1/09, LA 10/06/09, LA 10/07/09, San Diego 10/09/09, Eddie Vedder 7/6/2011, Eddie Vedder 7/8/2011, PJ20 9/3/2011, PJ20 9/4/2011, Vancouver 9/25/2011, San Diego 11/21/13, LA 11/24/13, Ohana 9/25/21, Ohana 9/26/21, Ohana 10/1/21, EV 2/17/22, LA Forum 5/6/22, LA Forum 5/7/22, EV 10/1/22, EV 9/30/23
  • mallalieumallalieu Posts: 6
    One Love!!!!
  • boyo79boyo79 Posts: 6,525
    JimmyV said:

    Imagine that. After all the anti-Israel vitriol, after all the pro-Palestinian controversy, after all the nonsense on both sides...after all that it remains an anti-war speech.

    Indeed.

    2000: Manchester
    2006: Dublin; Leeds; Arnhem
    2007: London
    2009: Manchester
    2012: Manchester I & II : EV Manchester : Soundgarden Shepherds Bush
    2013: Brad Manchester : Soundgarden Manchester
    2014: Amsterdam I & II; Berlin; Leeds; Milton Keynes
    2018: Berlin; London II; Boston II

    Bootleg Reviews: http://pjbootlegreviews.blogspot.com/
  • dimitrispearljamdimitrispearljam Posts: 139,590
    Eddie,this flag already Joined You....

    Thanks for the invitation...Peace

    Dimitris


    image

    "...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
    "..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
    “..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
  • quimby20quimby20 Posts: 823
    Just one question, I agree with anything but why does he not call out Obama for Drone Strikes. Shouldn't he be asking him to put a stop to it??? If this was Bush he would call him by name.
  • Abe FromanAbe Froman Posts: 5,273
    Thanks for posting this. I couldn't agree more.
  • djklambakedjklambake Posts: 2,522
    Kudos, Eddie.

    Just love.
    6/27/98 - East Troy, WI
    6/29/06 - Milwaukee, WI
    9/25/11 - Vancouver, BC
    11/4/12 - (Eddie Vedder) Phoenix, AZ
    11/1/13 - New Orleans, LA
    11/19/13 - Phoenix, AZ
    11/21/13 - San Diego, CA
    10/12/14 - Austin, TX
    10/22/14 - Denver, CO
    8/22/16 - Chicago, IL (Wrigley 2)
    5/9/22 - Glendale, AZ
    5/18/24 - Las Vegas, NV
  • Black DiamondBlack Diamond Posts: 25,107
    Very eloquent and I think what we all needed to see at this juncture..

    Thanks
    GoiMTvP.gif
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,935
    edited July 2014
    This is amazing Eddie. Thank you for posting this, and thank you for saying what you did on stage. I hope now everyone finally understands, and if they don't, that they will someday soon. I'm so happy that you won't be deterred from spreading your message of peace and fighting apathy (not that I ever thought you would be). :x
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • jimed14jimed14 Posts: 9,488
    quimby20 said:

    Just one question, I agree with anything but why does he not call out Obama for Drone Strikes. Shouldn't he be asking him to put a stop to it??? If this was Bush he would call him by name.

    No point in having this particular message turned into something divisive, as politics always does, when all the man wants is some peace.

    "You're one of the few Red Sox fans I don't mind." - Newch91

    "I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
  • ed243421ed243421 Posts: 7,659
    Thanks, Ed


    Love this:

    "That’s not something I’m going to stop anytime soon. Call me naïve.
    I’d rather be naïve, heartfelt and hopeful than resigned to say
    nothing for fear of misinterpretation and retribution.

    The majority of humans on this planet are more consumed by the
    pursuit of love, health, family, food and shelter than any kind of war."



    Mr. Zinn would be very proud
    The whole world will be different soon... - EV
    RED ROCKS 6-19-95
    AUGUSTA 9-26-96
    MANSFIELD 9-15-98
    BOSTON 9-29-04
    BOSTON 5-25-06
    MANSFIELD 6-30-08
    EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
    BOSTON 5-17-10
    EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
    PJ20 9-3-11
    PJ20 9-4-11
    WRIGLEY 7-19-13
    WORCESTER 10-15-13
    WORCESTER 10-16-13
    HARTFORD 10-25-13









  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,935
    jimed14 said:

    quimby20 said:

    Just one question, I agree with anything but why does he not call out Obama for Drone Strikes. Shouldn't he be asking him to put a stop to it??? If this was Bush he would call him by name.

    No point in having this particular message turned into something divisive, as politics always does, when all the man wants is some peace.

    And for the record, I have heard Ed specifically speaking against Obama's drone strikes at shows. He hates that violence too. Of course. :)
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • mfc2006mfc2006 Posts: 37,432
    Well said!
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • quimby20quimby20 Posts: 823
    PJ_Soul said:

    jimed14 said:

    quimby20 said:

    Just one question, I agree with anything but why does he not call out Obama for Drone Strikes. Shouldn't he be asking him to put a stop to it??? If this was Bush he would call him by name.

    No point in having this particular message turned into something divisive, as politics always does, when all the man wants is some peace.

    And for the record, I have heard Ed specifically speaking against Obama's drone strikes at shows. He hates that violence too. Of course. :)
    Good, they are all crooks....
  • SpagsSpags Posts: 3,035
    Yep, that'll do it!
    Nature drunk and High
  • narnianarnia Posts: 635
    Eddie has always used the platform his fame provides to try to make this a better world for us all. How can you argue with someone promoting peace and love? Thank you Eddie for having the courage to stand up for what you believe in!
    I escaped it...a life wasted...I'm never going back again
  • Tora74Tora74 Posts: 107
    Thanks for posting, & Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. The one thing this planet can never have enough of is PEACE!
    Things were different then. All is different now.
    3.29.94 St. Pete, FL
    9.21.12 Pensacola, FL
    11.1.13 New Orleans, LA
    10.14.14 Memphis, TN
    4.13.16 Jacksonville, FL
    EV 11.21.12 Memphis, TN
    EV 11.28.12 Orlando, FL
  • SivanMeriliSivanMerili Posts: 133
    edited July 2014
    Israeli fan in here :)
    Thanks for the letter! It meant allot to me, specially in this period.
    Between the missiles flying over my head (thanks god!) and bed time, i really want to say just - big thanks.
    Hoping to see you (all the band) soon in Israel.
    Dont forget to bring Jeff! (I love him so much)
    Good night. Im going to bed with a huge smile on my face and tears.
    Post edited by SivanMerili on
  • ikiTikiT Posts: 11,055

    Thanks for reiterating what I already thought...EV is strictly anti-asshole, regardless of what flag the asshole flies (not you, Dimitris...I think Ed likes that flag...). Let's find a different way to communicate that doesn't involve destruction.
    Bristow 05132010 to Amsterdam 2 06132018
  • dancinacrossthewaterdancinacrossthewater Posts: 800
    I gotta give this round to Neil over Eddie. Eddie yelled, Neil at least did something. And if he wants to stick to the peace, love and music message, why not play Tel Aviv like Neil was going to? The message would have more meaning there.
  • dancinacrossthewaterdancinacrossthewater Posts: 800
    Eddie yelled and then delivered a kind of self-glorifying pacifist speech. Neil was gonna play Tel Aviv, and when he was forced to cancel, donated to cross-cultural art initiatives. That's actually trying to help.
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,162
    edited July 2014
    How was playing Tel Aviv going to help? How would playing Tel Aviv help? Neil may have cancelled his show and pledged donations, but he did so only after a period of terrible publicity that the current conflict provided a ready-made excuse to mitigate. I like Neil, but I don't think he came out of this looking very good.
    Post edited by JimmyV on
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • dancinacrossthewaterdancinacrossthewater Posts: 800
    Bring the message of cross-cultural communication and tolerance into the affected area. Don't yell from the sidelines.
This discussion has been closed.