Welcome to the website.

We have a lot of fun around here. If you're new or you don't believe me, just browse the ARCHIVE and see what I mean. Or just go ahead and click on this banner to check out a bunch of photos of the beautiful shining moments that we've shared so far this season.

Click to visit this year's gallery

.

This site is about Life, and Love, and fun and most of all... music.

Now, an awful lot of people check in here every day from different parts of this country and different parts of the world. It's very cool. But that one of the reasons I have to dedicate this update to something a little less fun today. There will be a link for YOU to leave a comment further down the page.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" UPDATES THAT I HOPE YOU WILL PASS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS.

I live in New York City.

My name is David.

Click for larger image

They call me "That Guitar Man from Central Park" because for the past 19 years, and entire generation, more than 1/10 of the existence of the park itself, I've been sharing my music, thoughts, feelings and stories with the people of this wonderful town... as well as the people who visit her from all around the world. I'm a very lucky man.

. . .
Click for larger image

I live in New York City. To my heart and my mind, it's a very, very special place. It is "Florence During the Renaissance". As a city in this world, it is the only truly and literal international experiment that works... every day!

It is filled with some of the most open-minded, tolerant, enterprising, Creative, kindest people gathered in one place on the planet.

I love this town.

******************************

My name is David.

I also live in The United States of America.

To my mind, when it was established it held such hope to be a very special place. It was a place where it's citizens, for the first time in modern human history, could be free from the small-mindedness and abuses of a monarchy or government tied to a specific institutionalized religion. (People forget that not only was King George III a monarch and tyrant, he was also the head of the Church of England and believed that members of other religions should not be granted equal civil rights.... even fellow Christians like Roman Catholics.)

America was born in a time called the "Age of Enlightenment" or "The Age of Reason". It was founded in a pursuit of Reason, Freedom and Justice. This was a time in history when, at it's core was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals, and a strong belief in rationality and science.

But now, while it's true America is still the home to some of the most giving, caring and evolved people on earth, it is also filled with some of the most intolerant, fear-driven, hypocritical people gathered in one place on the planet. With flags flying, drums beating and religious symbols raised high we are marching backwards into a darkness where people are actually professing The United States to be a "christian nation". (Besides, it is factually undeniable that we are also accelerating toward becoming a state of fat, self-centered and ignorant people.) Just look at the audiences that gather for tiny little people like Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin.

I won't even bother to mention the ignorant and duplicitous nonsense that is coming out of Newt Gingrich's warped brain. He's not worthy of comment.

Still, what's happening in this country is such a shame.

In a way, I'm saddened... but strangely okay with all of that.

Y'see, I identify myself as,

1. a Spirit (Or an expression of The Universe, or God if you must)
2. a human being
3. a man
4. a son, brother and friend
5. an artist
6. a New Yorker

...and then as an American.

So, it's pretty far down there on the line.

**********************
.

Now!

I started out today's update with this preface to get to one point.

Most of us, by far, who live here in Manhattan understand what America is supposed to stand for. We are not driven by fear or ignorance. We do not cower or shrink after suffering through the atrocity of September 11, 2001. (Which was an act of mass murder by ideologically twisted criminals... not an act of war.)

Here's the point.

According to a recent Marist poll 53% of the people who live on this island support the building of a "Muslim Youth Center" -- and we would also support the building of a Mosque or a Jewish Temple or a Buddhist Shrine or a Catholic basketball court or a Hindu Shuffle Ball Center. It doesn't matter if it's downtown or uptown, or East Side - West side or all around the town. I suspect the percentage is probably even much higher than that.

Y'know why?

This is America.

More significantly to me...

This is New York.

Of the 36% of the Manhattan residents asked who say they oppose the building of that community center, I'm sure many probably haven't given it much serious thought.

But, my name is David and I live here.

I submit to anyone who feels they have something to say against this building being erected 4 blocks away from the site of the former World Trade Center... it's probable that in this case you have not courage, principle, Reason or a serious thought in your head.

You certainly haven't a nodding acquaintance with the principles upon which this country was founded. Or you think they are to be lived by only when convenient or when they don't ruffle your feathers.

To those who lost loved ones on that horrible day... I am truly sorry and I understand your pain. I knew people who died that day. Many of the people who would come to hear me sing every week in Central Park never came back. My brother Mike and several of my friends and cousins, all New York City Firefighters, dug on their hands and knees for days in the rubble. My audience raised money for the families of Ladder 22, The Pride of the Upper West Side. My father, Joe, is a retired Deputy Chief of the FDNY and gave a lifetime of service to this town.

But America isn't easy. It's a beautiful idea, but it isn't as easy as fast-food drive-through restaurants, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, or voting for the next silly American Idol. And if we only live by our principles when it's easy, then they are not principles.... they are hobbies or pleasant possibilities.

If you oppose the renovation of this building in my town, you should be ashamed or embarrassed until you can be adult enough to reason it through.

Besides, the three glaring facts that are a genuine disgrace are being over-looked.

1. Most of our politicians on both sides of the aisle are generally too spineless to stand firmly and strongly on principle.

3. WE ARE DISCUSSING ANOTHER BUILDING BEING RENOVATED IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN -- WHEN, BECAUSE OF POLITICS AND GREED, THE SITE OF THE TRADE CENTER IS STILL A BIG FUCKING HOLE IN THE GROUND 10 YEARS AFTER THE FACT!!!!! (Hell, the Empire State Building was erected in 1 year and 45 days during the Great Depression.)

.

I say, in my country and in my town, people have the same rights that I have... and that YOU have. (And your silly religion.)

This youth center should be built without comment, fear or prejudice.

And for all of you in Georgia and Kansas and Ohio and Indiana and Florida and Texas who are weighing in against this building, and all of you in the so-called "news" media who are selling beer and tires and yogurt on this story...

Shut the fuck up ...and read The Constitution.

Of course you have the right to express any misguided, small-minded opinions you have. So, I'm asking... please, please shut the fuck up.

Or ask a real New Yorker how they feel about it.

Or you better get on your horse about closing St. Joseph's Cathedral on the corner of NW 4th Street and N Harvey Ave in Oklahoma City. It's a Roman Catholic Church right on the same street as the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Hypocrites.

***********************

For your information, here is the "Mission Statement" of the Park 51 Cultural Center.

New York deserves its reputation as a peerless center of arts, culture and ideas. Park51 honors and furthers that tradition, envisioning a community center for all of us, bringing the best of the world to New York City, and New York City's energy, diversity and aspirations to the world. Park51 will become a model for future institutions, with its inclusive focus, outstanding facilities and dedication to social needs. To realize this mission, Park51 will:

* Uphold respect for the diversity of expression and ideas between all people
* Cultivate and embrace neighborly relations between all New Yorkers, fostering a spirit of civic participation and an awareness of common needs and opportunities
* Encourage open discussion and dialogue on issues of relevance to New Yorkers, Americans and the international reality of our interconnected planet
* Revive the historic Muslim tradition of education, engagement and service, becoming a resource for empowerment and advancement
* Connect New York's communities to global ideas and trends
* Commit to social justice, dignified human development and spiritual growth for all
* Pursue the development of American Muslim identities, engaging New York's many and diverse Muslim communities and promoting empowerment and compassion for all
* Build partnerships and relationships with key actors and institutions who share our values, to address shared needs and solve common problems
* Establish a state-of-the-art green facility that will serve as a model and inspiration for sustainable space, helping to advance sustainable living in urban contexts
* Empower our communities with the skills and knowledge they need to advance in their various life stages
* Provide financial assistance for those in need, offering subsidies for our programming and scholarships to reach new audiences and further our vision

*****************************

.

Scary shit, hah?

.

Me personally?

I think all institutionalized religion is the single most divisive thing human beings have ever invented for themselves. I long for the day when all religion is nothing more than a memory of a time of superstition and myth... long gone.

Here's a FREE SONG to download.

THE RELIGION SONG

.

.

I'll be back tomorrow with a more typical update.

IF YOU'VE GOTTEN THIS FAR AND WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE A COMMENT --

JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK!

.

PEACE