Reviving Hope: The Impact of Harris and Patti Smith on a Nation in Flux
I grew up in an era when Mexico was under the tight grip of el PRI, a corrupt political party that had mastered the art of disengaging the population through political maneuvering, patronage, and electoral fraud. For over 70 years, the system seemed invincible, leaving people feeling helpless and apathetic toward politics. My interest in political affairs was virtually nonexistent.
When I moved to the United States, I was initially just an observer without the right to vote. Gradually, however, I began to grasp the essence of American democracy. This understanding blossomed when Obama won the presidency, igniting my curiosity about the system, the Founding Fathers, and the extraordinary accomplishments and philosophies of figures like Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln.
In recent times, amidst the political upheaval, the prospect of a second Trump term has loomed. Every autocratic maneuver in his playbook seems to be working in his favor, amplifying my anxiety and sense of foreboding. The relentless lies, anger, selflessness, insults, hypocrisy, ignorance, assaults on democratic norms, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the polarizing rhetoric have created an atmosphere of dread that feels inescapable.
Yet this week, a glimmer of hope pierced through the darkness. President Biden made the historic announcement to retire from the campaign, putting the country ahead of his ambitions. The selection of Kamala Harris as his successor has energized the electorate and has begun to gain momentum. It felt like a spark of light, a beacon of possibility, and a shot in the arm. I can't think of a more fitting song to capture my excitement and renewed optimism than Patti Smith’s “People Have the Power.”
This song is an anthemic call to arms, celebrating the power of collective action and the potential for ordinary people to effect significant change in the world—specifically, our power to vote. The song's rousing instrumentation and Smith's passionate delivery create a sense of urgency and hope. "People Have the Power" is not just a song; it's a rallying cry, urging listeners to believe in their capacity to make a difference.
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist widely regarded as the "Godmother of Punk." She emerged from the New York City punk rock scene in the mid-1970s, becoming a regular figure at the iconic CBGB along with bands like The Ramones and Talking Heads. Smith's debut album, "Horses" (1975), is often hailed as one of the greatest punk albums of all time, blending raw, powerful rock with poetic, stream-of-consciousness lyrics. “People Has The Power” was introduced in her album “Dream of Life,” which came as part of her comeback in ‘88, and given its relevance at this moment, I chose it to introduce this amazing artist.
Patti’s work has been influential for its pioneering role in punk music and its fusion of rock and poetry, which challenged and expanded the boundaries of rock music. Her hit single "Because the Night," co-written with Bruce Springsteen, brought her mainstream success. Beyond her music, Smith is known for her activism and literary contributions, with works such as her memoir "Just Kids" earning critical acclaim.
Smith's impact on rock music is profound. She broke gender barriers in the rock genre, inspiring countless female artists. Her combination of punk's raw energy and intellectual depth paved the way for future punk and alternative rock musicians. Her enduring influence is seen in the reverence with which she is held in the rock community and her continued relevance in contemporary music and culture.
In 2000, Mexico used the power of the people to finally end el PRI's 70-year reign, a historic moment of democratic triumph. Unfortunately, the country now faces autocratic challenges once more. Despite this, I am hopeful for the current U.S. election, especially with Kamala Harris as a candidate. Her potential to lead brings renewed optimism.
Reflecting on Patti Smith's legacy, her "People Have the Power" anthem feels more relevant than ever. Smith, the "Godmother of Punk," has long inspired through her powerful fusion of rock and poetry. Her work reminds us that ordinary people can indeed make extraordinary changes. As we face this crucial historical moment, Smith's rallying cry urges us to believe in our collective power to shape the future.
Please vote.
PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER
I was dreaming in my dreaming
of an aspect bright and fair
and my sleeping it was broken
but my dream it lingered near
in the form of shining valleys
where the pure air recognized
and my senses newly opened
I awakened to the cry
that the people have the power
to redeem the work of fools
upon the meek the graces shower
it's decreed the people rule
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
Vengeful aspects became suspect
and bending low as if to hear
and the armies ceased advancing
because the people had their ear
and the shepherds and the soldiers
lay beneath the stars
exchanging visions
and laying arms
to waste in the dust
in the form of shining valleys
where the pure air recognized
and my senses newly opened
I awakened to the cry
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
Where there were deserts
I saw fountains
like cream the waters rise
and we strolled there together
with none to laugh or criticize
and the leopard
and the lamb
lay together truly bound
I was hoping in my hoping
to recall what I had found
I was dreaming in my dreaming
god knows a purer view
as I surrender to my sleeping
I commit my dream to you
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The power to dream, to rule
to wrestle the world from fools
it's decreed the people rule
it's decreed the people rule
Listen
I believe everything we dream
can come to pass through our union
we can turn the world around
we can turn the earth's revolution
we have the power
People have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The power to dream, to rule
to wrestle the world from fools
it's decreed the people rule
it's decreed the people rule
we have the power
People have the power
we have the power...
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Patti Smith / Fred Smith
People Have the Power lyrics © Druse Music Inc, Stratium Music Inc
Awesome post Moises! Couldn’t agree more. We need to remind people that in a democracy we DO have the power, but only if we use it - to speak, organize and VOTE. Power to the people!