Thirty-five years ago today, March 7, 1985 was recorded and released by some of the biggest names in music featuring Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Billy Joel and among others, it was to raise money for the African famine and named “USA for Africa.” It was also written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, directed and produced by famed producer, Quincy Jones. Back then, I was in high school and quite the loner and the nerd, but the song touched something in me as it still does today and by also being a Star Trek fan, I’ve finally discovered the link between the song and the show.
Given today’s world and society and that it’s also a presidential election year, it occurred to me how as fans and generally as humans, this song not only transcends helping out those affected by disaster and famine, but to just help others, which is being done but not on the political scale as we hoped.
I’m not trying to make this a political statement, but a statement to reach out to everyone from all walks of life, race and wealth that as the Star Trek background also speaks of the same thing, but on a universal scale.
The youth of today as well as the politicians need to listen to this song and try to follow these words to help others and to accept everyone for who they are. This means by learning to not hate and turn that into giving back to those who’ve also helped us. I know this sounds like a dream and it’d probably won’t happen in my lifetime, but it starts with the general population of this world and on a massive scale.
This song has been performed at various graduations, inauguration parties, for more disaster relief including Haiti, with a whole new group of musicians. So the words and the belief in combining the meaning of the song and the way of life Star Trek dictates, is possible, because there are people out there who believe in the same thing.
Peace is possible
What I’d love to see is a new updated version of the song, with some of the Star Trek cast, past and present, involved in the performance. Many cast members from DS9, Voyager and even Enterprise can sing and perform.
Although I haven’t a connection to the music world and very little as a Star Trek fan, other than being a fan, writer and photographer, I’m opening the opportunity to, because, “it’s a choice we’re taking, we’re saving our own lives to make a better day, for you and me.”
Given today’s world and society and that it’s also a presidential election year, it occurred to me how as fans and generally as humans, this song not only transcends helping out those affected by disaster and famine, but to just help others, which is being done but not on the political scale as we hoped.
I’m not trying to make this a political statement, but a statement to reach out to everyone from all walks of life, race and wealth that as the Star Trek background also speaks of the same thing, but on a universal scale.
The youth of today as well as the politicians need to listen to this song and try to follow these words to help others and to accept everyone for who they are. This means by learning to not hate and turn that into giving back to those who’ve also helped us. I know this sounds like a dream and it’d probably won’t happen in my lifetime, but it starts with the general population of this world and on a massive scale.
This song has been performed at various graduations, inauguration parties, for more disaster relief including Haiti, with a whole new group of musicians. So the words and the belief in combining the meaning of the song and the way of life Star Trek dictates, is possible, because there are people out there who believe in the same thing.
Peace is possible
What I’d love to see is a new updated version of the song, with some of the Star Trek cast, past and present, involved in the performance. Many cast members from DS9, Voyager and even Enterprise can sing and perform.
Although I haven’t a connection to the music world and very little as a Star Trek fan, other than being a fan, writer and photographer, I’m opening the opportunity to, because, “it’s a choice we’re taking, we’re saving our own lives to make a better day, for you and me.”
