by NoahPoet, painter, and socialist activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti is a 100 year old American treasure and a font of acquired wisdom. His art, his activism, and his support for other artists and their art have changed innumerable lives for the better.Kahlil Gibran's original version of the "Pity The Nation" poem was created in 1933. Ferlinghetti's adaptation dates from 2007 when Ferlinghetti was a mere 88 years of age. It seems more appropriate with each passing day. However, we must always remember that although pity has its use, its effect is only fleeting. As Ferlinghetti well knows, the results of courage and action have greater possibilities. Too bad they are in such short supply among our so-called leaders, and us, even in the face of unequalled massive corruption and worse, treason.
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