Many years ago, the great American
composer Aaron Copland penned a majestic anthem entitled "Fanfare for
the Common Man." Over the years, it has become a signature piece at the
Olympics and other gatherings that spotlight individual achievement. The
dynamic nature of this composition makes you sit up and take notice. The
heraldry of its opening notes allows us to know something special is being
commemorated.
The title "Fanfare for the Common Man" is
dramatically different from other majestic pieces of fanfare music normally
written for royalty. This special composition offers the perception that
the person being honored is being saluted, not for "right of birth," but
rather for personal character and integrity.
The "pomp and circumstance" depicted
by this piece signifies the ordinary men and women whose names we do not
know and whose lineage we have not memorized from history books. Nevertheless,
their everyday activities make a difference.
Promises or premises
This article was inspired by a recent
headline of yet another politician "biting the dust" because of personal
behavior. It simply struck a raw nerve inside me. Here was an individual
who could clean up streets, whether littered with crime or garbage, but
at the same time could not clean up the inconsistencies within his own life.
Politicians are so good at trying
to save their city, state or country, while they slip into the sewer
of compromise. They are so ready to "promise the moon" to their constituents,
but falter on the basic premises of personal morality and upright conduct.
Initially, they sound good, but the longer their lives play out, the
more hollow the ring. As a public, we become disappointed repeatedly.
You may think you know whom I am
talking about, but, sadly, what I am saying applies to any number of
so-called leaders. Long ago, God gave His own political commentary
through the inspired musings of David in Psalm 146:3-4. "Do not put
your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans
perish." Even with this warning, many keep on hoping in and looking
to human leaders-only to be disappointed.
