Editorial
“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’
But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why
not?’”
— George Bernard Shaw
Those people who dare to dream have always
had a special place in my heart. As a teenager I saw
terrible images of war and asked, “Why?” I
heard stories of prejudice and hatred and asked, “Why?”
I experienced violence and asked, “Why?” I
encountered ignorance and asked, “Why?” I
saw the devastating effects of poverty and asked, “Why?”
I felt helpless to bring about any meaningful change
in the world, and I thought there was nothing I could
do that would make a difference.
Luckily, I grew up in a fairly liberal
town in Massachusetts where my role models consisted
of an out gay congressman (Gerry Studds) and one of
America’s most progressive senators (Edward Kennedy).
These men instilled in me a sense that ‘anything
is possible’ if you believe in yourself and are
willing to work hard to make your dreams come true.
I watched as they struggled to pass legislation to protect
our environment, ensure equal rights for all Americans,
and guarantee healthcare for everyone. The opposition
they encountered was often overwhelming, but they never
wavered in their commitment to helping others.
Today, when I see people calling for
an end to war, I say, “Why Not?” When I hear
Al Gore saying we can produce all our electricity from
renewal sources in 10 years I say, “Why Not?”
When Barack Obama calls for universal healthcare in
America I say, “Why Not?” When gay men and
lesbians ask for the right to marry I say, “Why
Not?” When any of these goals are achieved, anywhere
in the world, I shout, “It’s about time!”
—Robert Adams
[Published:
November, 2008]
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