11 Comments

Very good read - you are an excellent writer. The content is very timely, so thank you for your insight. I gave up FB and other social media for over 10 years now as I refused to be influenced, lol. I also went back to sending letters through the mail to people I care about.

Being a bass player, I share the fierce determination to not conform to the weighted slants of controlling the masses. I choose to share love and acceptance through being a light

In my life and music.

I am older now, and I write and record uplifting tracks to encourage listeners to let it go.

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This is fucking great, Charlie. Yes yes yes.

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When I was learning about capitalism, I understood the law of supply and demand. I was left with the impression that quantity was more the corporate model whereas quality was the aspiration for artists and other creatives. Add the relentless growth of technology we’ve been driven into silos of belonging. Studying world history, it’s interesting how patterns tend to repeat over time. It would seem that collapse is typically caused by the stupidity of the few.

I enjoy music and other performance art. To don’t choose what I favor based on someone else’s agenda. What has happened to independent thought?

For me, I intend to stay where I am safe to remain my authentic self. It took me years to get here. I never hung out with the “cool kids” anyway.✨💙✨

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With you!

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Thanks for these shrewd and spiritual thoughts. I've pursued influence on socials, ostensibly to spread a little joy & fun. I need to reconsider my motives.

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Thank you Charlie. Well said. I am with you and appreciate you giving voice to much of my own thoughts about the times we find ourselves in.

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Yes. Just yes.

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Thank you for saying this out loud. And for offering real time and practical steps.

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The recording of my song, The Friend of Africa, took more than six months to complete. It features two of the most recorded musicians in history as well as the most popular and beloved children’s choir in the world. It was recorded in Boston, Los Angeles, and Anchorage. It received a nod from a major music award (hmmmm…). It’s a beautiful recording yet still has less than 1,000 streams. You might say we spent the whole budget on the production and next to nothing on marketing although I lost thousands on a radio promoter who did next to nothing.

Absolutely no regrets on what we created and will continue to celebrate it.

Your article also reminded me of the song The Spirit of Radio, by RUSH. “Glittering prices and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity.”

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oh my gosh...so much here..expressing the frightening problem that assaults us, in an engaging, and solution driven manner-. Not a word wasted....this is brilliant stuff. and it excites and energizes me, actually moves me to tears.... it won't be easy, or an overnight victory- your suggestions of steps to take is great great guidance.....

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Thanks for the insightful article, Charlie. You are much appreciated, my friend.

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