Willie Nelson

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Ben Norman has made a classic video with the Willie Nelson jazz version of A Peaceful Solution. Starting off with an image of a dove and the peace symbol for the opening credits, the video moves into a well-paced montage of images symbolizing the best of the United States of America.

However, in a partial dissolve underlying each image of the greatness and promise we see other images. We also see the images of memorials to those who died in war for the United States of America.

These ghost-like images plague each positive image with the evidence of peace failures.

Ben Norman makes a great point with his video. His video reminds us of the cost of failure while implying an important question.

The United States of America has a history and a reputation. Part of it seems glorious and part of it has become an unfulfilled dream.

The USA is capable of greatness and that is its promise. But when peace fails, the cost becomes the lives of those who can no longer contribute to or enjoy the greatness. Each loss of life detracts from the potential of greatness and promise.

Ben Norman’s video asks, “Do We the People actually desire to keep on failing at peace?”

By putting these composite images over A Peaceful Solution Ben offers a possible alternative. Together, Ben Norman and Willie Nelson tell us that a peaceful resolution exists.

They remind We the People of the choice and power they possess to make the peaceful resolution manifest.

Ben’s responses to our interview questions are brief and to the point.

Why are you passionate about creating peace?

I am not sure how to put it into words I just feel it in my heart.

How long have you been working for peace?

I don’t really know how long.

Why have you chosen the path of Art for Peace?

It’s a good way to get the message out.

What are your ideas for peaceful solutions?

Just get out the word.

* * * * * Artist’s Statement * * * * *

There is not a lot to tell about my self. I am 41. I have MS and can’t work any more so I have lots of time on my hands.

I am not a man of a lot of words. Part of the reason is that I don’t have much of a social life. I watch the news a lot so I see the mess this country is in.

Some of the things I do for fun are I play video games on line. And I make videos on YouTube. I play the harmonica and do videos of the songs I feel like learning.

I was on my way to learning to play the guitar. My MS put an end to that. I just recently started to play the harmonica it is a very nice substitute.

Music makes me smile and that is what keeps me going.:):)

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Tags: Arts, Peace

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