These are uncertain times.
The position of Leader of the Free Word is at stake and the two prospective POTUS-elects are far from inspiring. The choice is between a misogynistic, xenophobic, maniacal despot, and yet another Clinton with a history of murky scandal. That many whom openly despise the latter are voting for her in order to avoid the former gaining power tells you everything.
Sunday night’s town hall debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was predictably acrimonious. Neither was a clear winner and all the mud-slinging and double-talk made the great American public feel like the ultimate losers. There is a storm coming, and it will either be dark (Clinton) or apocalyptic (Trump).
‘Tis all a far cry from 2008, when a starry-eyed Barack Obama swept to power on a wave of joyous optimism and heart-swelling good faith. Anything seemed possible as a nation collectively cast off its former prejudices and hate. Alas, those halcyon days seem so long ago. Now we have no jobs, no hope, no cash…and no Prince.
There are no more heroes – only poisonous clouds and freaky clowns.
But as Oscar Hammerstein II famously wrote: ‘At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of a lark…’ He was a wise man was Oscar, and Sunday night reminded us all that goodness and hope can be found in any situation, no matter how desperate and barren.
The soulful lark at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri came in the guise of a portly gentleman wearing crimson knitwear. He is not the hero that America deserves right now – not by a long shot – but he was the one it so desperately needs. There was darkness, there was despair – and then there was Kenneth Bone.
When Ken stood up to ask a question about energy policy towards the end of the event, a strange thing happened to an entire nation – it found a reason to believe again. It was able to lift its head and straight straight once more. Bone’s query was simple:
“What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimising job layoffs?”
https://twitter.com/DrJillStein/status/785359216873644032
And yet his quiet dignity, wholesome demeanour and unremarkable nobility spoke a sonnet of unsaid words which awoke a comatose electorate from its collective malaise. The stark contrast between the rehearsed and duplicitous delivery of both prospective leaders, and a simple man wanting answers was a revelation.
Even his name – Bone – conveys structure, integrity and naked truth stripped of fleshy lies. Kenneth’s moustachioed presence in this diseased world can help us all to heal once more. As long as there is Ken Bone, there is hope for a better tomorrow.
God bless his soul.
Was so sad and ashamed throughout the entire spectacle but then KEN BONE rose like a Phoenix from America's ashes and there's laughter again
— Ramzy Nasrallah (@ramzy) October 10, 2016
Tonight I lost hope in America's future… then I met Ken Bone
— Jeff Guenther (@JeffGuenther1) October 10, 2016
I truly feel like Kenneth Bone is the emotional center of our country. Patiently waiting to have his question answered. #debate
— Duncan Idaho (@matthistory) October 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Diane_7A/status/785382912430575617
https://twitter.com/World_Wide_Wob/status/785355787770093568
I bet Ken Bone brings roses to his wife randomly. Just because. What a gem. #Debate
— Pam Chvotkin, Storyteller (@reddusfoximus) October 10, 2016
our country
in a pit
of despair
all alone
but for one
gorgeous man
whose name
is ken bone#debate— Tim Onion (@oneunderscore__) October 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/CDieckster/status/785310733655572480
https://twitter.com/moneyries/status/785324010628386817
Well. That was that.
Here's a little folk ditty for Ken Bone.
Because why not. pic.twitter.com/iNZ0UCLkeV
— 16 years of song a day (@songadaymann) October 10, 2016
Pictured: Kenneth Bone. Blissfully unaware the weight of a nation rests on his shoulders. And even heavier: its hopes. #debate #KenBone2020 pic.twitter.com/k0wC7o4Ugw
— The Gregory Brothers (@gregorybrothers) October 10, 2016
Ken Bone rides off into the sunset #debate #kenbone pic.twitter.com/4BjaI985zr
— Matt (@Matt_Campbe) October 10, 2016
#Debate when a common, imperfect man, drew back the covers of a smooth-talking politician, something significant changed in the world tonite
— Carrie (@ARustyStar) October 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/zacthezac/status/785307095218257920
