He was right! And now artists must declare:
"Politics is too important to be left to politicians!"
So... I think that is the first battle. To
establish our "right" to speak about these matters at this time of
critical global crisis!
What say you?
P: Yes! The book can be built
in the form of a dialogue between you and me, Russian and American cultures at
large, as both now fit into the modern world.
And, what is even more important: how they fit into the future!
C: I wrote you previously
about my doing a couple of "Poets Talk" articles with my friend, the
American working-class poet, Charles Orloski. I also wrote a collaborative
piece with writer Janis Schmidt who had lived on a Native American
("Indian") "reservation" (open-air prison!) for years. I suggested that it would be very interesting
if you and I were to write such an article, bringing politics and the arts
together--recognizing the crucial need for artists around the world to be
connected, and, politically, as well as artistically, involved in creating a
new, humane world. Does such a
venture still appeal to you?
P: Absolutely! Creativity
means asserting life and defying death. I'm impatient to further my writing.
I've spent too much time for science! Now, at 62, I feel liberated!
C: At 67, so do I! Now, there are some serious issues to
consider first: How open, frank, straight-forward can we be in discussing
political matters? (I feel like America is becoming far more dangerous to
outspoken critics of the System here... but I think matters may be even worse
where you are!) So, my first concern would be for your safety and welfare! Do
you think you could engage in such an exchange of opinions--criticizing the
current state of politics and the arts in the Western world, including Russia
and the US in particular?
P: I t's hard to tell where the threat is greater. I don't feel safe
here at all. (The threat comes not so much from the government, I presume, but
from plain criminals!) The irony is that I'm writing critically on both worlds.
No wonder I'm being watched! Probably we must seek some independent edition,
say, in the UK. Or, in good tradition, do Samizdat.
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