Monday, May 29, 2006

Jack Johnson

I love Jack Johnson’s "In Between Dreams" CD—along with anything by COLD PLAY it’s one that my son John and I can always agree to listen to in the car. I’ve talked to friends about how much I love Jack’s song “Good People,” and what a great campaign song I think it would make. At one point John told me that his high school teacher knows Johnson and might be willing to approach Jack on my behalf. It’s been in the back of my mind ever since, but I had an experience today that caused me to decide to take action sooner rather than later.
After dropping John off for his driving lesson today at Kahala Mall I was under the overpass on Waialae waiting to make the U-turn and head back up toward my house (for sale, by the way.) A young boy selling the Star Bulletin came up to me and asked if I’d buy a paper. Supporting these young entrepreneurs is one of the only reasons I’d buy from a street vendor, and on a Sunday or a holiday like Memorial Day it seems especially fitting to do so. I took the paper but when I checked my wallet I had only a $20 bill. The young fellow was not disappointed when I apologized and offered the paper back, and after quickly determining that he did not have enough change to break the bill he said: "I see you have a Jack Johnson CD; I like him too so I’ll let you keep the paper for free."
I was surprised, but thanked him and said, “OK. I’ll pay you next time.”
The youngster gave me a big smile and replied “Oh sure. There’s always a next time. Have a good day.”
Well, 15 minutes and a trip through McDonald’s drive-thru later—I bought only 2 side salads, I swear—I was back at the same stop light where I found the boy and his buddy sitting down for a rest. I hailed my new friend and held $2 out the window. As he came up to me grinning I said “Do you like Jack Johnson’s song about where all the good people have gone?” He nodded and I said, “Well, I’ve met one today, and I want to say that someone with an attitude like yours will go far in the world. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” He was still calling “thank you” as I rounded the corner and drove away.
So, Jack, what do you think? Would you be willing to talk to me about letting me campaign for Congress using your song?

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