We Didn't Start the Fire
In reflecting upon how we arrived at the current state of things, I am reminded of the Billy Joel song We Didn’t Start the Fire and the chorus: “We didn’t start the fire/It was always burning/since the world’s been turning”. Fast sung lyrics listing pivotal bits of historical trivia from the year Joel was born until 1989 when he turned 40 years old are what comprise this song, now most frequently heard at karaoke bars. Pondering the struggle in ensuring free and fair elections, my role in grassroots organizing, and the 40 years that led me here, I will attempt to answer what lit the fire that now is a threat to our democracy. I thank Mr. Joel for the inspiration.