Sunday, August 26, 2007

Back to the Future with Aaron Russo

By Bill Price

Aaron Russo brought America back to the future. America was living in the fog of the past until Russo’s vision, the memory of a shared dream, was brought back into full view. But, that dream was destined to collide with another dream created out of the past. A dream conjured by George Orwell in his famous novel, 1984. Aaron’s formal quest for truth became a continuation of the phenomenon first seen in the ghost released through Orwell’s book. The specter raised through Orwell’s ghost of the future (big brother) was courageously confronted and then catapulted into the American consciousness by Aaron Russo. Aaron’s work has become a permanent landmark for courage and freedom, not only here in America, but the entire world. I talked to Aaron only twice in my life, but was tremendously impressed with his simplicity and candor in our brief conversations.

A line in one of Bob Dylan’s songs served as an open challenge to all who claimed the talent, skill and most importantly, the humanity to carry on the dream for truth in our future:

“Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen – keep your eyes open wide, this chance won’t come again – and don’t speak too soon for the wheel is still in spin, and there’s no telling who it will be naming …. for the times they are a changing…” Bob Dylan 1964.

Aaron knew the times had changed drastically and deciphered the wheel of fate when it came to rest. People were named, places and dates revealed, and the future, now, due in a large part to Aaron Russo, occupies a place in our minds and hearts.

To me, Aaron’s persona will always be animated by the words of another famous song writer: “And, as I watched him standing on the stage my hands were clinched in fists of rage. No angle born in Hell could break that Satan’s spell. And as the flames climbed high into the night to light the sacrificial rite I saw Satan laughing with delight the day the music died”. Don Mclean, “American Pie”. Aaron saw the flames burning away at America’s soul and with total abandon, gave his remaining energy to save us, the sacrifice. He knew that the truth is more powerful than all of the weapons in our adversary’s arsenal, and became the most prominent social crusader in the cause to use it. We will never, never forget you, Aaron Russo.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Bill Price

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