We Got To Get Ourselves Back To The Garden

Since I was born in 1983, I can only speculate what the 1960s were like. So much happened in just those ten years: JFK, the Beatles, the civil rights movement, the sexual revolution, Vietnam, drugs, Woodstock, etc. Some people say it was a time of unity and political revolution. Others say it was pure hedonism. Maybe both views are right in a way, but like I said, I wasn't there so I can't say for certain.

As I write this I am watching the documentary of Woodstock, and one thing that stands out to me is the great sense of community among the audience members. Think about it: millions of people all gathered together for three days, and there were no fights or arrests. Everyone willingly shared what they had. Every one was on the same level. True, the majority of the audience was stoned, but I don't think that was the main reason. I say that because even the army and many of the neighbors pitched in to make sure everyone in the audience was taken care of. The army flew in doctors and nurses for people who needed medical attention, and people donated food. Was it a perfect community? No. There were a couple of deaths (one of a heroin overdose, and another got run over by a truck), and there was the big rain storm. But as Max Yasger said to the crowd, "You've proven to the world that half a million kids . . . can get together and have three days of fun and music and have nothing but fun and music."

So maybe Woodstock symbolized what the '60s tried to accomplish: a greater sense of community, harmony, and peace. Even if it did just last for three days.