Alright, so I missed Woodstock! Is that a crime? How was I to know? Ok! Was it so unusual when I predicted that the Beatles wouldn't last six months? I mean... that hair. Really! Last week I redeemed myself. When I first heard the low rumblings of Willie Nelson's dream of Farm Aid, I knew in my heart it was time, it was right and that it would work. I am proud I was there to witness and experience it, to watch a page of musical history once again being written. The list of performers, more than 60 in all, need not be presented here. The number of surprises and walk-ons was impressive in itself. What was important was the spirit of concern and cooperation that was displayed by such a great variety of prominent performers. 

Think about it. It was not exactly convenient for any of them and a lot of work. They came by trains, buses and planes to be on stage for 15 minutes or less. They were a part of the whole, individually almost lost in the shuffle. We will remember the event and the spirit of that event, not necessarily the performers. It was a sacrifice for each of them, offering to help the plight of the American family farmer. Although the page is written, the chapter is not over. The goal of the concert was to raise public awareness of the farm situation and was reached before the first note sounded. 

They wanted to create a voice. In this case, assisted by a quarter-million watts, it reached all the way to our nation's Capital. Calls with donations rang to the tune of 35,000 per hour and at this time more than $10 million are on the way to the bank. The 1-800-FARM AID number will be in operation for the next year or longer. The money isn't what it was all about, however. No fund-raiser could hope to put a dent into the farm debt but it is a start to finding the long term answers by creating discussion and the involvement of us all. 

The mud slides and chaos of Woodstock were sharply contrasted by those attaining equal distances on rain-soaked canvas and orderly lines at restrooms and concessions. Trouble? 80,000 people penned up for nearly 14 hours produced just four arrests on minor charges, no more than a football afternoon. Oh, sure! There were the typical rule breakers and others quite skilled at bending them but they were insignificant compared to the rest who respected both the event and the crowd attending it. If you look the the negative you'll have no trouble finding it in any situation. 

What I remember are the smiling faces, the excitement and the warmth of folks united in a cause. Who could forget the farmers, parents and other 'old folks' clapping and swaying in unison with those young kids and 'rock and rollers.' They moved to country and soul, blues and rock, and music old and new. They were together, and boy, was it something to see. 

Our senses were pushed to the brink as the stage offered act after act. The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison carried us back to the 60s while Billy Joel, Brian Setzer and Foreigner returned us to the present. The refined brilliance of Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard was complimented by the light of newer stars such as John Conlee, Alabama and Tanya Tucker. The poise of Carole King, B.B. King, Neil Young and organizer, Willie Nelson, seem to defy description. Many times they shared the stage and the spotlight creating musical history. 

One week later, I still feel the effects and I'm once again left knowing this is the greatest place on the face of the earth. We must never take it for granted. We are an agricultural nation and our existence depends on it. We must not criticize but rather, help each other and work together to find solutions to all our problems. Farm Aid has shown the heart of the music industry and it was a big one. The heart of America is even bigger! All who were unsure of the motives of this "Concert for America" must now be surely convinced otherwise. I saw what I believe this country can be for all. If we draw together, listen to each other and share ourselves, then God will surely continue to bless this nation.