Wednesday, July 28, 2010

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

This is why I love Boston Legal.


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I rarely ever get chills when I listen to people talk. For whatever reason, the spoken word fails to trigger an emotional response from me, with the possible exception of Barack Obama's inauguration speech. But when Alan Shore stands up to deliver his closing arguments, I am captivated. It's all there; the shivers, the wonder, the admiration, and the profound appreciation for his ability to passionately declare what everyone else is afraid to say.

I am moved by the truth in his words.

Alan Shore's monologue here is a frighteningly accurate synopsis of what is wrong with our country today. Now, I'm not going to make a list or write an in-depth analysis of the flaws in America's policies, because let's face it; I'm 15. I don't understand everything. But what I do understand is that the problems that exist now are not going to get any better unless people start to rise up and get angry about it.

Why does nobody care? That's my question. Why does nobody care? I am appalled by the amount of apathy young people seem to showcase today. Clearly, people are more concerned about how Lindsay Lohan is doing in jail than the war in Iraq; or whether lady gaga is really a hermaphrodite than whether it's right for the government to strategically strip us of our Constitutional freedoms. It sickens me, and I'm tired of it.

I can only hope that one day I will find the courage to be like Alan Shore, and voice my opinions and argue for what is right. Thank you, David Kelley, for creating such an exceptional and intelligent character. I am moved and inspired.

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting this, Kendra. I am so proud of you and so amazed that, at 15, you already get how important some things in life are. You are brave and courageous and I am enjoying watching you find your "voice."

    Love,
    Mom

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  2. It is heartening to know a 15 year old cares about her world and willing to speak about it because you are our future.

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  3. Great post, Kendra! Keep it up!

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  4. crystalwolfakacaligrlJuly 28, 2010 at 5:42 PM

    Your Mom linked to your blog from another and I am so glad to read your blog and can't believe you are only 15! You are wise beyond your years and You ask a question a lot of us ask "Why doesn't anyone care"?
    Keep asking and keep on...we need more young people like you who do care and want to do something to change.

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  5. wonderfully written, kendra

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  6. I am totally with you on Boston Legal and especially Alan Shore! Many times I would immediately replay his closing arguments, just to savor them.

    Nice job on the blog! Keep it up!!!!

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  7. Hey you ..... Sounds like you will make a great attorney some day - one who fights for what is just.
    Good blog Kendra.

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  8. Kendra, You encourage me. At 15 you have a strong and passionate voice. I hope to recognize your voice in the years to come as one who is unafraid, informed, articulate, respectful - I wonder if Rachel Maddow is someone you pay attention to? If not, look her up. She will help you learn more about policy, fact finding and how to tell the hard truths. I bet she was like you at 15.

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  9. Kendra - you have the power to send out lovely ripples of reason and tolerance with your writing. Hopefully you will discover many like minded souls of all ages and types along the way. Stay positive and tell your mom she did a great job helping you grow into a wise young woman!

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