Learning from Hafez

HAFEZ: BILL CLINTON + "Cooperating":

If you didn't watch Bill Clinton's  key note speech last night (Sept. 5, 2012) at the Democratic Convention - Google or Youtube it and do watch it! It has already been dubbed as one of the best, most riveting,  televised Convention speeches inhistory.

Clinton is out-of-this-world charming - and his call for Unity and Cooperation took me to Hafez and today's Beyt/Couplet. Clinton spoke of how in his days as president "hate" was never on the table when he was dealing with the other side - while the "hate" in the US's political climate today was highly shocking to him. The best part was when he would combine passion with policy - as only he knows how - and talk of not just needing to go beyond hate, but how "cooperation" is what it takes to make America strong again. That "cooperation" isn't just for what the other side might call pansies - but actually makes for better economic results too - and being Clinton, he backed it with facts and numbers. 

"Unity and Cooperation": This is a profound concept. One lacking in our community - at home and abroad. We all have to hate someone - and it is toxic and destructive. I always say that in our culture: "You are guilty until proven innocent!" Now, cooperating is an Art - and a Skill. All or Nothing usually leaving us with Nothing. Hafez, who  saw the divine in every day occurrences, as well inspired me and my mind went straight to this Beyt/Couplet - after the speech last night.

حستنت به اتفاق ملاحت جهان گرفت

آری به اتفاق جهان می توان گرفت

Hosnat beh etefagh-eh mellahat jahan gereft

Ari - beh etefagh jahan mitavan gereft

You captivated the orld with the Union of your beauty and grace

Yes - with "Union" the World can be captured apace! 

Clinton's grace and charm is truly legendary - and it just shone last night.  Coupled with the beauty of his speech - and only Clinton can distill complicated issues into easy to grasp concepts -  the combination was unstoppable!

Do try and watch this speech if you can - it is real Art ! (and a kind of speech that any public speaker, with any political leaning, from anywhere in the World, can draw and learn from.)