SEND JULIAN HOME (song) - Best Case Scenario

This song came to me while gathering with Code Pink before the State Department in August to demand they “Free Assange.”  Thinking that a superior resolution to Julian's nightmare would be sending him back to his native country Australia

It occurred to me that “Send Julian Home” is a stronger message than “Free Assange.” It is less provocative, more specific, and constructive. It doesn’t require one to like or agree with him.

Thankfully Australia wants him back. This offers a face-saving way out for those who want to extradite him, but sadly not for those who want to punish and make an example of him silence others.

For the best information read and listen to everything by Chris Hedges over the last several days.

First listen to Allan Sherman’s original “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadda”

I just got this note from my friend Josh Mitteldorf, a Substacker

Don't forget to credit Ponchielli, who composed the music originally.

SEND HIM HOME is to the tune of Allan Sherman’s “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadda” whose melody comes from the ballet Dance of the Hours from the opera La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli.

Hello Nuland, hello Blinken,

Let us tell you what we’re thinkin’

For everybody it would be better

If you consider our proposal in this letter

Send Assange home, best case scenario

But if you choose to be contrario

If you insist on extraditing, 

Know that endless protests you will be igniting.

We don’t need him in our nation

You don’t need that aggravation

He’s been punished, he has suffered

There is no need to go on and make this rougher

To better angels of your nature

We beseech you to find favor

Diplomacy is your true mission

We need you for that, not for extradition

Chorus

Send him home, oh Nuland Blinkin

Send him home, do deeper thinkin’

Please don't bring him to here where

It may become a real nightmare

Send him home we promise we will not make noise

If you choose this better choice.

This will help to mend

Please note, Australia is our friend.

Even those who think he’s wrong

May be happy to send him along

We can resolve this, we need not bother

Send him home and let his children have a father

Let’s engage in transformation

Create a win-win situation

For everyone it will be better

State Department please don’t disregard this letter.

(Song previously published in August, 2023)

The words embody the principles of creative problem solving and conflict transformation. Sending Julian home is the best-case scenario:

·      It offers a resolution to an ongoing conflict, an end to his suffering and prevents escalation of more conflict.

·      It allows a graceful way out of this painful episode and doesn’t back anyone into a corner

·      It doesn’t offend people who disagree with what he did.

·      It warns of consequences of extradition, desired by some, which may not be worth the aggravation.

·      It is as close to a win-win as I can imagine – but I welcome your ideas in the comments.