“I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing on the moon and returning safely to Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long-range exploration of space. And none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.”
– President John F. Kennedy, May 21, 1961, in a special message to Congress.
It was 50 years ago that the astronauts went out to play. There has been much hype surrounding the steps taken by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on another world. In 1969, America was a divided country with women, gays, and minorities fighting for equality, and a conflict called Vietnam in full slaughter mode. I’ve heard and read this month that the moon landing united America and gave us something to be proud of. IBM (ibm.com/apollo50th) took out a full page ad in today’s Wall Street Journal that read, in part: “With every step, it did what so many others couldn’t. It built bridges between rivals. It paused protestors in the streets. It inspired cultures to put differences aside. Fifty years ago, this boot went beyond its mission by showing us that a man on the moon had the power to bring millions of people together right here at home.”
Gil Scott-Heron, a godfather to rap and a socially-conscious poet, preferred the moniker “bluesologist.” Flying Dutchman Records released Scott-Heron’s debut album in 1970, which included his response to the moon landing called “Whitey on the Moon.” Here are the lyrics.
A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Her face and arms began to swell.
(and Whitey’s on the moon)
I can’t pay no doctor bill.
(but Whitey’s on the moon)
Ten years from now I’ll be payin’ still.
(while Whitey’s on the moon)
The man jus’ upped my rent last night.
(’cause Whitey’s on the moon)
No hot water, no toilets, no lights.
(but Whitey’s on the moon)
I wonder why he’s uppin’ me?
(’cause Whitey’s on the moon?)
I was already payin’ him fifty a week.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Taxes takin’ my whole damn check,
Junkies makin’ me a nervous wreck,
The price of food is goin’ up,
An’ as if all that shit wasn’t enough
A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Her face an’ arm began to swell.
(but Whitey’s on the moon)
Was all that money I made las’ year
(for Whitey on the moon?)
How come there ain’t no money here?
(Hm! Whitey’s on the moon)
Y’know I jus’ ’bout had my fill
(of Whitey on the moon)
I think I’ll send these doctor bills,
Airmail special
(to Whitey on the moon)
Bonus Tune: Gil Scott Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
I am attaching a picture of a Danish Royal Copenhagen plate I own that commemorates the moon landing. Victoria Spatti means space victory in Latin.
