Pete Seeger: How Can I Keep from Singing?

Dear Reader,

I remember Pete Seeger from when I was a child and this story-telling, banjo-picking singer would come on his sloop, the Clearwater, to the neglected little parks that lined the Hudson River not far from my home. His presence brought people together to fall in love with their river once again.

I remember hearing his voice at peace rallies and civil rights marches—a voice that would be joined by hundreds, sometimes thousands, in songs that spoke of justice, righteousness, and possibilities for a better world. I thought of his voice as I was on my way to interview him this winter, wondering if he would still have that same fighting spirit, or if age and the long Bush years would have worn him down.

You can see for yourself in our interview that Pete, though nearly 90 years old, continues to offer his stories, songs, and support to those working for a better world. And he continues to delight in his children and grandchildren, his solar-powered pick-up truck, and the views of his beloved Hudson River from his hand-built home.

PHOTO ESSAY: PETE AT HOME		VIDEO: SEE INTERVIEW		FILM: POWER OF SONG

I hope you will enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoyed having this conversation with one of my life-long heroes.

Sarah van Gelder
Executive Editor, YES! Magazine

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Pete Seeger wanted to get YES! to every foreign embassy in the United States; subscriber Cathleen Dorinson felt passionately that every member of Congress should receive a copy of our latest issue. Both gave us donations to make that possible.

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Climate First Responders: Leading the Way
As U.S. government leaders take half-measures or worse, youth, evangelicals, mayors, and others step into the void, changing the political climate on climate: profiles of the people making a difference.

13 Best Energy Ideas
Investment in energy projects will total $16 trillion in the next two decades. Sarah van Gelder lays out the energy policies and technologies that can channel that investment toward a sustainable future.

Don't Get Stuck in Fear
Author, deep-ecologist, and Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy on finding the courage to tackle global warming: "When we open our eyes to what is happening, even when it breaks our hearts, we discover our true selves, and can find real solidarity."

Just the Facts
What do we know about climate change, who's responsible, and who wants to step up? We have the answers, by the numbers...



Also: Bill McKibben on What's at Stake, what we can do about Buildings, Electricity, Transportation, and Food & Forests: real-world Solutions, how to ensure Global Fairness, and more…

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Youth Leads
Jon Warnow's powerful acceptance speech for the Brower Youth Award.


Van Jones on Eco-Equity The Green Wave is coming! But will it lift all boats?

Truth Tellers
Robert Shetterly's portrait of Pete Seeger.


YES! on the air…
Listen to Sarah van Gelder on why positive journalism matters.

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