When you bow down to money, to greed and to bottom line, you’ll end up trampling over the very people you’re supposed to be helping.  So, remember as you bow down before the one you serve…you’re going to get what you deserve…  And keep in mind that there are those of us who’d rather die than give you control.  I’ll do anything than give you control.  Really, really. 

Depeche Mode – Everything Counts

The grabbing hands grab all that they can - all for themselves.  That’s what it feels like when the government placates to big business instead of protecting its people.  That’s what actually happened when pharmaceutical companies were given protection and while citizens are being threatened with vaccine mandates.  The lies and deceit gained a little more power.  Oh, they have the power, alright.  All for themselves.  Without considering us.  Am I right?  Yeah.  I am. 

Action speaks louder than words. 

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – I Won’t Back Down 



I know what’s right.  Me too, Tom!  When I hear this song, I think of those parents who bravely walked before me.  I think of all those who are walking with me.  We’ve stood our ground.  Even after being pushed around – by reporters, by politicians, by school nurses, by neighbors.  Back down?  Nope. Not gonna happen. I won’t back down.  I’ll stand my ground.  Yep.  I will.  I know a lot of you will, too. 

Muse – Uprising 




This has to be my all-time favorite revolution song.  It says everything I have thought, I have felt, and I have fought for and then some!  Another promise, another seed.  Another packaged lie that keeps us trapped in greed.  And endless red tape to keep the truth confined.  Oh, boy!  Do those words speak to me!  Corporate greed.  Creating vaccine mandates wily nilly.  It’s not for our benefit, oh, no.  It’s for someone else’s.  As those lyrics speak to me, so do these:  They will not force us. They will stop degrading us.  They will not control us.  We will be victorious.  Yes, we will.  We are rising up, thankyouverymuch.

Songs that have me leaping into autism action helps.  But so do songs that bring on the big, ugly cry. 

Depeche Mode – Precious



Because at the end of the day, it’s for our children.  Yes, people can get distracted.  Yes, their egos can get ahead of them.  But things get damaged, things get broken.  On the days that there is so little left to give, we give.  We work.  We fight.  We do it for the children.  Always for our precious children.

Bob Marley – Three Little Birds



Oh, this one can make me cry.  Don’t worry about a thing…’cause every little thing is gonna be all right.  Some days it doesn’t feel like that will ever happen.   More things have gone wrong than gone right for many of us.  Interrupted childhoods.  Exorbitant medical bills. Reputations tarnished.  But I know we’ll all rise up again tomorrow morning.  When you do, remember this my message for you – if you don’t worry about a thing, everything is gonna be all right.  Don’t worry.  Instead, hope.  Hope.  Pray.  Believe.  Because sometimes, those are the only three things we have the energy to do. 

Find me. 

Some days I feel so lost and so overwhelmed.  Some days it feels like I’m stuck in a bad dream.  But I’ll never stop wishing, or hoping, or praying.  For my son, autism is not a gift.  It’s not rainbows and unicorns.  It’s seizures and constipation.  It’s no speech and serious medical issues.  His autism isn’t going to get any better with just simple awareness.  It’s going to take a lot more.  It’s going to take more work than we ever thought.  It’s going to cost more than we ever imagined. 

Action over awareness.  That’s what my son’s autism requires.  Thankfully some autism advocacy groups recognize that.  Nationally, that’s another story.  It’s *yawn* awareness all over again.  If awareness was the best that society could dream up, well, then someday I hope to wake up from this dream. 

Israle “Iz” Kamakawiwoʻole – Over the Rainbow 



Because some days are dark and dreary.  Becomes sometimes things don’t always work out.  Because sometimes we need to cry.  Someday wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far behind…where trouble melts like lemon drops high above the chimney tops...that’s here you’ll find me.  If only wishing upon a star was all it took.  This song always makes me cry – a good, ugly cry.  That kind of cry can cleanse.  It can heal.  And who doesn’t need a little healing every now and then?  A bit of healing and a wish.  Yes.  Please.  I’ll take one of each.     

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.