Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

After sitting with a thoroughly entertained capacity audience it would have to be said that the younger Lerner's effort was notably successful.  One of the original reasons for "Camelot's" success was the timeliness of its message.  That message remains, but the reworking of the show's book forges an undeniable link to the present.

York as King Arthur presides over a kingdom that initially rules by might as knights, who keep in fettle participating in tournaments to retain combat readiness, go off and do battle as the fittest seek to endure through armed conflict.  King Arthur realizes that this pattern has a major drawback.  

King Arthur realizes ultimately that if a measure of peaceful stability cannot be achieved then worthwhile enjoyment of life must be bypassed as continuous conflict with accompanying permanent uncertainty prevails.  A kingdom in time will be undone through imperial overstretch and perpetual conflict.

At a pivotal moment King Arthur concludes that rather than have important principles decided by jousts that it is far better to have them resolved by judge and jury.  Wisdom, rather than lying at the end of a sword, is instead reached through meaningful discussions at a Round Table.  

The drama builds to a final momentous scene in which King Arthur despondently plans to send his troops into battle at dawn after disharmony has visited the realm.  At that point a young man brimming with idealistic fervor arrives.  He announces to his King that he has come from Warwick, is adept with a bow and arrow, and is offering his services to the crown in battle.

The dramatic buildup reaches its crescendo as the wise and contemplative King Arthur realizes what is best for his kingdom of Camelot as well as humankind in general.  The idealistic young man has shown him the way.

King Arthur takes his sword and allows it to make contact with the kneeling young man's shoulders.  A message is delivered as the King knights him.  The young man is commanded by his King to return to Warwick and live a long and productive life dedicated to the peaceful service of humanity.

As the young man obediently obeys his King and exits the stage an emissary informs King Arthur that it is time to prepare his troops for battle.  Michael York as King Arthur then delivers his most triumphant smile and exclaims that the battle has been fought and "we have won."

The curtain falls as an appreciative audience absorbs the timely message of "Camelot".    The ultimate result of following the "might is right" doctrine is extinction for the planet through cumulative annihilation.

John Kennedy, who drew inspiration from listening to the sound track of "Camelot," realized the necessity to work for peace.  Shortly prior to his tragic assassination Kennedy sponsored and secured ratification of a comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.  

Kennedy also delivered a far reaching speech at American University in Washington, D.C. extending an olive branch toward further mutual peaceful cooperation that Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev eagerly embraced as a model for future dialogue.

This is the spirit with which we must engage the future in the manner that King Arthur did in "Camelot."  How we need it today.