Friday's iChing Question

Last week I asked the stupid iChing when my house would sell. This week, we shall raise the stakes: Will Congress reverse its course on destroying Public Broadcasting?

1. The Covering: The important events, issues, attitudes or influences around the question or current situation - Invention in F minor BWV780 (Kenneth Gilbert) J.S. Bach

2. The Crossing: Current obstacles, problems, conflicts and opposition that the questioner must deal with - Contredanse No. 4 (Michael Tilson Thomas - Orch. of Saint Luke's) Ludwig von Beethoven

3. The Crown: The best that can be achieved or attained from current circumstances - Four Seasons Concerto 2 - Summer (RV 315): III Presto (Itzhak Perlman/ LSO) Antonio Vivaldi

4. The Root: Past events or influences that have played an important part in bringing about the current situation - Il Prigionier Fortunato, Sinfonia -- Grave (John Wallace, trumpet, Philharmonia Orchestra) Alessandro Scarlotti

5. The Past: Events or influences from the more recent past that have influenced the present but are now passing away - Sheep May Safely Graze (Rolf Smedvig, trumpet/Michael Murray, organ) J.S. Bach

6. The Future: Future events and fresh influences about to come into play that will operate in the near future - Air Mail Special (Benny Goodman Sextet) Charlie Christian: Genius of Electric Guitar

7. The Questioner: The questioner's attitude and how they relate to the current situation - Sonata a 5, 2 Trombette, 2 Voilini con Fagotto: 2. Allegro (The Parley of Instruments / Stephen Keavy / Crispian Steele-Perkins) Vincenzo Albrici

8. The House: How other people around the questioner affect and view matters in hand - Wissahickon poeTrees:1.spring (Network For New Music Ensemble) Jennifer Higdon

9. The Inside: The questioner's hopes, fears and expectations with regard to the question or the current situation - Concerto no. 3 in D: IV. Vivace (Hakan Hardenberger) Georg Philipp Telemann

10. The Outcome: The eventual outcome of events shown by the other cards - Gone With "What" Wind (Benny Goodman Sextet) Charlie Christian: Genius of Electric Guitar

The intricate counterpoint of the Bach Invention shows that there are many facets to this argument. Beethoven's country dance may reflect the rural/conservative attitudes that are causing all of my problems. While "Summer" may seem to be positive, this movement is very stormy and tumultuous. This doesn't bode well for the Crown. The past is a fortunate prisoner, the future is controlled by the Federal Government (postal service).

Skipping to the outcome, the answer may be scary. Literature is being mocked for being to White-oriented. However, the piece was composed by Benny Goodman and Count Basie working together, and played by one of the first integrated jazz combos. Maybe the Republicans and Democrats will work together to create some great art. Even better, just give the money to those that know how to make the good stuff.

It is funny that this "random" list had two Benny Goodman / Charlie Christian songs, two Bach movements, and two works named after seasons. I think iTunes has some explaining to do.