Wait for It

     "Wait For It" has always been my favorite song from Hamilton. Partly because of Leslie Odom Jr., but

 mostly because it is so applicable to life outside of the musical. It is one song that you do not necessarily

 need to know the context of the show in order to understand the message. Burr's character is very

 methodical and conscientious, but he overthinks to a fault, leading him to be inactive in his personal life

 and in politics.  In the song, he says of Theodosia "And if there's a reason I'm by her side when so many

 have tried, then I'm willing to wait for it. I'm willing to wait for it". Despite having very strong feelings

 for this woman, he refuses to make any moves that will stir the pot. In the previous song, Alexander asks

 Burr, "If you love this woman, go get her. What are you waiting for?" and Burr evades answering. 

    Burr does not make any politically decisive actions, either. He switches parties based on whichever

 stance he believes will get him the most votes. When he runs for president, he does not make any claims

 or express any opinions for fear of causing some people to dislike him. I think many of us today are

 willing to "wait for it" when it comes to making meaningful social and political change. Unfortunately,

 when it comes to issues like climate change we do not have time to sit back and see how things turn out.

 We need legislation to sanction big business and the use of fossil fuels, and we need immediate action on

 the part of western nations specifically to reduce emissions. We are running out of time to be able to make

 things better for future generations. 

    The sentiments expressed in "Wait For It" provide a contrasting viewpoint to those given to us by

 Martin Luther King Jr. in his "Letter From A Birmingham Jail." Dr. King has been told to wait, and that it

 is not a good time to protest for Civil Rights his whole life. If not now, then when? If not me, then who?

 Patience is a tactic used by the oppressor. There is never going to be a good time to demand Civil Rights

 or to reduce carbon emissions, but it needs to be done now. 

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