Please God Save Us

Please God Save Us is a book of art and words written by internationally known artist Derek Hess and Cleveland politician Kent Smith. Initially created as an avenue for Hess to vent his frustration with the current administration, the work then became a one-night only art show in Hess hometown of Cleveland and got such a strong response it seemed natural to want to share it with people of all political and religious denominations. The book addresses a variety of topics including: the Republican Party, the Christian right, America s foreign policy, the environment, the Iraq War, stem cell research, evolution, rock and roll, the Fox News channel, Sponge Bob and Santa Claus. Please God Save Us is intended to educate and inspire its readers whether or not they agree with either the art or the words. The book is not, however, meant to be an attack on Christianity but rather an interpretation of how religion is perverted to fit the needs of its followers, whomever they may be.

Internationally-known artist Derek Hess has spent the past fifteen years creating rock poster art that has not only made him a household name, but has also caught the attention of both the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where his work is featured in both institutions permanent collections. After years of creating posters and flyers for well-known bands such as Deftones, Thursday, Every Time I Die and Taking Back Sunday, as well as popular fine art, Hess diverged into creating witty and thought-provoking art that pushes the envelope of societal ideals. Hess, along with Kent Smith, an award-winning Cleveland politician, have joined forces to create Please God Save Us. Smith has written for the Cleveland Free Times and is currently a PhD candidate in the Economic Development program at Cleveland State University. Before running for office, Smith worked as a community organizer for Democratic campaigns in seven states and has been friends with Derek Hess for years.