I wonder how many libs would be fans of any group called the "Dixie Chicks" if they didn't say disparaging things about Bush. For that matter, I wonder how many on this board have an album, or can name five of their songs. Babs Streisand, Elton John, and the Eagles are hard-left liberals, and yet I own their records. I wonder how many of you lefties can say the same of these people.
Posted by rightisright at 2006-09-13 12:43 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)
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Hey, RIR. I can't really think of many far-right musicians. Ted Nugent is one. I still own his first, absolutely classic album, the one with "Stranglehold," even though I disagree with his politics. (I think he's a sincere guy, however, and I respect his beliefs.) I used to kinda like Charlie Daniels, even met him once, but his anti-gay and anti-foreigner comments are just too much to take. Alice Cooper, I think, is fairly conservative, but when the hell did he last have a relevant record out?
For all the heat Neil Young is giving Bush these days, he can be pretty conservative as well. Remember "Hawks and Doves?" He sang about how proud he was to be living in the United States:
"Ready to go, willing to stay and pay, U.S.A., U.S.A.!
So my sweet love can dance another free day, U.S.A., U.S.A.!"
On the left end of the spectrum, Rage Against the Machine was about as far left as a band could be - too radical for me - but man, I could dig that crazy energy!
Now, to the subject at hand. I understand where Natalie Maines is coming from. I am no Bush fan myself. But I sure do wish she could choose her words more thoughtfully. Americans of all stripes should think twice before speaking and try to tone down the rhetoric. It's just not helpful to call people, especially the president, a dumb fuck. It just polarizes the country at a time we need to unite.
In the words of a sappy, naive hippie song (which still sounds pretty cool to these ears)... Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now...