The following song is dedicated to either George Zimmerman or the family of Trayvon Martin, whichever makes more sense to you. (And to the one commenter who I already know is going to tell me that it doesn't make sense either way... Hell with you, you don't get a vote.)
"Oh, but you who philosophize disgrace, and criticize all fears... Take the rag away from your face, for now ain't the time for your fears."
That was 1964, BTW. Shame how relevant it is half a century later. If there is any justice in the world, I will not one day be re-posting this, with the caption clanged to the final chorus.
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The following is dedicated to Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Paul Ryan - particularly the last two verses, to the last two Republicans respectively:
My hero: Harry Chapin, 1975. Apologies for the poor quality of the audio, but this is a hard one to find. This and She Is Always Seventeen were an additional tracks on the Live Album that were only on the 8-Track and Vinyl and were never released on the CD of that Album, or any other that I am aware of.
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Here's Seventeen:
(Admittedly it's a bit funky, but it's still damned GOOD.)
This might resonate more with my... *a-hem* older readers, so I guess this one's for them. (I have no memory even of the events that didn't happen before I was born, so... yeah.)
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Finally... One more from Harry... This is called The Shortest Story. And though Harry meant it to be about WOLRD hunger, I'm dedicating this to Stuart Varney of Fox "News", who recently asked of the Food Stamps program: "Can we afford this? We've got a trillion dollar deficit every year as far as the eye can see. But we want to reach out and give people food."
No, Stuart, fuck 'em: Let 'em starve, I guess. Even as hunger and poverty levels are elevated and continue to rise in this country - my country - this guy is more concerned about the deficit, and maintaining unsustainable tax breaks for the wealthy than helping poor people. But then that's always been the Rigth Wing trope, hasn't it? If you can't profit from a problem, just deny it exsists. Sad that it's no different from the kind of denial, ingoranc eand apathy that Harry fought against for most of his career, when he's been dead since 1981!
BTW... Putting aside any feelings you may have about our domestic issues of hunger and poverty, if you don't find this song and video heart-wrenching, then you simply aren't human.
Who IS this guy?!
Political Talk Show Host and Internet Radio Personality. My show, In My Humble Opinion, aired on RainbowRadio from 2015-2017, and has returned for 2021! Feel free to contact me at niceguy9418@usa.com. You can also friend me on Facebook.
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LOL!!! "You know who" does not get a vote! I am a big Harry Chapin fan also. He just seemed to "get it."
ReplyDelete"The following song is dedicated to either George Zimmerman or the family of Trayvon Martin, whichever makes more sense to you."
ReplyDeleteNow that's just cold hearted political maneuvering. But .... being a liberal, I expect no less. Good job
"We've got a trillion dollar deficit every year as far as the eye can see"
ReplyDeleteNever stops being funny. A million screaming shouts about a ghastly urgent problem that completely disappears if someone ever says "guess we'd better raise taxes, then".
This is the entirety of conservatism, and *poof* it's gone. Everything else is a mask. I will never excuse any conservative, no matter how stupid or busy they are, for failing to figure this out. It's just so easy now that it's a moral failing to be on the wrong side.
JLarue - Yeah. The world suffered a truly great loss with his passing.
ReplyDeleteSteeve - No, you've got it all wrong! WE'RE the evil ones, because we won't force rape victims to keep their babies, and want to give poor women access to contraception!
That's right. I'm sure there aren't any liberals who get $400 hair-cuts because they are busy making their own babies while they're wives are dying of cancer. You guys couldn't be any more correct, conservatives cause all the problems in the world and you are rightly justified in vilifying all of them. Because, obviously, they ALL fit into the same mold and none of them think for themselves. Unlike those liberals who just do everything right and make all the right choices for all.
ReplyDeleteIf only I could afford a $400 hair-cut, I could call myself a liberal. If only I could get poor women (who don't have access to birth control) pregnant while my wife slowly dies of cancer, I could be just like those liberals. Oh man, I dream of becoming a liberal so I can do those things that all liberals apparently do, since some do.
We should "profile" each and every one of those stuped conservatives and send them all to rehabilitation camps where they can learn to get women (other than their wives) pregnant. We should set Kermit Gosnell free, he's only doing what is expected of him in a nice liberal society. It's not like he let his trash can overflow, it was well maintained.
Ah, at least I can dream of being as good a liberal as some.
So... Your answer to the complaint that liberal stereotype conservatives as group-thinkers (aside from repeating the same claptrap talking points that we've heard 1000 times before from every OTHER Conservtive to come down the pike), is to create a stereotype that Liberals get $400 haircuts? (etc...) That might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard, and I've read literally every single one of your posts.
DeleteBTW... There is no shortage of Politicans of any stripe who cheat on their wives. The difference is: (1) Liberals don't do it while preaching about 'family values' and using Religion as a cheap trick to get working class white to vote against their economic interests and (2) It is usualy with a WOMAN or LEGAL AGE, as opposed to an underaged boy.
And if you'd like me to clarify that remark, see: http://armchairsubversive.blogspot.com/. Looks like the former IMHO HoF'er (who I had to replace when they let their website go down) is back in action, in blog form this time. Which is good, it will make this go down MUCH easier.
(I'll have to see about getting them reinstated.)
And to answer the inevitably stupid question that you're bound to ask, AGAIN, for the fuckteenth time: Once does harm to other people, and one does not.
"The difference is: (1) Liberals don't do it while preaching about 'family values' "
DeleteWhat is it they are preaching about, then? I guess if they don't HAVE "family values" they can't preach them, huh? That's quite a difference you feel a need to exploit.
"(2) It is usualy with a WOMAN or LEGAL AGE, as opposed to an underaged boy."
Unless you're the ranking minority member of the Financial Services Committee overseeing Fannie May and Freddie Mac just before the housing bubble collapse and you happen to run a gay brothel.
You're right ... the key word here is "usually". But at least you look up to the left-wingers who do that kind of thing, while whining about right-wingers who do it. Nothing unusual there.
What connection does that Dylan song have to this case? Was Zanzinger hispanic? Was Carroll black? Should those be the assumptions I make from your dedication of that song to the two families?
ReplyDeleteI called it, didn't I? LOL
DeleteBTW... Are you not a music fan? Where's your top-ten list over in the top ten thread? Come on! I want to know what the other side listens to as well!
DeleteAnd yes, Hattie Carrol WAS Black, but I hardly see why you have to get all RACIAL about it.
DeleteHattie Carrol was black? What part of the song did he say that in? And what about Zanzinger? What color was he? How does the 'rich conservative' angle fit in this dedication to hispanic/black people involved in a death?
DeleteYou see, Eddie, you "called it" because I'm not the one who is going to use racial assumptions to make a song fit your story. So, it isn't ME making this a racial thing.
I've got my list, just not so sure if this is the right venue where friendliness is acceptable. There don't seem to be too many people who exhibit that quality.
First of all, I "called it" when I said that "one poster" (you) would say the song dedication doesn't make sense either way. At no point did I interject race into the equation. You did that, twice, completely on your own.
DeleteSecond of all, I know that Hattie Carroll was black because Dyaln was singing about an ACTUAL EVENT. On February 9, 1963 a drunken Zantzinger assulted two other hotel employees with a novelty cane before killing Carroll with it. And for his conviction, he got SIX MONTHS.
Thirdly, the connection here isn't a racial one, but rather on of crime and punnishment. Just as Zantzinger got away with murder, to this day George Zimmerman remains unarrested for GETTING OUT OF HIS CAR, PURSUING A MAN - AGAINST THE ADVICE OF POLICE - AND GUNNING HIM DOWN, SHOOTING HIM TWICE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE WAS UNARMED. That's not "self defense" and it's not "stand[ing] your ground." That's "kill[ing] at will" - And it's law that should be struck down and rewritten (in 22 states, I might add) and regardless, Zimmerman should be arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder.
Finally, if there IS a racial element, it is this: Zimmerman's claim of "feeling threatened" basically amounts to "black people are scary." And what's more, anyone who'd believe that this story would play out the same way if the shoote was black and the victim was white?
Is a damned fool.
But the racial elements here are irrelevant, as is all of the mud the Right have tried to sling at Martin. (1) Martin was unarmed. (2) Zimmerman left the safety of his vehicle to pursue him. His claim of "defense" in his HUNTING DOWN of an innocent man should have been laughed out of court. Instead he remains unarrested, and hasn't even had his gun taken away as evidence, pending the investigation. (Standard procedure, even when the shooter in an on-duty COP.)
It is a travesty of justice, just as the song describes. Do you understand now?
"GETTING OUT OF HIS CAR, PURSUING A MAN - AGAINST THE ADVICE OF POLICE - AND GUNNING HIM DOWN, SHOOTING HIM TWICE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE WAS UNARMED"
DeleteAhhh, I didn't realize you were standing there when it happened. Or did I miss the "trial" part of the United States Justice System??
As for your "role playing" scenerio, what would happen if the shooter were black and the victim was hispanic? You might want to use real-world examples if your going to worry about this being a racial situation.
"It is a travesty of justice, just as the song describes. Do you understand now?"
What I understand now, is that YOU are willing to play a race card and deny it then say a man is guilty of crimes without a trial, even while admitting the LAW allows it.
Maybe I need more clarification: what are you whining (I don't have the neat 'crossed-out word' option you have, so change "are you whining" to "is your concern") about this time? That a black man got shot or that a hispanic man has not been arrested according to your demands?
"GETTING OUT OF HIS CAR, PURSUING A MAN - AGAINST THE ADVICE OF POLICE - AND GUNNING HIM DOWN, SHOOTING HIM TWICE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE WAS UNARMED"
DeleteWow! I didn't realize you were there. I will accept your factual statements about that case and not even worry about the American Justice System requiring him to have a TRIAL. After-all, you were there and you know exactly how things transpired. Hell, why even have a trial, you already know how things transpired, let's just send him directly to prison (do not collect $200). What penalty are you going to administer?
I sure am glad people like you are in control of our Justice System. It makes me feel warm all over knowing that you can live in one state, yet know EXACTLY how things transpire in any given state. Please don't die any time soon ... our justice system needs you and your ability to know who IS and who ISN'T guilty without having the terrible expence of a trial.
First of all: The two facts I stated are not in dispute. Not even by Zimmerman.
DeleteSecond: He has not even been ARRESTED. You're calling for a TRAIL? Gee, wow... SO AM I!
Third: I never said "he should be executed" or any such thing. I said that he should be CHARGED. You know... That thing that has to happen in order for someone to HAVE a trial?
Was that great wind just now Adam Dunn missing another curveball, or YOU missing the point?
"First of all: The two facts I stated are not in dispute. Not even by Zimmerman."
DeleteWhich normally would be a big concern. If ONLY two of the facts you stated are true, what about the rest of the facts you claim?
"Third: I never said "he should be executed" or any such thing."
Neither did I, Mr Dunn
"What about the rest of the facts you claim?"
DeleteWhat else did I calim - ABOUT THIS CASE? What else would I need to?
"'Third: I never said "he should be executed" or any such thing.'
Neither did I, Mr Dunn"
Did you have a fucking brain tumor for breakfast? How is this remotely relevant! I never said YOU DID, asshat! YOU implied that I WAS saying that by suggesting that I wanted to SKIP THE TRIAL - even though, as usual, that was in fact the EXACT OPPOSITE of what I actually wrote.
Am I missing something here?!
Can somebody - OTHER than William - some with mor ethat two brain cells to bounce together - please tell me what I'm missing here?!
He says, sarcastically, "I will accept your factual statements about that case and not even worry about the American Justice System requiring him to have a TRIAL" and when I point out that I never said [Zimmer] should be EXECUTED (meaning that I never suggested we skip the trial) he says HE never said it either?!
WTBF?! Who ficking cares? I never said you DID!
William - this kind of nonsenical irrelevance is exactly why so many of us think you're such a fucking idiot. Oh-for-two, because you completely missed the point, AGAIN.
Why is it that you choose to keep digging, rather than just admit - fucking ONCE - that you got something wrong or misunderstood aomething?! Why is that you are so insitant on disagreeing with me that you can't even just STFU and nod WHEN WE'RE SAYING THE SAME DAMN THING?!
"Can somebody - OTHER than William - some with mor ethat two brain cells to bounce together - please tell me what I'm missing here?!"
DeleteYou don't HAVE anybody else who responds except for me. If it wasn't for me, you'd have a bunch of articles that have responses at 0 or 1. You have this blogsite so that you can get self affirmation about your ideals. It pisses you off that a conservative comes by and spouts his opinion. Because not everyone agrees with the liberal ideology. Some think it is stupid and irrational. I happen to be one of those people. And nothing you have done or said has given me any reason to change that opinion of liberals. Just like you have your bigoted opinion of conservatives, I have one of liberals. The only difference is that I'M not whining about it like you are.
I'm ashamed to find out you live in Michigan. That great state usually produces wonderful people. I guess someone has to ruin the grade-curve.
Not that I care what you think but, if it's helps to presevre that stereotype-based world you live in, I was born in Massachusetts, and mostly raised in Connecticut. Whch I'm sure [to you] explains EVERYTHING.
DeleteHoly moly, William! Got a bit of a hard on for John Edwards?
ReplyDeleteI have hard on's often. Especially for liberal hypocrisy.
DeleteBetter to be sexy and racy than sexist and racist.
Delete~Stephen Fry
First of all what YOU PEOPLE call "family values" I call homophibic bogorty, medieval supserstition, a penchant for censorhsip, and an agenda of forcing your name-brand of religion down everybody else's throats.
ReplyDeleteYou want to know what LIBERALS preach? Well, fine. Many preach the Seperation of Church and State. That's a fancy way of saying INDIVIDUAL CIVIL LIBERTY. (And you people wouldn't know an intrusive government if it gave you a colonoscopy.) Why does it suggest that someone doesn't HAVE values just because they're not forcing them down some else's throat? Mutal respect for one another's rigths and freedom? THAT'S a value. IMHO, it's the single greatest value. And arguably the ONLY value we really need.
Second: Yes - USUALLY. See: You're learning. Now first off: You are mischarectarising what happened in Frank's property. (To borrow your trope: WERE YOU THERE?! WHERE'S YOUR PROOF?!) He offers a different take on the events that transpired. You have no proof to the contrary, so... I guess you're wronf. Secondly: I fail to see where Barney Frank has ever said that other people should all live exactly as he does. I've never seen him 'preach' anything except tolerance. (And he's not partuicularly outspoken on THAT front.) But to you people "family values" means living the way YOU decide is right. Can't be gay. Can't NOT be Christain. Can't stay single. Whatever, dude. If you think that respecting people's decisions to live their own lives as they choose, provided that no harm is done to another, is a BAD thing?
Then there's something fucking wrong with you. (But then, we've read all of your posts, so... yeah.)
"Many preach the Seperation of Church and State. "
DeleteWe have that. What religion does the State force you to adhere to? What religion does the Feds force you to adhere to?
"(And you people wouldn't know an intrusive government if it gave you a colonoscopy.) "
And you people sure are good at pointing out wild conspiracy theories about supposed government intrusiveness. (separation of church and state is one good example)
"He offers a different take on the events that transpired"
Which part? The part where he was in charge of a major portion of the housing system during the housing failure or the part where his partner ran a brothel from his house?
" I fail to see where Barney Frank has ever said that other people should all live exactly as he does. "
I fail to see where I have ever told you how to live your life. What I see is me whining about your way of life just as you whine about mine. How am I wrong for my whines (about liberals) but you are fully correct to whine about conservatives? Never mind, that's another non-harmful trait liberals seem to be good at. You do as you please and I'll continue to call it what I want. Notice I didn't tell you to live your life as I do, I just said I'd continue to say it is idiotic. You still get to make the choice of how to live your life and I continue to get to call it stupid (if need be).
"We have that. What religion does the State force you to adhere to? What religion does the Feds force you to adhere to?"
DeleteI have a very strong suspicion that if our currency had "praise Allah" printed on it and you had to follow laws that were based on the Koran, you'd magically come up with a different standard to work by.
I'm assuming that She's Always Seventeen is aimed at me, and it's a bull's eye. Those things you don't remember are incredibly vivid in my minds eye- powerful, powerful associations. I watched JFK tell the nation about the missiles in Cuba, holding hands with my "seventeen year-old." When he finished I was pretty sure I'd be either in the military or dead within a few weeks and the two of us went, not to church (or bed, as might have happened later in the 60's) but to the Lincoln Memorial, to commune with Abe. I found that comforting, in a philosophical sort of way. Sorry to be the garrulous old fart. Count your blessings, though. You should have seen what I deleted.
ReplyDeleteHarry was wonderful. He's one of two troubadours named Harry whose far too early deaths staggered me, the other being Harry Nilsson. I find Cat's in the Cradle both heartbreaking and comforting because, though I've made many mistakes in my life, the one the dad keeps making in that song hasn't been one of them. They say no man on his deathbed ever says he wishes he'd spent more time on his business. I might be the exception, LOL. Actually, if I'm lucky, my last memory will be of one of a myriad of beautiful moments I've had with my kids.