Cipherdom (deprecated)

Apparently, I'm not the only one who does not think "The Boss" compares favorably to "The Liberator."

http://www.latimes.com/includes/ramirez/today_ramirez_20040807.gif

Driving with my kids has caused me to listen to some of their music. Of course, I went in completely predisposed against it. Unfortunately, I heard some things I really liked, particularly, the Rascal Flatts and Maroon 5. VC, any take on either of those bands?

I’m not sure what “joking” you’re talking about. Stewart actually did compare her situation to Mandela’s (google). The absurdity is what made the comparison relevant. If Stewart can equal Mandela, then Springsteen can equal Lincoln. What’s next: Dixie Chicks equal Jefferson?

As I have said, I understand if people don’t vote for Bush based on WMD, the Iraq war, etc. He blew it. No need to explain. You correctly pointed out the irony that his error may help him get re-elected because, as a result, most people (polls) think Bush will protect us better than Kerry.

As for the remainder of US policies, I believe that conservative values best serve the ideals of the founding Fathers. I think Kerry is too liberal to be President.

The problem comes when people start saying, “not only am I right, but my opponent is immoral” as you implied in your last post. That is an MO you try to hang on the Bush crowd, yet you do it yourself. Crite-wise, it’s kind of hypo.

Keep in mind that approximately one half the people in the country, think Bush is a good candindate.

I'll say this as diplomatically as possible, as my sense of humor is seriously impaired regarding this election. Had I helped elect Bush, I wouldn't be joking about the results. In fact, I'd probably feel like apologizing, if not outright begging for God's mercy.

History is rife with powerful figures who were convinced they were doing God's will, yet who were proven -- in the fullness of time -- to have been at best deluded and at worst downright evil hypocrites. As Bush said, "we'll all be dead" by the time this gets sorted out. But while I'm still breathing, I'll oppose him and his morally bankrupt cohorts at every turn.

I was hoping that over the weekend VC would come to his senses and rethink the Lincoln-Springsteen connection. It made me think of Martha Stewart comparing her plight to that of Nelson Mandela. Lincoln’s words came from a man who sacrificed his life for the proposition that all men are created equal. Bruce would appear to be a me-too Hollywood Bush-basher ... normally the kind of conformity that VC deplores. His views are celebrity boilerplate that will probably increase his record sales. Absolutely nothing new here IMHO.

Again, I ask you to look at Cosby, who has taken an extremely unpopular position that has cost him many fans. Cosby could easily rest on his fame and fortune yet he elects to display a true profile in courage.

- Sic Semper Cantrix

Ann Coulter is in Somalia right now, buying orphans. She swears eating them helps her keep her ghoulish figure.

If Bush is re-elected, 100 years from now historians simply won't be able to look back.

The air will be far too polluted to see anything. In fact, rampant illiteracy would have obsoleted the need for historians by then. The old urban centers of culture and learning will have decayed, or are underwater; thanks to the massive ice melt, brought on by global warming.

Genetically modified grains will have mutuated, becoming inedible; due to the massive radiation release in the Bush nuclear pre-emptive war of 2006 (The Jeeeehad). The resulting 100 year holy war will have continued on it's own momentum, with no end in sight.

Without stem-cell research, the new super viral strains that emerged around 2020, will continue to run rampant through the world's populations. Many will welcome the release from their pathetic existences: their pea brains and exclusively heterosexual lifestyle resulting in an incredibly dull and colorless world.

There will be nothing but beer-drinking and ass-kicking going on and the music will reflect only that.

Only prophets will be doing banner business! Their stocks and bonds being the only issues generating any buzz, on the Big Board. If they are any historians left to look back, they will consider 2004 the beginning of this... end.

Therefore, for those in the current upper 2% tax bracket, our new start-up, 100 YEAR PROPHETS, LLC, is looking for angel seed funding. We've seen the market opportunities, long term. Don't be caught with your drawers down and get in early!

(small print ass-cover: These Revelations need not come to pass. Heed me, all yee of voter age....)

$1 for VC. VC, "you used to be so cocky. You once called me a warped, frustrated" conservative.

Do you think the music industry has had a positive or negative effect in "the hood?"

>I think 100 years from now, if a pop culture
>historian happens to be going through the epic
>political writings of high-minded intellectuals
>like The Boss and Babs, he/she will smile,
>shrug and think “quixotic tripe ... only in the
>NY Times.”

Bruce an "intellectual?" Haw! Whatsamatter, is "liberal" losing its sting as an epithet? There were plenty who thought Lincoln was naive, too. Fortunately, this country hasn't stopped producing high-minded people like this, despite the GOP's best efforts.

>Cosby is extremely critical of the music
>industry and the negative effect it has had on
>the very people Bruce purportedly seeks to
>help. If Bruce wanted to show real courage, he
>should look a little closer to home.

R-i-g-h-t, as Cosby used to say when he was still funny, oh so long ago. The music industry is what's wrong with this country, sure enough. Even Bush himself wouldn't make such a silly assertion -- it's not a vote-getter, especially now that the stakes have been raised on national security.

>That being said, it appears the Bruce is a man
>of “high ideals … so called.” [If anyone gets
>that movie reference, I’ll give them $1].

I won't insult your intelligence by naming it, though you've always had a whiff of Potter about you. 8^P

I think 100 years from now, if a pop culture historian happens to be going through the epic political writings of high-minded intellectuals like The Boss and Babs, he/she will smile, shrug and think “quixotic tripe ... only in the NY Times.”

As well-versed as Bruce may be on “civil rights” and “race,” I think our fictional historian would be better off reading the recent words of Bill Cosby, who may know a little more about the subject (despite Bruce’s close relationship with Clarence Clemens).

“Ladies and gentlemen, the lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids – $500 sneakers for what? And won't spend $200 for 'Hooked on Phonics.'”

I have been criticized by VC for being a reductionist and using this lone quote will not diminish that impression. However, I suggest you read the complete text of Cosby’s recent remarks. They suggest that Cosby agrees with Bruce that the “ nation's artists and musicians have a particular place in its social and political life.” However, Cosby is extremely critical of the music industry and the negative effect it has had on the very people Bruce purportedly seeks to help. If Bruce wanted to show real courage, he should look a little closer to home.

That being said, it appears the Bruce is a man of “high ideals … so called.” [If anyone gets that movie reference, I’ll give them $1]. He sounds just like the ‘60s liberal democrats that created LBJ’s ill-fated Great Society. BTW, shouldn’t all of our troubles be behind us now?

There is much more to refute here but I don’t have time. Where’s Ann Coulter when I need her?

Diversity can be liberalism's weakness, because the ability to see multiple points of view isn't, shall we say, an _asset_ politically. But that diversity -- in terms of the electorate's becoming less white by the day, for example -- also means destiny is on our side, I fervently believe. IF we can just survive this election. Not to get misty, but I also believe historians 100 years from now will view Springsteen's editorial the way we look back at Lincoln's speeches. What does it say about America that no elected official can muster that kind of moral authority anymore?

Sometimes, what's simple is true. Well said, Mr. Brooooce. Wonder if anyone's listening? Thanks for pointing this out.

Since that game, the Stanford band has been on a serious workout regime. They won't be letting anyone get past them again. ;-)

Assuming the election will be decided by the complacent middle, I think the Dems may have struck a chord with the 'One USofA' theme.

It's a different time, when I actually have an extended political discussion with my insurance agent. But I did and in most respects, he's the classic apolitical archetype. The accumulation of issues in this election year, is not boding well for either 'extreme.' If the complacent majority will never be won over to either side, one way to reach them is through the Rodney King-like plea to all just get along. Bush squandered his compassionate conservatism position, which was a big mistake, imho.

So far, the Dems are doing of better job of looking like middle america these days. Reagan did it in his day; but Bush can't even convince Reagan's kid, or widow, he's speaking to the middle. I'll staying tuned for 'their' convention, though.

A coup for the Cipherdom blog to combine politics and music so directly. I'm surprised VC hasn't written an anti-Bush song, although I believe he has besmirched some of his supporters through song.

Sorry to disappoint you but I actually think Bush will win. Earlier VC referred to the irony of how Bush may be helped politically because of the ill-advised imbroglio that he got us into. I think he may be right. A few more well-timed terror warnings and a little luck finding Osama and I think he wins.

Plus, I don't see people warming up to Kerry at all and I don't think people want an ambulance chaser VP who won millions based on "bad science." All of this will come out in one of the dirtiest campaigns ever.

If Bush does win it will be similar to when Cal beat Stanford on the fluke kick-off return. I'm sure the Cal fans didn't think they fully deserved a victory but they were happy nonetheless.

On Tuesday I saw Brit Beat perform at the band shell in Downers Grove. They were excellent IMHO. I expected to see VC there.