November 3, 2008

long live american democracy

"I wrote this song the week after the 2004 Presidential Election. I was in a state of semi-shock and near-depression as my daughter's birth was impending and I was depressed to think of her born into the world during a Bush Presidency. It was recorded live in the studio at Chase Park Transduction with me on the microphone,David Hood (my Dad) on the bass guitar, Johnny Neff playing some sleazy sounding electric guitar, Brad Morgan playing the drums, and David Barbe on the B3. It was late at night and everyone's spirits were high.  I am throwing this out as my election week gift to you. Please get out and vote. I will be voting for Obama because I think he has the guts, vision, judgment, and smarts to guide us through these troubled times and help America regain her prominence in the 21st century. It's time for a change and not four more years of bullshit.  Jr. has wrapped the Camaro around too many telephone poles and it's time to take his keys away. LONG LIVE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY."  patterson hood


unrelated: "Pardon the bulk mailbag. I Can't Vote. I am an immigrant with a Green Card and, therefore, I am not eligible to vote in a federal election. FYI - I can get drafted (luckily, Daniel Berrigan burned my draft board's records) and I pay taxes, yet I cannot vote for President. On Election Day, I see my neighbors heading to the nearby elementary school to cast their ballots. The voting booth joint is a great leveler; the whole neighborhood - rich, poor, old, young, decrepit and spunky - they all turn out in one day. But most of you can vote. What can I say? The Republicans have made us less safe than before 9/11, bankrupted this economy, started an illegal war they can't - and don't intend to - finish, removed what sympathy (after 9/11) and respect the world had for the US, and have robbed US citizens of many of their basic rights. Global warming? What's that? Science and education? Investment in our future? No, thanks - we'll stick with a good 'ole hockey mom. Ignorant, and fucking proud of it, as is always the case. Although it looks like a shoo-in, it ain't over 'til Florida. And there are plenty of racists in this country who will vote against their own best interests. So please, get to your local elementary school, post office, town hall, or whatever, and cast your vote and make this a country we can all be proud of. We can get out of this mess, and life can be better than it is."  david byrne

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