FR EXCLUSIVE: Springsteen Called For Impeachment of President Bush at DC Concert

Kristinn | September 13, 2003 | Krsitinn via Angelwood

[Angelwood]

Rock star Bruce Springsteen called for the impeachment of President George W. Bush at a nearly sold-out concert at FedEx Field just outside of Washington, DC tonight. During the introductions of his back-up band, The E Street Band, Springsteen said of saxophonist Clarence Clemons, "It's time to impeach the president and get a man in there to get us out of this mess." The audience cheered in response.

At a recent concert at Fenway Park in Boston, Springsteen touted liberal comedian Al Franken's new book and encouraged people to read it. In the Spring, Springsteen issued a statement defending the Dixie Chicks after they told a foreign audience that they were "ashamed that the President of the United States was from Texas."

At least Springsteen chose to make his statement about impeaching President Bush in the nation's capital. However, his timing just two days after the nation marked the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks is sure to make his remarks even more controversial than otherwise, especially because the nation's capital was a target.

Springsteen was silent during the eight years of Bill Clinton's presidency: A time when children were gassed and burned to death at Waco; our national security was betrayed to the communist Chinese government in exchange for millions of dollars for Clinton's campaign coffers; and when Clinton lied under oath and obstructed justice in a civil rights lawsuit filed by one of the "little people" that Springsteen champions.

Springsteen's current album and tour are based on the September 11 attacks and he has several songs about the bravery of those who gave their lives responding to those attacks. Springsteen's tour is scheduled to end at the beginning of October with three dates at New York City's Shea Stadium.

[jocon307]

"RIGOLETTO."

No politics.

It wasn't always this way, though, was it? Isn't Rigoletto infamous for being an opera wherein some ruler is killed? Didn't that get it banned for a while, a few centuries ago?

And evan if not, I still remember fondly the Odd Couple episode where Felix bemoans to Oscar "You broke my Rigoletto!"

[mel]

I like your tag line, do you watch Animal Precinct, Animal Cops? Talk about realty TV, that is realty. I love to see the bad guys handcuffed and arrested and then see some of the abused animals get good loving people parents. TV has gotten so bad that is about I watch except for Golden Girls reruns and Fox

[jocon307]

"Kiss My Royal Irish American A$$"

A-freaking-men to that I say!

[FlyVet]

the rudest, nastiest, and most uncooperative guest musician that had played at their place, they all named Springsteen as the worst.

I think Diana Ross took the prize in my home town, with all her demands. Never heard how her drunk driving charge came out here in Tucson a few months ago. Apparently when she got caught, in a parking lot, she could barely stand up. As if she needed to be out driving drunk, I wonder where her entourage was when that happened. Oh well, water under the bridge. Celebrities. Bah.

[MeekOneGOP]

Bummer, dude :O(

[YaYa123]

Stupidly naive, self-serving and misguided. There's nothing sadder than an grizzled oldfart, brain fried rocker trying to revive his relevance.

[SuziQ]

No, Shut up and LEARN how to sing, Bruth!

ROTFL! He does always look as if he's in real pain trying to belt out those songs, doesn't he?

[dennisw]

bttttttttttttttttttttttttt

[NYpeanut]

I think its time to impeach Bruce Springstein from his high horse. Just who in the hell does he think he is?

A lot of people in Western NY apparently think he's a has-been. His crew booked Ralph Wilson Stadium (60,000 or so seats) for the concert here next week and then had to cancel it due to slow ticket sales. They retreated to Darien Lake amphitheater (think small--maybe 2000 seats) and there are still plenty of tickets for sale. Bruce who?

[Samurai_Jack]

I always wondered why people gave a crap about this no-talent aging jersey kid rebelliously shouting about his misspent youth. Ive never seen fit to purchase his music and when his songs come on the radio I generally change the channel. Up to this point I have never noted him for any particularly memorable notes, but Im definitely not fond of 'celebrities' who use their podium to spread their gospel of ignorance.

Therefore, In my minds eye this would be the equivalent of him walking on stage drunk as a polecat, and the audience being the target of his projectile regurgitation.

1st Amendment and all, He is free to speak as he pleases. But as far as Im concerned, this can be his swansong.

[gridlock]

The anti-police concert in New York was about three years ago, corresponding to the release of American Skin, which dealt with the shooting of Amadou Diallo.

After 9/11, he conveniently forgot all about calling the NYPD a bunch of murderers on a daily basis for the past year or so, and jumped on the bandwagon lionizing them.

Springsteen is a minor actor in this whole business, to be sure. But one fully worthy of our contempt.

[rhombus]

The "Boss" and the RIAA can stick it, it'll be a long long time before I buy any CD again.

[Terp]

Is there a link were I can send the looser an e-mail?

[MeekOneGOP]

Whatever happened to THIS Bruce Springsteen ?? Or was it all just an act ?? ...

[TAIPAN22001]

Right at this moment I'm listening to Debussey. Why listen to crap like springsteen when you can listen to real music? I've never spent a dime on that loud mouthed, over-hyped, self important liberal crud anyway. He's never been my "boss".

[TAIPAN22001]

Right at this moment I'm listening to Debussey. Why listen to crap like springsteen when you can listen to real music? I've never spent a dime on that loud mouthed, over-hyped, self important liberal crud anyway. He's never been my "boss".

[_Jim]

A time when children were gassed and burned to death at Waco

Sorry, Kristinn. but you KNOW this doesn't hold water ... Vernon Wayne Howell let EVERY child *out* of that compound who wasn't related to him (23 or so) but a) refused to let any more out or b) honor *any* of the agreements he made to surrender ...

[freeperfromnj]

What did he purpose as the action to take after 9/11? Give peace a chance with terorists who want to kill us all and managed to murder ~3,000 innocent people? Do these entertainers EVER think?

Lately I'm feeling as thought the left is winning the propaganda war. Earlier I was listening to what is usually an all-sports-all-the-time radio station. This morning the host chose to focus on 9/11, the aftermath and how callers feel today. I was totally shocked to hear callers (sports fans from NY and NJ) criticizing the administration and blaming our foreign policy. I don't understand -- is there any hope for the country to fight this war on terrorism when the very people in the tri-state area who were directly attacked have already forgotten?

[sauropod]

DIsappointing to learn of this.

BTW, the Fairness Doctrine issue is coming up in front of Congress.

Methinks the Chapter needs to do a FReep about that. I am willing to run point and plan if you like.

[sauropod]

Neither can Stephanopoulous. Did you see "This Week" this morning? They juxtaposed LBJ clips justifying the War in Vietnam with W. talking about Iraq.