Band's Version of One-Time Presley Tune Hits Sour Note (Hyper-sensitive Democrat Alert!)

Duluth News Tribune ^ | January 4, 2005 | AP Wire

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Band's version of one-time Presley tune hits sour note with some

MADISON, Wis. - As if the incoming Legislature didn't have enough problems, a high school band's rendition of a tune that was an Elvis Presley hit decades ago drew a complaint from a newly elected member of the Senate.

The Richland Center High School band played "An American Trilogy" at the Senate's inaugural ceremony at the Capitol Monday - the first day of a session expected to be dominated by battles over budget-cutting, a tax-freeze amendment and a myriad of other issues.

Sen. Spencer Coggs (D), who is black, said he was SHOCKED, as were his family and other guests, to hear the strains of the Southern anthem "Dixie" played in the Senate chamber as part of the trilogy, along with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "All My Trials."

Coggs, a Democrat from Milwaukee, complained in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center.

"Whether the slight was intentional or not, the selection was not appropriate," he wrote, noting that "Dixie" is often associated with slavery.

"While now it should be unnecessary to suggest, in the future a list of songs should be submitted prior to a performance and the list should be reviewed for its appropriateness," he said. "It is unfortunate that this special day was marred by such an unnecessary event."

Schultz had invited the band and choir to play at the ceremony.

He said the complaint caught him by surprise.

"A simple apology is what's needed," Schultz said, "and I will certainly be happy to do that."

He said he wasn't aware of every musical selection the band prepared for the event, and the piece has some historical significance.

"But I want everyone to feel included. If Sen. Coggs felt offended, I would want to extend my hand in apology."

http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com

[kitkat]

***I never realized how much the north hated the south until I got internet.***

I've lived in the north all my long life. We do NOT hate the south. We are jealous of your warm weather, your magnolias, and your southern fried chicken, but we do not hate you. Now take it back, or I'm gonna punch you in the nose.

[M. Espinola]

Just showing your true colours..again?

Are those from your 'Favourite Photos' or 'Longing for the old days' photo albums?

[onyx]

Yes, mine is a Victorian that served as the Military
Park'

The Vicksburg men who are doing the actual s headquarters
for 30 years and the MP has a whole display case dedicated to my house.

They want to erect a monument in the yard, describing the house's importance,
and they want me to apply to have the house listed on the National Historic Registry. All in good time.

Two home grown Vicksburg sons are doing the exterior restoration
for me and they delight in discovering things from the 1880's...
like the stepping stones that they uncovered under the
foliage growth that were used by the carriages when
folks were dropped off at the house along with the steel post
that was used to tie the horses. It's all still there in it's original state.

Thanks to the MP's display, we now know that my house
had two extra entrances and a second floor balcony that
they will replace.

The interior is to die for... all the windows are hand
blown glass... they have survived for 122 years.

The Italian marble mantles for the seven fireplaces are exquisitely hand carved and they came from the builder's Antebellum mansion down on Pearl Street. He build my house for his daughter and spared no expense. Original crystal chandeliers hand in the drawing room and parlors. We look at living in this house as a privilege.

[wafflehouse]

LMAO thats a good one

[melkor]

you should check out the manowar version off their most recent cd (or download the mp3). best rendition i've heard in a long time (no, its not metal, just a metal singer doin a damn good job)

[Blzbba]

"I guess it's possible to be a Christophobe and still call yourself a conservative. OTOH, If this is the best example of the "right to be offended" you can muster, you're not paying much attention."


Actually, you're not paying much attention. My point is that noone - not even Christian conservatives at Christmas - has the right to not be offended.

[martin gibson]

This arrogant pig is so twitchy about slavery.

He is NOT a pig. He is a 'Black Man Speaking Truth To Power'.

...or in this case 'Speaking Truth to a High School Marching Band' which is roughly the same thing...

[mafree]

I'm black and we used to sing "Dixie" in publik skewl. My parents would have had no problem protesting it if they thought the song was offensive. They did not feel that way. Heck, my mother has relatives named Robert Lee. I liked that "trilogy" of Elvis' and haven't heard it in a long time.

[wardaddy]

as usual, your common sense proves once again why I hope Wisconsin is grateful to have you.

[wardaddy]

LOL....those pics are of "bad Yankees".....not my homeys.

[wardaddy]

Sounds great.

We're moving in. Make it kid friendly will ya?

;>)

[wardaddy]

I have no idea....saw it got zotted but have no clue as to from or what about.

Maybe it was a self delete.

[AnAmericanMother]

Here's my dad's mother's homestead in Eufaula, AL:

Built in 1860, it now belongs to the Alabama Historical Commission. It's been completely restored with period furniture, the original murals on the downstairs walls have been restored. We had a big family reunion there last year.

[bourbon]

THAT is a shockingly beautiful house! I bet it's nice to have it in the family.

I just went to a wedding in Montgomery this past weekend for a friend who was raised in Eufala. Nice place.

[M. Espinola]

Do I looked amused by all this rubbish?

[bourbon]

Onyx--

I like my sheets turned under, and I will insist on hypo-allergenic pillows in my room (as you know, I have a fragile constitution). I also expect hot waffles and a cup of coffee w/ light cream each morning. I do NOT like the Clarion-Ledger or the Vicksburg paper, so please make arrangements for me to receive the Wall Street Journal.

Also, I would really rather not have to share a bathroom with WKB. I understand he has a bad habit of borrowing other people's toothbrushes (that is, when he gets around to brushing his teeth).

I am also glad to know you have room for my ample supplies of booze, firearms and Rudi Bakhtiar posters.

Thanks. You are a very gracious hostess indeed.

your new roomie,
-bourbon-

[wardaddy]

LOLPIMP

[wardaddy]

Beautiful...is that called a widow's walk on top?

btw...that about does it

i'm selling my leave it to beaver ranch for something with more character....(in my dreams)

[wardaddy]

I bow to the wisdom of Ken Shamrock...one of the toughets men in the world.

Native of Macon Georgia.