Today Show Blacklists Toby Keith But Features Singer Glorifying Johnny Taliban

NBC’s Today has yet to feature a segment with Toby Keith, singer of the #1 country hit, the pro-U.S. song “Courtesy of the Red White & Blue” which honors American soldiers, but on Monday it showcased Steve Earle and his yet-to-be-released tribute to the American Taliban, “John Walker's Blues.” Matt Lauer interviewed him and allowed him to sing the song in its entirety.

     In a July 21 story, “Twisted Ballad Honors Tali-rat,” the New York Post’s Aly Sujo described Earle’s song:
     “American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh is glorified and called Jesus-like in a country-rock song to be released soon by maverick singer-songwriter Steve Earle.
     “The controversial ballad called 'John Walker's Blues’ is backed by the chanting of Arabic prayers and praises Allah.
     “Earle's lyrics describe the United States as 'the land of the infidel.’ Those fighting Osama bin Laden's declared jihad against the United States and Jews are said to have hearts 'pure and strong.’ The song says when Lindh dies, he will 'rise up to the sky like Jesus.’"

Today has yet to feature Toby Keith's #1 Courtesy of the Red White & Blue, but on Monday it showcased Steve Earle's yet to be released John Walker's Blues

Far from being embarrassed by the song, Today, after having ignored Keith’s song, which he has been singing for months and which has been out for a month on a number 1 album, the show was proud of its “get,” plastering “Today Exclusive” in the top corner of the screen.

Earle admitted he’s not a big star: “I don't get played on that many mainstream radio stations any way and I haven't in a long time and I've made that choice. I get played more on public radio stations than I do anyplace else.” He rationalized his pro-Lindh stance: “I felt like, that we needed a target because we couldn't get Osama Bin Laden and, and I saw a lot of that hate being directed at this kid."

Lauer was far from hostile to Earle, wondering if he was “surprised” by criticism of the song for being “anti-American” and asking softball questions like: "So why did you feel you wanted to write this song in the first place? What was it about the story of John Walker Lindh that captured your attention?" And, noting that “comparing” Lindh to Jesus “has gotten the attention of some people. What do you think about that?"

It isn’t as if Today hasn’t had an opportunity to showcase Keith, who had a natural news hook in his dispute with Peter Jennings over why he was cut from ABC’s Independence Day special on which he planned to sing Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue. In late July he was in New York City to promote the album, “Vanished,” on which the song is featured.

The CyberAlert linked above also provides links to where you can hear an audio clip of Keith’s song or an excerpt of the video for it. For all the background on the Jennings/Keith matter, the lyrics to the song which led Jennings to boot Keith from his show and a RealPlayer clip of Keith singing the song for CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, refer back to the June 14 CyberAlert: http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2002/cyb20020614.asp#3

(Neither ABC’s Good Morning America, no surprise given how he has called Jennings a liar, nor CBS’s Early Show have brought Keith aboard.)

But on Monday, August 19, Today was more excited about a song that will not be released on CD until late-September.

MRC analyst Geoffrey Dickens noticed how Today kept plugging the upcoming segment which aired in the relatively prominent 7:30am half hour. (Recall that Today didn’t put Ann Coulter on until the lowest-rated half hour, 9:30am.)

Substitute co-host Campbell Brown announced at the top of the show: "And John Walker Lindh is back in the news but this time it's with a twist. The so-called American Taliban is the subject of a song called John Walker's Blues by country star Steve Earle and in it Earle imagines the world from Walker's point-of-view. And now some are calling Earle anti-American and even calling for a boycott of the album. In a Today exclusive Steve Earle will be here in our next half-hour to sing the song for the first time in public and respond to the criticism."

Later she noted: "Coming up in our next half-hour what was American Taliban John Walker Lindh thinking?"
Lauer touted: "In a Today exclusive we'll hear from country music star Steve Earle who tries to answer that question. Do the lyrics to his song John Walker's Blues make him anti-American? After your local news."

Lauer at the top of the 7:30am half hour: "Coming up in this half-hour country singer Steve Earle has ignited a firestorm of criticism and controversy with a song called John Walker's Blues, which some charge seeks to justify even glorify the actions of American Taliban, John Walker Lindh. In a Today exclusive Earle is here to sing that song for us and respond to the criticism for the first time."

     Lauer set up the actual segment: "Country music star and Grammy nominee Steve Earle has a new album coming out called Jerusalem and one song on it has kicked up a storm of controversy. John Walker's Blues, which has yet to be released, is written from American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh's point-of-view. Critics have called Earle anti-American and gone as far as to call for a ban of the album. Steve Earle good morning, nice to have you here."
     Steve Earle: "It's good to be here."
     Lauer: "This doesn't even come out 'til the end of September this album Jerusalem, right? So, so someone gets a hold of a copy of this song John Walker's Blues. Are you surprised word on this has spread as quickly as it has?"
     Earle: "Well I'm certainly surprised that it's spread two months before the record came out. I was on vacation and then we started hearing that a local talk radio show guy in Nashville, Steve Gill, got a hold of a copy of it from a journalist who had written a piece for the New York Post and he was looking for comments and it sort of went from there."
     Lauer: "So why did you feel you wanted to write this song in the first place? What was it about the story of John Walker Lindh that captured your attention?"
     Earle: "I have a 20 year-old son."
     Lauer helpfully noted: "And John Walker Lindh is 20 years-old too."
     Earle: "He's 20 years-old. It's really that simple and, and it was the, you know I didn't, I didn't think anybody else was gonna write this song. And it was just 20 year-olds aren't done yet. And I believed a lot of stuff when I was 20 years-old with all my heart that I don't believe any more. And I felt like, that we needed a target because we couldn't get Osama Bin Laden and, and I saw a lot of that hate being directed at this kid."
     Lauer: "Do, in your lyrics, in your opinion, you'll sing the song for us in a few minutes, in your opinion are the lyrics supportive of John Walker Lindh?"
     Earle: "They're actually not. They're an attempt to get inside his head and sing the song from his viewpoint. And of course I'm speculating there because we've had very, very little access to John Walker Lindh. The only things that came out of John Walker Lindh's mouth that are in the song, you know, I saw on television just like everybody else did. And they are in the song. And a lot of the song is, is what I learned about Islam and, and this revelation of how ignorant we are all about Islam in this country, just from the research that I did trying to make the song work."
     Lauer: "When you hear comments in the New York Post, quote, 'Twisted ballad honors Tali-rat.', 'American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh glorified and called Jesus-like.' Steve Gill, the guy you mentioned in Nashville says, quote, 'The song celebrates and glorifies a traitor of this country’ and he goes on to say 'Steve Earle runs the risk of becoming the Jane Fonda of the war on terrorism by embracing John Walker and his Tali-buddies.'"
     Earle: "Just don't hold your breath on the aerobics tapes."
     Lauer: "Surprise you the comments? They are very strong, they're calling for a ban of the album."

Earle: "Not really. I mean, this, this is one song on a record that's, that's, that's a pretty, admittedly a pretty political record. I mean my last record was a lot of chick songs. But the world's changed a lot since then and, and so I'm writing about things that, that are going on around me and I'm assuming characters and singing with their voices. And I've done that before. This is my 11th album and I've always done that."
Lauer: "Why don't you sing it for us and we'll talk on the other side. This is John Walker's Blues."

I'm just an American boy raised on MTV
And I've seen all them kids in soda pop ads
And none of 'em looked like me
So I started lookin' around for a light out of the dim
And the first thing I heard that made sense was the word
Of Mohammed, peace be upon him

If my daddy could see me now – chains around my feet
Well he don't understand that sometimes a man's gotta fight for what he believes
And I believe God is great, all praise due to him
And if I should die, I'll rise up to the sky
Just like Jesus, peace be upon him

We came to fight the jihad and our hearts were pure and strong
And when death filled the air, we all offered up prayers
And prepared for our martyrdom
But Allah has some other plan, some secret not revealed
Now they're dragging me back with my head in a sack
To the land of the infidel

Lauer picked up he interview: "Steve Earle. Let me read, if you will, some lyrics from the song, 'If my daddy could see me now -- chains around my feet, you don't understand that sometimes a man has to fight for what he believes and I believe God is great all praise due to him and if I should die I'll rise up in the sky, just like Jesus, peace be upon him.' Comparing or, or even mentioning Jesus in this song has gotten the attention of some people. What do you think about that?"
Earle: "Well Matt. But, but that comes back to, where that line came from was my own ignorance of Islam and, and doing the research for it just trying to learn the Arabic words in the chorus and all that. I went on Islam.com and what I found was, that, something I didn't know was every time a Muslim say the name Jesus he says, 'peace be upon him,' because Jesus was recognized as, as the last prophet before Mohammed. And I never knew that and I don't think you could find one in 10,000 Americans that knew that. And that's why it's in the song."

     Lauer: "And when you say, 'Now they're dragging me back with my head in a sack to the land of the infidel,' what do you say to people who, who are going to hear that when it comes out in September and say, 'I don't, I don't want to hear this song I think it should be boycotted, it should be banned on radio stations?'"
     Earle: "Well I think it's-”
     Lauer: "I mean it's freedom of speech for you to write it and say it."
     Earle: "Right.”
     Lauer: "Is it their right to say boycott it as well?"
     Earle: "Well sure it is. And, and I don't get played on that many mainstream radio stations any way and I haven't in a long time and I've made that choice. I get played more on public radio stations than I do anyplace else. Occasionally I get played on commercial radio stations with the odd record, I make a lot of different kinds of records. But it, for me it's, it's a matter of when you assume a character you have to know as much as you can about that character and try to get in that voice. And I've always done it. There's been a, I've written about more despicable characters and in the voice of more despicable characters than John Walker Lindh."
     Lauer wrapped up: "The song is called John Walker's Blues. The album is called Jerusalem, out at the end of September. Steve Earle, thanks for your time."

Keith’s lyrics probably embarrass the Today producers while they are proud to highlight something which draws attention to how Americans are intolerant haters. -- Brent Baker

I got another one for you. I don't know if it was bias, but it sure seemed strange at the time...

We were scheduled to be at Weehawken Park on top of the Lincoln Tunnel with our US Flag Balloon around June 13th or so. We would be putting up the Flag Balloon and about 40 first responders from 9/11 would be there, the National Guard, a bag pipe band, fire trucks, & police cars, and the mayor of Weehawken. This was a tribute to the 1st responders of 9/11 and the people that they lost to the terrorists.

The Today Show contacted the promoter of the event and secured the exclusive for the Weehawken coverage. They sent a crew out the day before, they told us that Al Roker would be coming out and they would be doing a weather thing. At about 6:00 PM the night before, the promoter calls us and says the the Today Show cancelled because they were keeping the entire Today Show open for breaking news on the Elizabeth Smart case. At that point, it was too late for him to get any of the other shows out there. I thought well, if there is breaking news, why aren't they breaking it? Anyway, the day of the event, Al Roker was covering a golf tournament, and there was no breaking news on Elizabeth Smart.

The Today Show missed an incredible tribute, and all of the men and women that were there were so appreciative of the balloon. It was very touching. We took everyone up in the balloon and brought them down again. It was great to see so many of them almost brought to tears by the sight of the balloon right across the river from where the towers used to stand.

It was wierd to say the least. Maybe they kept the Elizabeth Smart breaking news for a slower news day.

The way I read the lyrics, the "glorification" is all in the speaker's mind.

Perhaps you need some lessons in reading comprehension. Check out these lyrics below. They couldn't be CLEARER. This Cretin, Earle is comparing Johnny Taliban to Jesus.

That's the same way I read it. The song is clearly from Lindh's perspective and tries to get to his thoughts about what he has done. Despite his chosen path, I think more of Lindh's drive and desire to pursue something that he truly believed in whereas most teenagers are vapid myrmidons that don't give a wit about anything. That sort of dedication, again - ignoring the particulars of the chosen path, is somewhat rare. That being said, I think he should have ben tried for treason and executed.

To say this is glorification is a huge stretch.

What you have stated is all part of a GROWING TREND among the liberals as we approach the anniversary of 9-11. What they are doing is trying to get away from any "overly patriotic" ceremonies or from assigning blame for 9-11. We already see that in the "non-judgemental" guidelines for teaching about 9-11 just issued by the NEA and in the attempt by that money grubbing Matt Lauer (he doesn't actually have much in the way of political beliefs---he just wants those network dollars) to promote a singer and a song glorifying the terrorists.

Hey Matt! If they paid you enough, would you promote a singer glorying those terrorists who chopped off Daniel Pearl's head?

Remember one IMPORTANT thing about Matt Lauer. It isn't really the politics that ultimately matters to him---It's how much he gets paid. Lauer will do ANYTHING for the money.

p.s. And I am praying that when Lauer's wife leaves him, she hits him up for some buku bucks---That would really hurt Lauer where he hates it worst...in the wallet.

Last Tuesday Joan Baez gave a concert here and sang an Earle song, a Tniisian and a Sumerian song. These folks are happily taking up the Islamist cause in America.

And a lot of the song is, is what I learned about Islam and, and this revelation of how ignorant we are all about Islam in this country, just from the research that I did trying to make the song work.

Do these so called idealogues really understand what would happen to them personally under an Islamist government. The would be in the square just like the Nigerian girl who is to be stoned to death for bearing an illigitimate child.

I'm never too upset about what is said or done on the "Today Show". All of those network shows are showing their a$$es on TV, butt (har, har) Perkie Katie did them one better! Socialist elistist dirvel...don't watch...never will, and most of America is joining me. I sure hope Katie saved/invested that big contract $$$. I sincerely doubt she'll get another one!

Maybe she could run for the Senate from NY...........Upps, that job is taken!!!

p.s. And I am praying that when Lauer's wife leaves him, she hits him up for some buku bucks---That would really hurt Lauer where he hates it worst...in the wallet.

Wow. that is a fine Christian attitude there. Maybe if you just wished him dead...Put away your vitriol and think for a minute. Read the lyrics again (and maybe another time) and try to imagine Lindh singing it and see if it doesn't make more sense. Oh, and if you don't like Matt Lauer or the Today show, might I suggest not watching. Of course, you maight never find out if his wife dumps him to make you happy...

Maybe if you just wished him dead...

READ my post. I wished NO SUCH THING. However, I do know that Lauer will do anything for the bucks so the worst thing that could happen to him would be for him to lose about half of his dough to his wife if she ever splits (which I have heard is very possible).

BTW, Matt Lauer losing a large part of his fortune isn't nearly as bad as those poor folks in the WTC towers being forced to leap from those buildings. Sorry, I have no sympathy for those attempting to glorify the terrorists or any creep that associates with them like Johnny Taliban.

Why even have a song about Johnny Taliban in the first place? The guy is a CREEP and a TRAITOR. I'm sure he just sat back and laughed when Spann was murdered by his fellow Taliban terrorists.

Why have a song about "Blue Suede Shoes"? Who cares? Should we ban all books or articles or movies or TV shows about him as well? After all, he is a "CREEP and a TRAITOR". Both of which I agree, BTW. For whatever reason, Earle decided it was an interesting enough topic to write a song about. Perhaps it was his dedication to his chosen cause. Who knows. Are people who wrote books about Hitler Nazi sympathizers? Hardly.

READ my post. I wished NO SUCH THING.

Read mine. I never said you did.

As for the rest, why wish something bad, like the destruction of a family, just because he's done something you don't like? Are you a family values guys or is that just for families you agree with? Just asking.

As for the moral equivalence between Lauer losing money in a divorce and the families impacted by the terrorist attacks, it's quite appaling that you even try to make the comparison. Nobody, including me, tried to make the comparison. I just found it interesting that you wished the destruction of a family upon someone whose views you disagree. Seems quite angry and oddly out of place.

Actually in Lauer's case, their is no need to wish for the destruction of his family. They seemed headed that way quite well on their own. Read this NY Post description from 1998 of Lauer's wife who sounds like as much of a money grubber as Matt is. When they split, it will be ONE HELL of a monetary settlement battle.

New York Post, Page Six---"Today Show anchor Matt Lauer's blushing bride is hell on wheel--literally. The stunning Annette Roque, the Dutch lingerie model Lauer wed last month, isn't making a good impression on some of his friends and colleagues. Sources close to the couple say that Roque is insisting Lauer arrange for a chauffeur to drive her around the city in their BMW, and is also demanding a cook be hired for their apartment. It was just over a week ago that Roque also caused a ruckus when she insisted on attending John Glenn's Cape Canaveral shuttle launch, even though the event was restricted to working press. That demand sent NBC staffers scurrying to somehow get Roque press credentials in time for the Shuttle blast-off. So fond is Roque of living in the lap of luxury that before their Oct. 3 nuptials the couple registered for a whopping $40,000 worth of wedding gifts. Items on their lists at Bergdorf Goodman included $3,000 for a pair of crystal perfume bottles and a $1,050 serving spoon. Friends of Lauer's are stunned that the down-to-Earth newsman is suddenly catering to such indulgent whms. Offers one insider: "He's whipped."

Can Raoul Felder be far behind?

Well, my youngest son just turned 20, and I worry about him too. Considering the fact that he is in the U.S. military and could be going to a combat zone worries the hell out of me. My prayers go for him and all those others that serve in the military, especially in this time of war. This record sounds like it might make a good skeet target. PULL!!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.