Chords for Change(barf alert)

NYTIMES ^ | 08/05/04 | BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

[Taka No Kimi]

Good theory. More proof that we'll only love what we understand, and liberals don't understand capitalism!

[kb2614]

I would call Springsteen a preening idiot, but he isn't. He's just dumb. The fawning media gives him and the rest of the 'beautiful people' waaayyyy to much coverage on their opinions about issues that are simply beyond their grasp. I generally don't bother to read the political opinions of empty headed celebrity dopes unless it's posted here. I get appropiate commentary that way ;)

[wasnova]

"Vote for Change"

I guess even Bruce's tin ear can tell that "Vote for Kerry" doesn't sound good.

[HHFi]

I used to like Bruce okay, many moons ago, when he played tunes with a beat, but I personally think he hasn't written a good song since he fired the E Street Band (and yes, I've heard all this albums at least once, but I haven't bought one since "The River.") His downward trajectory into tuneless, whiny, pompous preaching exactly tracks his rising belief in the value of his own opinions about AIDS, foreign policy, police brutality and a host of other issues he knows nothing whatsoever about. Not surprising he's now reached the very nadir of boring music and stupid liberal politics: hanging out with Dave Matthews.

[boycottliberalhollywood.com]

If you look at the entertainment industry, be it music, film, TV, whatever, it is, ironically, one of the most capitalistic industries out there. You've got a huge under class -- the struggling artist -- and an embedded upper class -- the superstar celebrities, directors, et.al. -- and a small middle class of cameramen, audio engineers, et.al. The economic rift between the upper and lower classes is greater than it is in general society.

The industry has a culture of keeping the under class down: "You've got to pay your dues before you sing the blues" and other cliches are an opiate to those yearning to hit the superstar lottery. Stories abound about entire bands living in a single apartment trying to break into the biz; the casting couch; actors and actresses getting into porn to try to get a break; and on and on.

Yes you got that right, buddy. The entertainment industry is so stratified it barely avoids looking like an oligarchy, a mafia. Performers like David Bowie are famous for paying their session musicians a pathetic salary, with the implication being that those lowlifes should be grateful to smell the flattus eminating from the great one's bowels. The caste system present in Liberal Hollywood makes Apartheid look like the Bill of Rights.

In a similar industry with mega-million-dollar salaries; the sports industry, many of the same issues are there; the mistreatment of underlings, the monetary caste system. But, one thing is noticeably absent: Sports figures do not commly mistake themselves for political analysts. Sports figures generally approach things from a business perspective, they play for a decade or so, take the money, buy a car dealership, and enjoy the good life.

Why can't Liberal Hollywood just shut up and entertain us?

[Mr.Atos]

I'd repeat Laura's slogan, "Shut up and Sing," but Bruce has NEVER even been capable of that, so I'll stick with the latter half with personal embellishment...

"mr. springsteen? Shut the hell up! ...until you can offer - well - anything to the legacy of mankind."

Atos

[Mr.Atos]

... Or maybe that should have read 'former,' as in 'just shut up!' Oh well, at least I get to say it again a different way:

Hey bruce... you should be careful about offering your unsolicited opinions. It would spare you the embarrassment of learning what little value they actually have.

Atos

[Mr.Atos]

This is a great opportunity to let this worthless 'has-been' know what YOU think. An LTE (Letter to the Editor) is only 150 to 300 words, and in many cases can be submitted online (but send it on paper for effect). Be thoughtful and clear and flame this crumb. Send your comments to the New York Times.

Atos