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.

[L.N. Smithee]

What part of "it's time to impeach the president" don't you understand?

[Porterville]

I wonder if this make Bruce a member of a "hate group" according to the Fresno HRC??

[L.N. Smithee]

I'm sure he doesn't like Bush, but his impeachment comment was *tongue-in-cheek*. He always has lighthearted comments when he introduces Clarence. He proclaimed Clarence the next president of the United States in '99 with Al Gore in the audience. In London, he said he was the next king of England. In California, he was introduced as the next governor of California.

Bruce spoke up for the Dixie Chicks, and knows what they said, which didn't even come close to suggesting that Bush be replaced. He could have made his "tongue-in-cheek" comments about Clarence being the next president without mentioned impeachment or the "mess." Those references take the introduction out of the realm of humor and into the realm of serious, real-life issues.

If you want to believe that this was an innocent remark blown out of proportion, you must think that Bruce is an idiot, inviting Dixie Chicks treatment when he doesn't didn't have to.

[badlands57]

Another common misperception seems to be that Bruce said he agreed with what the Dixie Chicks said. Actually, all he did was stand up for their right to free speech:

"The Dixie Chicks have taken a big hit lately for exercising their basic right to express themselves, To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American. The pressure coming from the government and big business to enforce conformity of thought concerning the war and politics goes against everything that this country is about - namely freedom. Right now, we are supposedly fighting to create free speech in Iraq, at the same time that some are trying to intimidate and punish people for using that same freedom here at home. I don't know what happens next, but I do want to add my voice to those who think that the Dixie Chicks are getting a raw deal, and an un-American one to boot. I send them my support."

[L.N. Smithee]

Another common misperception seems to be that Bruce said he agreed with what the Dixie Chicks said. Actually, all he did was stand up for their right to free speech:

I posted a blistering response to Bruce's comments in a thread that either has been deleted or that I can't locate. Rest assured, I am familiar with Springsteen's fatuous comments.

Freedom of speech goes both ways -- the Dixie Chicks and Michael Savage alike have a right to free speech, and when they use it in a manner that offends, others will use their right to free speech to make life difficult for them.

Bruce is arguing with a straw man of his (and others') creation. Nobody has said the DitzChix didn't have a right to free speech. What Bruce said is that criticism of their comments are denying them that right, which is highest-magnitude compost.

[NEW YORKCITYGOPMAN]

NEW YORK REGION | September 15, 2003
The Bottom Line,
Village Club May Face Swan Song Over Rent
By JIM DWYER (NYT)

Well, I have a good cause for Bruce Springsteen and other musicians to get involved with. The Bottom Line, home to Springsteen's memorable 10 night stand in 1975 is in danger of closing, the New York Times is reporting today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/15/nyregion/15LINE.html

[NEW YORKCITYGOPMAN]

The Bottom Line is really a marvelous place to see a show, for those of you who may not have been there yet. It really is the kind of venue which has something for everybody. I have seen such performers there in recent years ranging from Billy Idol to Tony Orlando to Gary Lewis and the Playboys. No wisecracks, please about my 'eclectic' tastes. But if this club is to close, try to see a show there before it does.

[NEW YORKCITYGOPMAN]

I said Springsteen played 10 nights at the Bottom Line in
1975, but I think it was 5 nights, 10 shows. Can someone confirm this? Thanks. Bottom Line now has a page describing the situation they face:

http://www.bottomlinecabaret.com/

[sully777]

Yes, i seem to remember the No Nukes Movie. Bruce is holding back the tears, talking about his sister getting pregnant out of wedlock and how the song The River was dedicated to her. And the girl's name in the song is Mary. I keep thinking this is factual but I've got to find a No Nukes DVD/Video and play it for final proof. If it proves wrong I apologize in advance.

As for drugs. Yes, he was a druggy at one point in his life/career. He alludes to the effects of drugs in Blinded By The Light. Don't know when he stopped (probably around the time he started weightlifting, though I know weightlifting never stopped Arnold from puffing the magic dragon). Don't know if he was a casual user or hard-core. Can't speak for the behind the scenes stuff later in his life.

I think he was a scum when he slept with his back-up singer under the eyes of a much prettier Ms. Phillips. Oh well, no accounting for taste on all sides.

Positive side of Bruce: When he is in the mood, he gives an awesome show.

[brucerocks]

I do believe I have found a website of the MOST narrow minded dolts on earth. Why don't you all get off your high right wing conserative horses and use what little brain matter you have.

First of all, Bruce Springsteen ALWAYS introduces Clarence Clemons in a manner similar to the one he did in D.C. Last night in Chapel Hill, home of Univ. of North Carolina,he introduced him as 'there is only one Big Man on campus tonight, Clarence Clemons.' Yes, it is true that Bruce is no big fan of GWB. But he has NEVER said anything except POSITIVE things about the troops fighting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just because you don't support GWB DOES NOT MEAN YOU DON'T SUPPORT THE TROOPS!! They have nothing to do with each other. If that were the case, then more than half the voters in this country from the last election would not support the troops. If you recall, more than 50% of the people who voted that day voted AGAINST GWB. So are you saying those people are all against the troops fighting the war? I dare to say that there are probably many sons and daughters of people who voted against GWB who are over in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for the freedoms this country has.

Lighten up people!! Don't take yourselves so seriously. And if you have no idea what your talking about, especially when it comes to the subject of Bruce, then it is best to keep your mouths shut or else you will end up looking like the dolts you are.

"When he is in the mood, he gives an awesome show." Every show is an awesome show, period.

[Fred Mertz]

And if you have no idea what your talking about, especially when it comes to the subject of Bruce, then it is best to keep your mouths shut or else you will end up looking like the dolts you are.

And what qualifies you to be the 'expert' on Bruce?

[Hildy]

Why do you have to tear down this guys' talent because you don't agree with his politics? Springsteen is an icon, a trendsetter. He has a place in music history. So he's misguided politically...something seems to happen to performers when they become so wealthy that they don't mix with the public anymore. I have my theories, but who really cares? To tear down his talent makes you all seems so petty. And by the way, these Springsteen threads are being posted on music boards across the country and they're all laughing. And I believe rightfully so.

[brucerocks]

"And what qualifies you to be the 'expert' on Bruce?"

First of all, I never said I was "the expert" on Bruce. You are just another example of someone twisting words that no one actually said or wrote. I am 'an expert' on Bruce because I have followed his career since 1974, grew up on the Jersey shore, met him personally on many occasions, and have been involved in many of the charity fundraisers he has done for the homeless and various food banks he supports. That's what qualifies me.

What qualifies you?

[Hildy]

Hey there...listen I know you came here via a music board or something and I understand what you're saying. You'll never change anyone's mind here. I'm betting that most of the people on this particular thread are not really music fans to begin with. But FreeRepublic is not about music, it's about politics. If you don't agree with us, that's fine. There are other websites catering to all political persuasions. I'm just telling you you'll post till your blue in the face, your blood pressure will go up and you'll accomplish nothing! But these are good people here, with good hearts...just a different take on the world than you. By the way... I love Springsteen, have since I was 16 (I'm 44 now). He can say anything he wants, and it will never take away from how brilliant he is.

[LanPB01]

Apparently Newsmax has picked up this non-story, and is quoting the Freeper that originally published it.

[brucerocks]

I am not trying to change anybody's mind. I just want them to open their eyes. When I read posts that basically say 'Bruce wants the President impeached, that means he is against the troops fighting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan' I cringe to think people are so narrow minded that they connect those two issues. They are totally independent of one another. My neighbor can't stand GWB, but his son is over in Iraq fighting for the cause. Do you think he doesn't support the troops because he voted against GWB? There are people on this thread who have posted that Bruce has said he is against the troops, which is utter crap!! He has NEVER said such things. And people here think the media puts spin on issues? Please.

I know I would never change people's minds here, and I wouldn't even want to try. All I am saying, is that before you shoot your mouth off about someone or something, get all the facts straight first. Very simple.

Thanks.

[Hildy]

Why do you care what people on a bulletin board say? The people on this board don't care about Bruce as much as you obviously do. It's not that anyone's eyes are closed anyway...we're all just looking in different directions. Do you understand what I'm saying?

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Thanks for signing up today to share your insights about this putz. Bruce was entertaining a long, long time ago. Now he just stinks...like the Meadowlands.

[Dems_R_Losers]

It's a Bruce thang......they don't understand.

[F16Fighter]

"From a guy who uses fake national patriotism to sell his music?"

BINGO...

Bruce -- Man of the people?? Baloney. Springsteen is proven to be an embarrassing fraud AND an elitist.