October 11th - Bands Against Bush International Day of Action
October 11, 2003 7:01 AM Subscribe
Today is the Bands Against Bush International Day of Action. They're
encouraging people to get out and go see a band in their local area in protest against George W Bush's presidency. But other than a piece in Rolling Stone and another in
Careless Talk Costs Lives magazine, I don't think they've got much in the way of coverage. I'd hate to see all their effort go to waste. Or is informing people about the event on the day itself too late? Would you be able to organise something in time? Well, no. But bands like Radiohead and Coldplay are always going on about how political they are - now let's see them do something about it in the future.
Look, the A has a circle around it! CUTE!
Yeah man, FIGHT THE POWER!
posted by angry modem at 7:58 AM on October 11, 2003
Yeah man, FIGHT THE POWER!
posted by angry modem at 7:58 AM on October 11, 2003
I'd hate to see all their effort go to waste.
Yeah, that would be a real fucking shame.
posted by Ayn Marx at 8:26 AM on October 11, 2003
Yeah, that would be a real fucking shame.
posted by Ayn Marx at 8:26 AM on October 11, 2003
They'll do worse than go to waste, in all probability. Too many straight out anti-Bush campaigns might provoke an equal and opposite reaction....
It's like the war opposition. There were of course lots of legitimate questions to ask about the war, lots of legitimate reasons not to do it the way the Bush admin did it. But by and large, it seemed like there was a large body of those opposing it that couldn't actually get it together and post a sufficiently cogent front to be taken seriously rather than dismissed as naive hippies.
posted by weston at 9:00 AM on October 11, 2003
It's like the war opposition. There were of course lots of legitimate questions to ask about the war, lots of legitimate reasons not to do it the way the Bush admin did it. But by and large, it seemed like there was a large body of those opposing it that couldn't actually get it together and post a sufficiently cogent front to be taken seriously rather than dismissed as naive hippies.
posted by weston at 9:00 AM on October 11, 2003
It's been my observations that most of the people who were opposed to the war were as naive as those that supported it.
This whole country is in a really sad state of affairs right now.
posted by klaruz at 9:15 AM on October 11, 2003
This whole country is in a really sad state of affairs right now.
posted by klaruz at 9:15 AM on October 11, 2003
d00ds, when Bush hears about all this he's going to, like, de-hire himself!!!!
posted by dhoyt at 9:51 AM on October 11, 2003
posted by dhoyt at 9:51 AM on October 11, 2003
Isn't some group of C&W types doing some sort of pro-Bush, anti-Dixie Chicks tour?
Otherwise, this sort of reminds me of the banner I saw a picture of at an anti-WTO protest, which said, "Abolish Capitalism and Replace It With Something Good!"
Are they *sure* smoking marijuana doesn't make your kids stupid?
posted by kablam at 10:17 AM on October 11, 2003
Otherwise, this sort of reminds me of the banner I saw a picture of at an anti-WTO protest, which said, "Abolish Capitalism and Replace It With Something Good!"
Are they *sure* smoking marijuana doesn't make your kids stupid?
posted by kablam at 10:17 AM on October 11, 2003
It's a good idea, but really an empty statement--it doesn't have the attention of the mass media, and the people in power certainly aren't paying attention--we saw millions and millions protesting around the world against the war, yet that really did nothing. It's depressing...voting is our only hope, so i hope there'll be voter registration forms at each and every one of those concerts and performances.
posted by amberglow at 10:51 AM on October 11, 2003
posted by amberglow at 10:51 AM on October 11, 2003
"...voting is our only hope"
Voting? You honestly believe Gore had a chance? Even if you don't accept that the last election was rigged, if Gore had gotten in there instead of Bush do you honestly believe that we wouldn't have gone to war with Iraq? You honestly believe the people they let us vote for are actually running this country? That they aren't three steps ahead of us and have their buttcheeks duct taped together? That the common man really has a say in his own destiny? We're obviously not on the same planet.
We would have at the very least bombed Afghanistan, and eventually the need to finish what we started with the Gulf War woulda been too much. Saddam made America and the U.N. look impotent. The Powers That Be were not going to tolerate it, but don't for a second think this was all Shrub's idea. There's a lot more heads involved than one that can be taken out by a pretzel.
Voting isn't the answer any more than going to bands is. Who came up with this? I go see local bands all the time and it makes not a dent in politics. That's like saying go square dancing for world hunger, or go see a hockey game in honor of world peace. Who comes up with this shit?
I was out there that day. There were demonstrators in downtown Dallas. They organized themselves in front of the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center, where I worked at the time. They were a human parade with banners and signs and chants. There were a dozen or so men from the Middle East who attended, and at noon they faced themselves towards Mecca and prayed to their God for World Peace, and then they got in line with people of every color and creed and gender and lifestyle and they marched the streets of Dallas. They passed where Kennedy shed his blood and they passed where media conglomerates have taken root today so if something like that ever happens again this time they won't miss out. The parade marched up and down those streets and felt very good about themselves. They felt like they made a difference. The media conglomerates stood motionless with barely a glance towards the protesters.
I went back inside and finished my shift. And I knew then as I know now. What well over seven thousand souls now know. It made no difference. I have hope, but not in voting. Voting didn't get us where we are. We're here in spite of the popular vote.
posted by ZachsMind at 11:17 AM on October 11, 2003
Voting? You honestly believe Gore had a chance? Even if you don't accept that the last election was rigged, if Gore had gotten in there instead of Bush do you honestly believe that we wouldn't have gone to war with Iraq? You honestly believe the people they let us vote for are actually running this country? That they aren't three steps ahead of us and have their buttcheeks duct taped together? That the common man really has a say in his own destiny? We're obviously not on the same planet.
We would have at the very least bombed Afghanistan, and eventually the need to finish what we started with the Gulf War woulda been too much. Saddam made America and the U.N. look impotent. The Powers That Be were not going to tolerate it, but don't for a second think this was all Shrub's idea. There's a lot more heads involved than one that can be taken out by a pretzel.
Voting isn't the answer any more than going to bands is. Who came up with this? I go see local bands all the time and it makes not a dent in politics. That's like saying go square dancing for world hunger, or go see a hockey game in honor of world peace. Who comes up with this shit?
I was out there that day. There were demonstrators in downtown Dallas. They organized themselves in front of the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center, where I worked at the time. They were a human parade with banners and signs and chants. There were a dozen or so men from the Middle East who attended, and at noon they faced themselves towards Mecca and prayed to their God for World Peace, and then they got in line with people of every color and creed and gender and lifestyle and they marched the streets of Dallas. They passed where Kennedy shed his blood and they passed where media conglomerates have taken root today so if something like that ever happens again this time they won't miss out. The parade marched up and down those streets and felt very good about themselves. They felt like they made a difference. The media conglomerates stood motionless with barely a glance towards the protesters.
I went back inside and finished my shift. And I knew then as I know now. What well over seven thousand souls now know. It made no difference. I have hope, but not in voting. Voting didn't get us where we are. We're here in spite of the popular vote.
posted by ZachsMind at 11:17 AM on October 11, 2003
I have hope, but not in voting. Voting didn't get us where we are. We're here in spite of the popular vote.
So what do you have hope in then? What do you suggest?
If all the people who are going to see these bands actually voted in 2000 we wouldn't have gotten bush as pres, no matter what shit they did. If all the same people vote next year, we'll be rid of him. Revolution is the only other option, and that ain't gonna happen. Younger people don't vote in at all the numbers they should--they should learn from senior citizens, who vote in far larger numbers and get attention paid to their issues and concerns. There are millions of people 18-35 who sit home during elections and they shouldn't--there would be no such thing as a close election in this country next year if everyone who's pissed at Bush comes out and votes--there's only so much fraud they can perpetrate, and by sitting home you help them get away with all sorts of shit.
posted by amberglow at 11:32 AM on October 11, 2003
So what do you have hope in then? What do you suggest?
If all the people who are going to see these bands actually voted in 2000 we wouldn't have gotten bush as pres, no matter what shit they did. If all the same people vote next year, we'll be rid of him. Revolution is the only other option, and that ain't gonna happen. Younger people don't vote in at all the numbers they should--they should learn from senior citizens, who vote in far larger numbers and get attention paid to their issues and concerns. There are millions of people 18-35 who sit home during elections and they shouldn't--there would be no such thing as a close election in this country next year if everyone who's pissed at Bush comes out and votes--there's only so much fraud they can perpetrate, and by sitting home you help them get away with all sorts of shit.
posted by amberglow at 11:32 AM on October 11, 2003
Today is the Bands Against Bush International Day of Action
Translation: Today is "Bands Who Otherwise Suck Ass, Trying To Garner A Miniscule Following Utilizing Some New Promotional Device" aka - BWOSATTGAMFUSNPD.
Go Cubs!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:54 PM on October 11, 2003
Translation: Today is "Bands Who Otherwise Suck Ass, Trying To Garner A Miniscule Following Utilizing Some New Promotional Device" aka - BWOSATTGAMFUSNPD.
Go Cubs!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:54 PM on October 11, 2003
I didn't sit at home last time. I wasted my time and went out and voted. Texas is a republican state. Bush came from here. My vote may or may not have been counted. Not relevant. What is relevant is that my voice (in the form of my vote) was not heard, and I would be wasting my time again if I went to vote again. Especially since the bastard republicans have so effed up the district map in this state as to further squelch my vote and my voice.
It's a joke. A farce. Perpetuated by people who still put hope and faith in the system as it stands now. You're right in saying revolution isn't possible. Although Jefferson said revolution is a good thing, and admittedly we're way overdue, this isn't the time. They're sacrificing freedom for security. They're scared. They're shooting first and not bothering to ask questions later. Revolution would be unwise.
What do I suggest? I suggest going to see local bands because local bands kick major ass. I don't suggest doing it to make some political message, because in doing so you're not saying anything, and no one's listening anyway. What do I suggest? I suggest looking up and watching the stars go out. That's what I suggest.
posted by ZachsMind at 1:06 PM on October 11, 2003
It's a joke. A farce. Perpetuated by people who still put hope and faith in the system as it stands now. You're right in saying revolution isn't possible. Although Jefferson said revolution is a good thing, and admittedly we're way overdue, this isn't the time. They're sacrificing freedom for security. They're scared. They're shooting first and not bothering to ask questions later. Revolution would be unwise.
What do I suggest? I suggest going to see local bands because local bands kick major ass. I don't suggest doing it to make some political message, because in doing so you're not saying anything, and no one's listening anyway. What do I suggest? I suggest looking up and watching the stars go out. That's what I suggest.
posted by ZachsMind at 1:06 PM on October 11, 2003
cheer up Zach, or move to a democratic state. : >
my vote counts and yours does too. How did Ann Richards (who i love) get to be governor there anyway?
posted by amberglow at 1:14 PM on October 11, 2003
my vote counts and yours does too. How did Ann Richards (who i love) get to be governor there anyway?
posted by amberglow at 1:14 PM on October 11, 2003
ZachsMind: We're obviously not on the same planet.
Um, I think you've made that quite clear.
posted by Ayn Marx at 3:13 PM on October 11, 2003
Um, I think you've made that quite clear.
posted by Ayn Marx at 3:13 PM on October 11, 2003
To all you future voters out there: I hope you realize that the world has changed when you weren't paying attention.
Virtually everything you are freaking out about was already done, and happily, by democrats during the Wilson and Roosevelt administrations. Except that they took longer, being incompetent. Most of the "liberals" who rule wanted Al Gore's national ID cards, they wanted tougher airport security and all the other invasive "Homeland Security" bullshit. THEY WANTED IT. The endless war against a shadowy enemy. The "feel good" budget deficits.
But most of all, they wanted it to be THEIR IDEA. To get THE CREDIT for it. They wanted to loll the power around on their tongues because they like the taste.
AND I CAN PROVE IT.
When Bush and the republicans go, eventually, I bet you not a goddamn one of those fascist laws are repealed.
Just like the "War on Drugs."
And you'll still be rooting for them, I bet, just like the republican supporters root for their "team." Hoping against hope they won't fuck things up worse, and ignoring the fact that it's all they do.
So, bash the other guy and live in the satisfaction of knowing that you are a tool.
posted by kablam at 5:00 PM on October 11, 2003
Virtually everything you are freaking out about was already done, and happily, by democrats during the Wilson and Roosevelt administrations. Except that they took longer, being incompetent. Most of the "liberals" who rule wanted Al Gore's national ID cards, they wanted tougher airport security and all the other invasive "Homeland Security" bullshit. THEY WANTED IT. The endless war against a shadowy enemy. The "feel good" budget deficits.
But most of all, they wanted it to be THEIR IDEA. To get THE CREDIT for it. They wanted to loll the power around on their tongues because they like the taste.
AND I CAN PROVE IT.
When Bush and the republicans go, eventually, I bet you not a goddamn one of those fascist laws are repealed.
Just like the "War on Drugs."
And you'll still be rooting for them, I bet, just like the republican supporters root for their "team." Hoping against hope they won't fuck things up worse, and ignoring the fact that it's all they do.
So, bash the other guy and live in the satisfaction of knowing that you are a tool.
posted by kablam at 5:00 PM on October 11, 2003
Although Jefferson said revolution is a good thing, and admittedly we're way overdue, this isn't the time.
Well, he actually said rebellion, not revolution, was a good thing "every now and then." And that might have made a lot of sense in the late 18th Century, when the world was run by dictators and monarchs, and the notion of "democracy" was unheard of. But now we have a revolution every four to eight years -- it's just bloodless.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:00 PM on October 11, 2003
Well, he actually said rebellion, not revolution, was a good thing "every now and then." And that might have made a lot of sense in the late 18th Century, when the world was run by dictators and monarchs, and the notion of "democracy" was unheard of. But now we have a revolution every four to eight years -- it's just bloodless.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:00 PM on October 11, 2003
Kablam, bravo.
really.
it would be cool if there were a site like metafilter but with people like you around in the majority.
it's something especially evident in the American political system... people that opt to just root for their team rather than to think for themselves. The desire to belong to the right crowd?
posted by bokononito at 8:29 PM on October 11, 2003
really.
it would be cool if there were a site like metafilter but with people like you around in the majority.
it's something especially evident in the American political system... people that opt to just root for their team rather than to think for themselves. The desire to belong to the right crowd?
posted by bokononito at 8:29 PM on October 11, 2003
So what do you have hope in then? What do you suggest?
Armed fucking revolution.
But now we have a revolution every four to eight years -- it's just bloodless.
Hardly. Just the opposite, in fact. You have further consolidation of power every four years.
it would be cool if there were a site like metafilter but with people like you around in the majority.
Yeah, that'd be sooo sweeet, man. What a radical concept, that the Democrats and Republicans are exactly the same, and, like, simple-minded two-party politics and the tendency of Americans to identify with one party or another, is, like, bad, man! Blow my mind, dude! And interspersing the point with RANDOM CAPITALIZED words is an awesome discussion tactic. Totally cool. Not only that, but ending a post with 'live in the satisfaction of knowing that you are a tool'...Shit, I want to subscribe to his newsletter!
Cough.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 8:50 PM on October 11, 2003
Armed fucking revolution.
But now we have a revolution every four to eight years -- it's just bloodless.
Hardly. Just the opposite, in fact. You have further consolidation of power every four years.
it would be cool if there were a site like metafilter but with people like you around in the majority.
Yeah, that'd be sooo sweeet, man. What a radical concept, that the Democrats and Republicans are exactly the same, and, like, simple-minded two-party politics and the tendency of Americans to identify with one party or another, is, like, bad, man! Blow my mind, dude! And interspersing the point with RANDOM CAPITALIZED words is an awesome discussion tactic. Totally cool. Not only that, but ending a post with 'live in the satisfaction of knowing that you are a tool'...Shit, I want to subscribe to his newsletter!
Cough.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 8:50 PM on October 11, 2003
When Bush and the republicans go, eventually, I bet you not a goddamn one of those fascist laws are repealed.
I'll take that bet--a thousand bucks (for real). You man enough? or a tool?
posted by amberglow at 9:15 PM on October 11, 2003
I'll take that bet--a thousand bucks (for real). You man enough? or a tool?
posted by amberglow at 9:15 PM on October 11, 2003
I hardly hang out in the shadows trharlan. You, I'm not so sure about.
My jeremiad, as you characterize it, was a little bit of satire intended to point to how sophomoric discourse has apparently become in these parts when someone is roundly praised (in this case, kablam, above) for typing up what is nothing more than a self-evident truism.
Saving one's praise for those who actually have something interesting to say is my implied remedy.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 10:52 PM on October 11, 2003
My jeremiad, as you characterize it, was a little bit of satire intended to point to how sophomoric discourse has apparently become in these parts when someone is roundly praised (in this case, kablam, above) for typing up what is nothing more than a self-evident truism.
Saving one's praise for those who actually have something interesting to say is my implied remedy.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 10:52 PM on October 11, 2003
Stav, while your little jeremiad is awfully cute, you managed to chew up a paragraph while saying absolutely nothing.
Yeah, this seems to happen a lot.
posted by angry modem at 1:11 AM on October 12, 2003
Yeah, this seems to happen a lot.
posted by angry modem at 1:11 AM on October 12, 2003
In the immortal words of the late Frank Zappa: Shut up and play yer guitar.
posted by kindall at 9:48 AM on October 12, 2003
posted by kindall at 9:48 AM on October 12, 2003
But bands like Radiohead and Coldplay are always going on about how political they are - now let's see them do something about it in the future.
Good grief, if those two bands are your choice to lead the revolution, than you've already lost.
Besides, good music and good politics have very little to do with eachother. For instance, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Utah Phillips, and Disposible Heroes Of Hip Hoprisy. All very politically aware, courageous, and I have no doubt deeply commited to what they believe in. Too bad their music sucks. And music is why I buy records or see shows.
Conversley, Johnny Ramone jeered anti-war protestors, Ted Nugent is a firearms buff and publicly Republican, and Bob Dylan has openly embraced right-wing ideals on occasion. But I'll still listen to all three till the day I die.
posted by jonmc at 6:48 AM on October 13, 2003
Good grief, if those two bands are your choice to lead the revolution, than you've already lost.
Besides, good music and good politics have very little to do with eachother. For instance, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Utah Phillips, and Disposible Heroes Of Hip Hoprisy. All very politically aware, courageous, and I have no doubt deeply commited to what they believe in. Too bad their music sucks. And music is why I buy records or see shows.
Conversley, Johnny Ramone jeered anti-war protestors, Ted Nugent is a firearms buff and publicly Republican, and Bob Dylan has openly embraced right-wing ideals on occasion. But I'll still listen to all three till the day I die.
posted by jonmc at 6:48 AM on October 13, 2003
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posted by Damienmce at 7:43 AM on October 11, 2003