Why my next book will be about Bruce Springsteen
July 26, 2011
No, I’m not happy about the concessions President Obama is making to the right wing in a last, desperate attempt to save us all from a constitutional and financial meltdown whose consequences most of us can’t even imagine.
The belligerent–and (though I think it’s juvenile to make fun of people’s names) boehnheaded Republican leadership represented by John Boehner (and cheered on from afar by newly-minted millionaire Sarah Palin, who wants to keep all she’s got) would be willing to sink the ship on which we all find ourselves in 2011 in order to drown the president in 2012.
There’s a word for that. The word is “treason.”
President Obama has been forced to abandon his hopes of moving us forward. Now it’s all hands on deck to save us from drowning.
Among those whom I’d guess are sickened by the way the Republican right has dragged us all into this Sargasso Sea of self-destructive selfishness is Bruce Springsteen.
It was my admiration for the way Springsteen has maintained his artistic integrity over forty years–even as he matured and came to see that rock and roll was not in and of itself a cure for the human condition– that first interested me in writing about him.
Not to mention my flat out love for his music, both with and without the E Street Band.
But what’s come to interest me about him more, the more I’ve learned, has been my growing awareness of his unwavering concern about the gap–now a chasm–between the glorious promise that America once offered and the sordid reality of 21st century capitalism and the blighted political system that supports it.
The extraordinary journalist/essayist Mikal Gilmore interviewed Springsteen almost twenty-five years ago for a story included in Night Beat: A Shadow History of Rock & Roll.
Here’s what Bruce Springsteen said, in 1987:
“The idea of America as a family is naive, maybe sentimental or simplistic, but it’s a good idea. And if people are sick and hurting and lost, I guess it falls on everybody to address these problems in some fashion. Because injustice, and the price of that injustice, falls on everyone’s heads. The economic injustice falls on everyone’s head and steals everyone’s freedom. Your wife can’t walk down the street at night. People keep guns in their homes. They live with a greater sense of apprehension, anxiety, and fear than they would in a more just and open society. It’s not an accident, and it’s not simply that there are ‘bad’ people out there. It’s an inbred part of the way that we are all living. It’s a product of what we have accepted, what we have acceded to. And whether we mean it or not, our silence has spoken for us in some fashion.”
How much worse is it now, almost twenty-five years later?
Boehner says sink the ship and Sarah says reload.
And even those of us who can converse on the internet are not the real victims.
The real victims are those who cannot.
Posted in 2012, Joe McGinniss, Obama, Sarah Palin, Tea Party, The Rogue | 
Tags: boehner, bruce springsteen, mikal gilmore, republican, sargasso sea, treason
36 Responses to “Why my next book will be about Bruce Springsteen”
May I ask a qu about a past book of yours, please? Cruel Doubt, which I finished last night. Could not put it down. My question: Do you think if Bonnie had gathered up her $2M and moved with her son and daughter to Mexico right after, that it would have been a better outcome? The idea of one’s son in jail, even though he talks positively about it at the end of the book, is just too much for me. Do you know how she and her children are doing now? I was haunted by this story all day. Did you have an opinion about what YOU would have done had you been in Bonnie’s place that would have been better?
Reading it makes me even more eager (if that is possible) to read your upcoming book. The complexity of the story in Cruel Doubt (but always told so as to be understandable), its gradual unfolding, its multiple points of view, your terrific story-telling — I sure hope you can do as well with the Palin story, which is even harder to tell well (no one has done it well enough to catch fire yet, so that is your Mission Impossible, Mr McG, should you decide to accept it — oh, wait, you already have! Great! Fabulous!! . . Because the subject matter of the Palin book affects us all, as you said in your first sentences. I too am just sick that we can’t get the gov’t to SPEND aggressively (to get us out of the depression + do infrastructure work), tax the wealthiest among us, get out of the wars — well, y’all know all the et ceteras. And instead we are facing the fall of the Roman empire. I would be even more scared if I could fathom it.
I wonder what bruce would say today 25 years later.
extreme wealth and celeb status changes people.
hard to name a single person who threatened theirs by speaking truth to the system.
Jim brown.. Ali….at least tried.
cant come up with a single name since them………….
as far as obama goes, maybe if he had taken on the republicans from day one he might have more support but ever progressive intellectual I am aware of views him as a disaster who at his best is nothing more then a shill for wall street interests.
as far as the debt talks go lets be honest here, obama put SS and Medicare on the table.
I don’t sense this blog is the place for these arguments but the hideous carl rove was correct when he said “obamas main weakness is his weakness”.
Thanks for that thoughtful reading of Cruel Doubt and comment.
Bonnie Von Stein wanted justice done. She wanted those who murdered her husband, and who almost murdered her, to face the consequences of their actions, even if one of them was her own son.
It was a horrific story. Writing it, especially after FATAL VISION and BLIND FAITH, left me psychologically and emotionally drained.
I’d never second-guess any of Bonnie’s choices. I know she loved both of her children. She sought me out to share with me her story of a nightmare beyond comprehension. When she was done, I wrote the book. She read it. She thanked me for telling the truth. I had to move on. I hope she did, too. I have no further information about her or her children.
In her last role for television, before moving on to movies, Gwyneth Paltrow played the role of Bonnie’s daughter in the NBC miniseries of CRUEL DOUBT. Her mother, Blythe Danner, played the role of Bonnie.
I never stop thinking about the victims–both living and dead–of the tragedies about which I’ve written in my true crime books. It’s why I had to stop writing about such things.
–Joe
I don’t know what Bruce would say today, or tomorrow, but as I move forward with my new book I hope to ask him. I do know that in 1987 he was at the height of his fame, riding the crest of the “Born In The USA” wave, playing open air concerts in stadiums that seated up to 100,000 people.
No one could not be changed by such mega-success. What has impressed me about Bruce is that he seems to have tried to stay true to his roots and values and has managed to raise three children while keeping them out of the limelight.
Think about that. Compare it to Sarah’s filthy milking of her kids for whatever worth they might have for herself.
Nobody’s perfect: not Obama, not Springsteen, not me, and–if I may hazard a guess-not you. Some of us try harder than others to recognize that we’re all taking our short rides on the roller coaster of life and that those who are riding alongside us might matter, too.
–Joe
I don’t disagree.
And for the record, I like Bruce and have seen him do more then most.
I don’t pretend to know what if anything someone need do beyond living their life respectful and aware of other human beings and animals too.
I have never understood the desire to achieve at others expense.
Maybe its as simple as being born with that type of brain.
And yes not even me, though I wish I had the money and influence to see how perfect I really was.
Lovely idea, isn’t it?
I see on Wikipedia that Chris was paroled in 2007 as was one of the other two. How does a 40-yr-old man continue life after a start like his? Yes, truly horrific. For the mother, for the son. Even for the daughter, esp if she was more involved, as you point out at the end. I loved the ice-water clue. I guess the one who had it easiest was the step-Dad, Leith. I kept thinking the undigested chicken and rice was a doggie-bag snack he took home from the restaurant, woke up, ate, returned to sleep.
Two good mothers: Bonnie (who wanted the guilty to be exposed) and Jackie-O (who seemed not to care — “It won’t bring him back,” she said). But then, I bet Jackie knew, more or less, based on her intelligence and being so well connected. Even if we don’t.
Thanks for responding, Joe.
Your last sentence really struck me. I often forget about how the internet makes so many of us feel that we are not alone in our hopes for this country. The people with no hope cannot even see that there are some who care. How frustrating that must be and how filled with honest anger some of them may become. Very sad. Heartbreaking.
It appears that Speaker Boehner now runs his plans past Rush Limbaugh first!
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/07/25/john-boehner-briefed-rush-limbaugh-on-debt-plan-before-showing-it-to-his-own-conference/
+ + + +
(snippet) “Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) outlined the GOP’s debt-ceiling plan to conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh on Monday before showing it to his conference. On Monday during his radio program, Limbaugh talked about the call he received from Boehner. Limbaugh’s support of the plan would be advantageous to Republicans because it might help rally the conservative base.” […]
As Joe says, this is nothing short of treason. The right-wing “leaders” and pundits are pursuing a path of worldwide economic destruction (but not for them), for nothing less than pure unadulterated potential political power in 2012! A morally depraved, self-serving lot they are, with no loyalties whatsoever to their oaths of office or country. The despicable cast of characters determined to uproot our country: John Boehner, Rush Limbaugh, Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch, the Koch brothers, Glen Beck, and lastly, the Wasilla housewife (!) Sarah Palin. Quite the evil juggernaut, and I truly hope President Obama can withstand it.
P.S. I read on Palingates that all of the websites for the House members crashed earlier today. Question is, did they crash because their constituents were giving them a piece of their minds, or did they just turn off the power and go back to their drinking party chez Boehner?
I am a moderate and in the past, I have voted for both Republican and Democratic candidates (let me add, I never voted for George Bush). However, the R’s have gone further to the right than I ever thought possible. It’s an attitude in Washington and within the general R population that states “I have mine and to hell with you”. Thanks to the Republicans, the rich are richer, the poor are poorer and those in the middle are headed toward the poorer side of town. Some of these folks even express a desire to do away with public education – one of the only means by which people can get out of poverty.
And now they hate this President so much, they are willing to risk all our economic futures with default. This is not about spending (R’s raised the debt ceiling 19 times under Bush without a fuss), this is about hate. Hatred for President Obama is such that they would sink the ship of our United States in order to make him a one-term President. Yes, I agree that this is treason.
And as you say Joe, this is my land too. So, I make a pledge today that I will vote Republican no more forever. This means a no vote for Olympia Snowe in 2012. She may not be guilty of treason, but to use Sarah’s words, she pals around with those who are.
As you say, Joe, nobody’s perfect. I know that well – one of my own flaws, that has really held me back and caused pain to myself and others, is my excessive modesty.
Thank you, this post is powerful. And I agree 100%: the Republicans and Tea Party adherents who are cheering for default should be arrested and charged with treason or sedition.
Lest we forget, President Obama inherited a dire economic sitution on day one. On day one, the GOP created the Tea Party, built on hate, (with the media’s help) , one of their tools, Palin another, to make our President a one term president. They don’t care about the people, only about their greed and power. According to Business Insider, Hedge Fund managers are filling Bohner’s coffers,he runs to Rush with his plan,really, we all know this is not about us. I give President Obama a lot of credit for all he has been able to acomplish under these circumstances. Remember, these guys were singing happy birthday to Bush, while we were falling down the rabbit hole. Was Grover Norquist elected, Hell No! yet he has this hold on the GOP, where is the outrage!Elections do have consquences, perhaps people have awaken and will vote with their eyes wide open in 2012.
Thank you for using the word “treason”. It is what I have felt about these people since Bush cut taxes while erasing the surplus he inherited by spending money on the unnecessary war in Iraq and all the costs that went with it. All the freedoms they took away from us were a treason of sort — unfortunately with help from the Democrats who seemed to support everything that horrid President wanted.
My heritage is Republican but I turned on that during the Clinton administration when I saw how relentless they were in spending tax money to find anything at all they could use against him. That they ended up impeaching him for lying about an affair was ludicrous and hysterical given their own proclivities. But, since Obama took over they have done absolutely nothing to help him help the country and so to me they are traitors. Thank you for finally saying so. While they have so undercut him — and the will of the country as shown by his overwhelming election — I know that it is not Obama alone. I know that had the President been Hilary Clinton, or any other strong Democrat, they would have been as brutal and maybe more so. They are beyond dispicable.
I did as President Obama asked this morning, and sent emails to my congressmen first thing this morning. I really enjoyed telling the repub how unhappy I am with the GOP. I think I’ll be doing it more often. I hope I helped crash their systems!
The Republicans have become something republicans of the past would despise, not that most humans are saints and above self interest or greed once they make their pile.
The Tea Party is a ship of fools steering us into deep and dangerous waters.
I like that last sentence. It would be nice if some of our leaders shared this view. I’ve never seen such egregious behavior.
I emailed my Congressman. Kansas elected a very conservative bunch of Repubs in 2010. Have any of you read Thomas Frank’s “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” Voters don’t vote their own best interests. They BELIEVE that Repub Bull and everytime they are betrayed by it. We are deep in Repub bullshit here in the Midwest.
I am truly truly very very afraid of what is going on right now. I am very disappointed in President Obama for caving on issues that our CENTRAL to what Democrats believe. He should have said NO WAY will we touch Social Security or Medicare, period. The far right is betting on him caving, and he just might…. I have had to stop reading the news because the anxiety over all of this is affecting my health. If they cut Medicare benefits, I think you are going to see more and more seniors and disabled giving up their medicines for food. I hate the way these tea party assholes and Republican assholes talk about these programs using the word Entitlement as if people feel entitled to something they happened to pay into for 25, 35 40 plus years. Disability can happen to anyone, and every one of us gets OLD, and not everyone has family to turn to… There are millions of single elderly people in nursing homes with no one to speak up for them. President Obama should be the loudest voice standing up for the people who need help from government and deserve help from government . These aren’t lazy do-nothings sitting at home with six kids eating bon bons and watching reality television all day. These are sick or older disabled and senior people who have no other medical or financial options.
I have never really been afraid for America before. But I am now. We have idiots like Sarah and Michele Bachmann, Crying Boehner and Droopy McConnell and so on who go on and on and on about things only for their own benefit. Those freshman in the house should be kicked out on their asses in the next election. How can we hope for that if the President doesn’t stand up for what is right ? Enough compromise with these neanderthals. They don’t care at all about the people who serve.
Are we going to be like India or similar countries ? That is where we are headed if we don’t elect leaders who stand up for the middle class.
I don’t blame you Joe for getting away from psychopaths and writing about people who actually have souls.
I think you are smart to do this at time in your life and more people like myself need to hear about and read about people who take their fame and do good for the world.
If all of this chaos doesn’t get voters attention, I cannot image what would. I so hope the Republicans (and Tea Party members) are voted out this next election cycle. President Obama needs our support more than anything in the world right now. Remember him in your thoughts! He has been continual slammed every step of the way since he has taken office…and, he is getting grayer and thinner.
I agree – treason has been committed by Boehner first and forefront. He is ‘unAmerican’!!!
The book coming out in Sept. is about a psychopath.
In their quest to destroy President Obama, the rest of the country is just collateral damage I suppose. I wrote/called my congressman today – even if they are tea partyish, it never hurts to ask.
Bruce WAS college for me. My boyfriend played the sax and thought he was Clarence Clemons – it was dreamy to listen to him play along with Ashbury Park. Please do write that book.
Sarah palin and the people she is representative of – no matter their political persuasion – have been around for most of America’s history. To me, she is like the TOP of the iceberg in representation of all those qualities in a human being that tarnishes everyone else and brings down the whole – into a hole. I won’t speak of the world at this point because America has been one of the world’s leaders in so many things & has seen itself as “exceptional”. It seems that this country has always been about “rogues” and their politics, in one way or another. And mostly, “the people” followed. Some outstanding people stood up to speak the truths in the flesh and in print, to expose the underbelly that has always been a major part of the aggrandized and revisionist history of this country. I don’t speak as “of the people, for the people, by the people”, simply because I have always been an outsider. Political and social conditions here mandated it. Later, I chose to not identify as “american”. I am from the sovereign Ahtna Athabascan Nation who had government and a social culture that preceded anything “american”, and if I or any of my people had decided we would work and live alongside the “culturally diverse” american system and its people, which at a very late date in our history we did – that is the time we began to die. Literally and figuratively. I can count the ways for you that I know of and have lived through just in my own lifetime. At the end, we are a fractured, broken down group whose ailments I believe are incurable as long as we remain under the “american” system that also mandated assimilation into it. Otherwise, generations have not healed from the original onlsaught (genocide). It was a losing prospect from the beginning up until this very day. It will continue into the future, and now this systm is openly eating its own. We as “american” Indians already have experienced what the “real people” of the whites are now (have been for a long time) suffering and will continue to suffer and that is, your own dis-enfranchisement and economic thievery from all that you loved, honored and cherished. This was our land eons and eons before it was stolen. Like now it is being stolen from you. Albeit, in much much worse physical and mental condition than ever was before it was stolen. I know many white (for lack of a better word) American people still get shocked into their senses when they encounter the Indians (myself included) who still do not acknowledge that this land “belongs” to white Americans. We have been insulted, maligned and ignored in that statement of OUR dis-enfranchisement’s. We have never felt “a part of” but a true silent (deliberately pushed aside) and ignored member of the set-up american so called “democratic” system. THIS american government set up its (not ours) own governmental “special” laws to control us while they continue to thieve from us. Sound familiar? Those special laws fall under what is called the “Indian Trust Laws”, of which the latest actions, was the 3.4 billion Cobell settlement for the billions that your Federal government “lost”(read stolen – not unlike those billions sent for the reconstruction of the sovereign nation of Iraq that the american “republican” leadership basically completely polluted and destroyed). Stole way more billions than the settlement gave to those Indians it stole from. No, things have not changed with your government. Only gotten worse. I think honest hearted ones among the overall population are the most shocked, dismayed, angered and in fears at this point, because they “trusted” to a system that allowed them an “american dream” economically, at the most. They only had that a blip in time, but they always paid a price in the losses of their beloved family members through the wars america waged to keep their coffers full. This is also a continuing modus operandi in the grossest and most dangerous of all times where nuclear weaponry, if unleashed on a large scale, would blow us all to dust particles in space. Although this country had a blueprint (also borrowed from the Great Law of Peace Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), to become a free, JUST, and inclusive of our own Sovereign Indian Nations as declared by Treaty, it never ever lived up to this ideal of a REAL Democracy. When I think of how great it truly could have become – Nations within its own parcel Nationhood -of sharing with us – so absolutely unique – and that it could not overcome its own greed and divide and conquer self-centered Manifest Destiny – so symbolic to me of one Sarah Palin – I can only mourn. For all of us. I always bring up my Indian point because it is so important to understand the past. Not forget it nor ignore it. It brought into birth the present and all its woes or joys. Mostly woes. American’s are probably, in my opinion and belief, the most people in denial of any people I have encountered. That denial ALWAYS has a price. Today, it has descended into lunacy and that lunacy stealthily crept into a mindless dangerous leadership without morality and the principles it hypocritically claimed as its “exceptional” position on the globe. It might be ok if it only destroyed those who slam their decadence and lies upon only themselves. These ones without foresight and maturity of judgement, will take everyone down. I protest. I always have. I am alarmed at the point of danger that this system is putting the entire world in. Of course with all its collaborators/colleagues/conspirators – insert whatever word you want for those who are yes men and women who refuse in their lack of character to stand up for justice and right – “of the people, for the people, by the people”. Empty words on dried up parchment. “Its just a goddamned piece of paper” (republican George W. Bush – former president of the united states of america).
I will never stop saying what I am saying. I can’t. So far, american white people won’t listen collectively. We are not a part of this mainstream society. Your reservation system was never protested “by and of the people” of whom your government is supposed to take its orders from. Therefore it appears, we will always be set apart as long as we are not recognized for what International Law, by way of Treaty, mandates: sovereign nations within the borders your ancestry claimed as your land – america. We are the truest silent minority – at the hands of white american society. This was never our plan. It was never our way to exclude ANY people. Divide and conquer – ages old. THAT is what america truly developed. For itself and for the rest of us in humanity. What brings all these thoughts is what we are all fighting for and that is, in essence, an equality of all kinds of justice in a supposed free society – that the few not usurp the many on all levels they are being usurped. Mindless, immature, greedy, grasping, immoral, selfish, violent, murderous people intimidating, fear mongering and bullying the many into submission to a literally crazy religious political tyranny that in no way resembles the true meaning of democracy and freedom. It seems there is a lack of strength to stand up to this entity that can bring this nation and all nations down into the dark ages revisited and at the most blow the gift of earth to nothing but an empty hole in the galaxy. WE ALL BELONG HERE AND WE HAVE TO FIGHT WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF US. OR WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?
I love that you, Mr. McGinniss and all the bloggers who fight or print for truth and justice and right, give what you can for these things. I become encouraged and support all who deal with humans and their rights in all spheres, with care, love and a true “justice for all”. Those rights that are sane, just, inclusive and are for betterment of allowing everyone a voice, to heed those voices, to make those lives uplifted, happy, healthy and provided for, and that allows and plans for the same for their children’s children ten thousand generations ahead, as we would say. Not just the few FOR the few, in the here and now perpetration. Isn’t 500 years and going time enough for us to change a thing? To change behaviors? Thinking? Acting? I think “America” is so way late. It isn’t looking good for a turnabout and a reconstructing. It occurs to me that self-introspection on an individual (let alone collective) is one very hard thing to do. I know that personally.
I started with sarah palin on this post. I won’t end with her (she IS NOT the end all or be all of anything), but with Bruce Springsteen as this is the main topic. I’ve always loved his music and his persona. He would be an excellent person to write about for his life and his “American-ism” – for lack of a better word. I will take a person with integrity over anyone else if it is out there to see that in public and/or private life. Everyone seems to need a representation of themselves that shines like a star. For what he is, as a human, he does shine like a star. We need to see more “shining” and less of the “dulling”. But we also have many other shining stars that are not represented and I will champion those others as well. From our cultures, to all cultures. Here and everywhere in this choked by paper money world. One last comment that has nothing to do with anything except reading books and that is I would love to see the little ole bookstores proliferate now that Borders is folding. I love reading the real deal. Even more than I love the computer technology. I don’t have the newest book technology and don’t even know all their latest stuff. Right now I am not pursuing it either because I’m having a hard enough time just keeping up with emailing, news reading and all the research I love to do on the world wide web AND STILL keep up with my love of reading actual BOOKS. That always leaves me with something out of cyber world to look forward to in the actual “live” and living world. Nothing is better than the finding a comfy nook with quart glass of hot (or iced tea) and a great book to just while away the hours in PEACE. That’s one of the many reasons I am looking forward to the ROGUE and then, all the rest of your books Mr. McGinniss. You will always have a special place in my bookshelf. Long ago, I DID loan out Fatal Vision. It never came back. I will believe it was passed to others. It WAS worthy of that and more. However, with the Rogue, I won’t because it is closer to home in so far as you know a lot about my home state and you have lived there and most importantly, you are doing a service that everyone in this country should thank you for. That’s it now for this overlong post.
Yikes! That was really long. Had to do an errand – left the post and came back to finish. Didn’t see how much space it took. I apologize. I’ve got to work a little harder on that.
Love the reference to Sargasso Sea. It’s such a pleasure to read the musings of an intelligent, literate person, even in the midst of this intense display of chest-beating by a group of navel-gazing pretenders to some throne that disappeared in the 1950’s.
Joe,
Your upcoming book was mentioned by Chris Matthews on Hardball tonight.
@6:45 mark http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697//vp/43902111#43902111
Let the buzz begin!
Chris is an old friend. I look forward to talking about THE ROGUE on his show, and on many others, when September comes.
–Joe
My congressman is squarely on the side of the people. So instead, I emailed John Boehner to be sure he knew that I’m not one of those “American people” he speaks of. I’m a lot smarter than that!
Over long and without parenthesis break ups, which makes it hard to bare and get through, I finally ended up fast scrolling through your post. Sorry, you may have had something worth saying, I just don’t have the time or energy to digest it.
Not that you did not have something to say that I would have wanted to read, I read at least half way through your post……..but after a while it was all a giant glob of your thought, which was too much to bare, for me. Just sayin.
@Chris:
You are rude.
If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. Your mom must of not taught you that.
Keep your “Over long and without parenthesis break ups” …Bullshit. I’m glad Joe gives a forum where everyone is welcome to speak.
Even You. As boorish as your are. 🙁
@deebbaa,
Don’t apologize! Joe runs this blog and if he has issues he will let you know 🙂
Don’t mind the boorish ones who would rather we not speak the truth about Palin and the state of the USA, USA as it is now!
Thanks for that upbeat response Crystalwolfakacaligrl. I always feel the guilt of “over writing” and try to think of ways to say it short. I irk myself so many times!
All lines to the white house jammed. I send strong emails to the legislator’s here where I live. While I do not like or agree with all of the decisions regarding so many issues before us with our current president, especially his actions regarding Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and all the other places our country is bombing the hell out of civilians, I would vote again for his presidency. The alternative is too horrible to contemplate. He is articulate, knowledgable and has great leadership qualities. Is he just a figure behind “shadow” corporatist’s who own the world practically? Just like most of the past presidents here and anywhere? His being elected president really brought out so many of the racists from under their rocks. Those Snakes. He gives me more comfort being at the helm than all the nervous and tense days of dread and calamity during both Bush’s time in office. He needs the help of the “real human beings”. The way he has been maligned and slandered by the crazy and unbalanced is just hideous to behold. Beyond reprehensible and totally unacceptable.
Dear Joe,
You deserve Springsteen, after years of writing about the darkness. In the 90’s there was a beautiful magazine, Doubletake, (now defunct) cofounded by Robert Coles and my friend, Alex Harris. They published an interview with Springsteen written by Will Percy, Walker Percy’s nephew. That article has become a touchstone for my life because of its surprising thoughtfulness. Springsteen may not be perfect, but in Percy’s interview he’s not afraid to talk about the deeper feelings and beliefs that drive his work and how seriously he takes the responsibility of his position in society. http://www.doubletakemagazine.org/mag/html/backissues/12/steen/
Alex
Alex–
Thanks for this. I just read that interview over the weekend. Extraordinary for how it shows just what you said: “thoughtfulness.” Percy really connected with his subject. I’ll be re-reading it often in the next couple of years.
–Joe
“And even those of us who can converse on the internet are not the real victims.
The real victims are those who cannot. ”
Thats a very potent statement; something many of us mention quite often.
It has led us to more concise verbal communications with other people.