This was good. It speaks to a kind of tension a lot of us feel about the populist conservative movement. On one hand, we're trying to raise conditions of living for the working classes, and we resent the elite class for denying people their rights and exploiting them. On the other hand, our goal should always be self-government and liberty, both of which require virtue.
I think conservatives nodded along with this song because it speaks to one side of this coin, letting us know the pain of the little guy. But you're right that it tends to have a peasant mentality. If elites are acting like tyrants, we need to do more than whine. We need to be our own elites and take charge. And that might mean getting informed and involved.
What's interesting is that JD Vance made this same argument in Hillbilly Elegy. Sure, he took the side of the poor white hillbillies in Ohio and Kentucky, but he was also critical of their loser attitude and the lack of virtue. Ohioans can hope that he can help out as a senator, but it's up to them, and all of us, to at least have good habits and fight the good fight.
I was so looking forward to calling you a jerk and criticizing you for disparaging and misunderstanding my Southern heritage.
But your piece was thoughtful, and attentive to the zeitgeist without losing sight of the dynamics that define our heritage as Americans - regardless of geography. (And that matters in this case, considering the title of the song alone.)
Rough article. Would you describe the Psalmist who sings, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness," and "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" as despairing and unsatisfying when he cries, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" A three minute song that poetically bemoans an sorry situation without offering a comprehensive solution or dramatic call to arms is not "despairing and unsatisfying." A call to arms may well be necessary, but don't dog on a musician whose vocation that is not.
This was good. It speaks to a kind of tension a lot of us feel about the populist conservative movement. On one hand, we're trying to raise conditions of living for the working classes, and we resent the elite class for denying people their rights and exploiting them. On the other hand, our goal should always be self-government and liberty, both of which require virtue.
I think conservatives nodded along with this song because it speaks to one side of this coin, letting us know the pain of the little guy. But you're right that it tends to have a peasant mentality. If elites are acting like tyrants, we need to do more than whine. We need to be our own elites and take charge. And that might mean getting informed and involved.
What's interesting is that JD Vance made this same argument in Hillbilly Elegy. Sure, he took the side of the poor white hillbillies in Ohio and Kentucky, but he was also critical of their loser attitude and the lack of virtue. Ohioans can hope that he can help out as a senator, but it's up to them, and all of us, to at least have good habits and fight the good fight.
The Richmen north of Richmond don’t give a flying Foxtrot about Oliver.
It’s people like you they fear.
An SF friend of mine said he will go out of this world the same way he came in….kicking and screaming and covered in someone else’s blood.
I wonder if they understand the shitstorm they’re creating?
Death in battle is good but victory is better
So true, king.
A song like “Shield Wall” by Amon Amarth is a good example. It’s only good at loud decibels. The Rammstein comment was hilarious and would be sweet.
You’re not wrong at all.
Ready up.
I was so looking forward to calling you a jerk and criticizing you for disparaging and misunderstanding my Southern heritage.
But your piece was thoughtful, and attentive to the zeitgeist without losing sight of the dynamics that define our heritage as Americans - regardless of geography. (And that matters in this case, considering the title of the song alone.)
Well done Sir.
Free your inner Viking. I love it. This is fantastic work. Thanks so much.
I appreciate it!
Rough article. Would you describe the Psalmist who sings, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness," and "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" as despairing and unsatisfying when he cries, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" A three minute song that poetically bemoans an sorry situation without offering a comprehensive solution or dramatic call to arms is not "despairing and unsatisfying." A call to arms may well be necessary, but don't dog on a musician whose vocation that is not.