Discussion of Hey, Mr.President
Before finding it's home in the blues, this song began as
a zideco shuffle inspired by he film and soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou.
Originally structured in the form of a train ride, Hey Mr.
President describes the intellectual journey of a simple down-home good-ol-boy who began
his journey as an ardent Bush - Cheney supporter. Like most religious conservatives early
on, he embraced this President on the basis of shared values and social agenda promises,
as well as on a strong stance on national security matters and the war on terror after
911. As his journey proceeds, however, he realizes his freedoms have been significantly
compromised (specifically, his privacy as a result of augmented domestic surveillance of
US citizens as part of the war on terror).
He then begins to seriously question the greater issues at
hand. Has the baby been thrown out with the bath water? Does the end(s) justify the means?
Has the Bush - Cheney administration spearheaded efforts
that significantly threaten our balance of powers, and other core principles fundamental
to the American experience (i.e. privacy, etc.) Further, has this administration empowered
the Presidency toward a virtual dictatorship potentially capable of future abuses of power
and oppression of individual citizens or groups?
Upon realizing the President he has fondly supported may
have taken a wrong path, he beckons this President to return to a course of balance
consistent with those principles - principles that have made us us; principles many have
died for.
Interestingly, "Cause there's a slow train comin',
soon" was written in January 2006 and was predictive of the results of the 2006
elections. The American people spoke and removed from power in both Houses of Congress
those of this President's party. They lost control of both Houses! Mr. Rove was dead
wrong. Yes, it was about the war in Iraq; but, it was also about a deviation in course
from these fundamental principles. Ultimately, our nation's hope and course still rests in
the hands of it's astute citizens, who now more than ever need to be diligent and vocal in
competently forwarding this great power and privilege.
K Berry
Writer - Producer, BuyBack Band
January 8, 2008
02/11/2008
