Fleetwood Mac and Chords for Change
 

As I read this editorial by Bruce Springsteen, I can't help but wish that Fleetwood Mac's name was among the list of performance who feel that the stakes are simply too high to see another four years with Bush. I'm not sure what Fleetwood Mac's political stand is, but how I wish...

The article from Bruce is below:

Chords for Change
By BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Published: August 5, 2004

A nation's artists and musicians have a particular place in its social and political life. Over the years I've tried to think long and hard about what it means to be American: about the distinctive identity and position we have in the world, and how that position is best carried. I've tried to write songs that speak to our pride and criticize our failures.

These questions are at the heart of this election: who we are, what we stand for, why we fight. Personally, for the last 25 years I have always stayed one step away from partisan politics. Instead, I have been partisan about a set of ideals: economic justice, civil rights, a humane foreign policy, freedom and a decent life for all of our citizens. This year, however, for many of us the stakes have risen too high to sit this election out.

Through my work, I've always tried to ask hard questions. Why is it that the wealthiest nation in the world finds it so hard to keep its promise and faith with its weakest citizens? Why do we continue to find it so difficult to see beyond the veil of race? How do we conduct ourselves during difficult times without killing the things we hold dear? Why does the fulfillment of our promise as a people always seem to be just within grasp yet forever out of reach?

I don't think John Kerry and John Edwards have all the answers. I do believe they are sincerely interested in asking the right questions and working their way toward honest solutions. They understand that we need an administration that places a priority on fairness, curiosity, openness, humility, concern for all America's citizens, courage and faith.

People have different notions of these values, and they live them out in different ways. I've tried to sing about some of them in my songs. But I have my own ideas about what they mean, too. That is why I plan to join with many fellow artists, including the Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., the Dixie Chicks, Jurassic 5, James Taylor and Jackson Browne, in touring the country this October. We will be performing under the umbrella of a new group called Vote for Change. Our goal is to change the direction of the government and change the current administration come November.

Like many others, in the aftermath of 9/11, I felt the country's unity. I don't remember anything quite like it. I supported the decision to enter Afghanistan and I hoped that the seriousness of the times would bring forth strength, humility and wisdom in our leaders. Instead, we dived headlong into an unnecessary war in Iraq, offering up the lives of our young men and women under circumstances that are now discredited. We ran record deficits, while simultaneously cutting and squeezing services like afterschool programs. We granted tax cuts to the richest 1 percent (corporate bigwigs, well-to-do guitar players), increasing the division of wealth that threatens to destroy our social contract with one another and render mute the promise of "one nation indivisible."

It is through the truthful exercising of the best of human qualities - respect for others, honesty about ourselves, faith in our ideals - that we come to life in God's eyes. It is how our soul, as a nation and as individuals, is revealed. Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.

Bruce Springsteen is a writer and performer.

I think most fans know of FM's...
 

political leanings (Excluding Mr.McVie of course who is a Republican)...I'm sure they could have possibly joined this group of musicians for this jaunt, But whereas most of the musicians on this tour are more political in message & music, Fleetwood Mac is not.

i'm always amazed at how eloquent Bruce is -
not sure why - since i grew up in NJ.

anyway -

I think Lindsey + Stevie will be on this tour in spirit.

They are wiped out and exhausted and I'm sure the idea of doing shows in October makes them sick to their stomachs.
The band needs a rest like nobody's business - but you can be assured they'll be voting the way you want them to.

A vote for Bush is a character flaw.

That's about the goofiest thing I've read in a while. And around here, that's pretty damn goofy. Delusion is a funny thing.

A vote for Kerry is a vote for Bush. Therefore...

These are scary times. Thanks Don't Look Down. I like to think that SN and LB will be there in spirit.

I don't think a vote for Kerry is the same as a vote for Bush. At least, I hope it's not the same.

You'll know soon enough.

Leave the political rally/concerts to the politically active artists. I want Lindsey back in the studio making music. No distractions.

If you spend twenty minutes studying the history of the Supreme Court and then look at W's voting record and Kerry's voting record, you'll be praying to the Gods that Kerry wins.
If for nothing other than respecting women and people of color as equal citizens, we should all be voting for John Kerry.

It's always about that with you, isn't it?

I'd be thrilled to see any of them join these efforts. Out of all of them, I think Lindsey would be most likely to do this. I wish they'd consider it. :)

These are the chords for Change:

F
C/E
C
F
C/E
C, Am

Not ALL Republicans are shoo-ins to cast their vote for Bush. I've recently talked to a few (who four years ago were SO "Republican", I couldn't talk to 'em) who are now voting for Kerry just to get Bush out of office.

The John Waite song?

I'd wait 3 months more if he would distract himself by joining Springsteen. And a vote for Kerry may not equal big Change, but it can put away The Ulcer. I admit it. I should have voted for Isn't it midnight the last round of the Tangothread. I didn't use my vote because I thought that song didn't deserve it either. Now that sickmaking tune wins the election by one vote. Yours I presume. I could have equalized it if I had put my principles aside and used my friggin' brain, and had voted against the wrath. Don't let history repeat itself. Vote. With your brain. Not with your heart.

And....some Americans (not you Carne) may think: Don't interfere in national business you wellfed European, this is about our Boss for the next four years. Well, I don't want him to, but he'll be my Boss too. And I can't even vote.
So please will you all take my opinion in consideration, too, before you vote?

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Typical 21st century Democrat. You bitch and moan about taking quotes out context, then you do exactly the same.

This kind of delusional self-denial must get exhausting after a while, no?

Gerald, didn't your country send, what, 1,400 guys to Iraq? When do I get to vote on getting rid of your monarch? ;)

politics aside - I've seen both R.E.M. and Bruce on their most recent tours and both bands are in excellent form.


Have fun whoever gets to go.....