Thousands demonstrate against Bush's plan. As Congress prepares to debate the President's new strategy in Iraq, crowds of protesters gathered in Washington D.C. to voice their opposition to the war and particularly the troop build-up proposed by Bush. Speeches were given by politicians, religious leaders and celebrities. In spite of the fact that this was a massive display of a widely held sentiment, there was very little mass media coverage of this event. With or without the support of the media, demonstrations like this one just add to the pressure that is already weighing on the new congress to oppose the administration's escalation of the war in Iraq.
Cold War Kids Robbers & Cowards This is the first full length album from Fullerton, CA's Cold War Kids. Robbers & Cowards strikes a delicate balance between the rawness of underground rockers and the artistic value of seasoned songwriters. Their sound is very gritty and poignant. You get a good sense of their unique style from "Passing the Hat", a song exploring the justification and guilt involved with stealing from a church donation plate. Cold War Kids perform with such passion and feeling that their emotions are felt in every track. One of the highlights of the record, "Hospital Beds" is full of sympathy and warmth. Although these guys are relative new comers, Robbers & Cowards is a polished debut that will certainly build the buzz that is already surrounding Cold War Kids.
The President wants to tax higher priced plans while giving breaks to those who purchase their plans privately. The new plan, which Bush introduced in his radio address on Saturday, would create tax benefits and hopefully compel Americans who live without coverage to buy at least some insurance. Also, he hopes that the new tax on the more expensive plans offered by companies will force some employees to find less excessive plans, in turn, reducing the cost of health insurance as a whole. This is great news for young people as well as the self employed. There are currently over 45 million U.S. citizens who are uninsured. Clearly, this does not solve the huge health care crisis that exists in our country, but it will certainly help in making insurance slightly more accessible. It is also good just to be speaking and writing about health care. The issue has really taken a back seat to other concerns as of late, but this propsal will at least get people talking about the problem again.
Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood Neko Case is one of the most recognizable female names and voices in the Alternative Country scene. She has consistently delivered haunting and thoughtful songs since her first release in 1997, The Virginian. Nothing has changed with her 4th studio record, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood is full of clever lyrics and sophisticated melodies that are driven home by her graceful voice. Case unleashes a captivating, spiritual parable in "Maybe Sparrow" powered by her enchanting, signature sound. Another highlight on the album, is the dark love song, "Hold On, Hold On" (featured below in a video)where Neko poetically turns loneliness into beauty. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood will prove to be a favorite for those who appreciate a singer/songwriter who performs from the heart.
Barack Obama faces an uphill climb. On Tuesday, Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, announced that he has formed a presidential exploratory committee, all but formalizing his candidacy for the 2008 election. By doing so, he's throwing his hat into a very crowded ring. There's no question that Obama is one of the favorites for winning the democratic ticket, however he is up against some formidable competition. Currently, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are the strongest of the bunch, but with so much time still left any of the other hopefuls could gain speed. Others who are likely candidates include the Senators from Delaware and Connecticut, Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd, respectively. Also, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack are expected to run.
Although Obama has the attention and the name recognition, he is still going to need to garner the support of democrats who may feel that he is not their best chance at winning the office. His lack of campaign experience and the uncertainty of how voters will react to an African American candidate are two of Obama's major hurdles. I happen to think that his inexperience and diversity are exactly what make him an intriguing candidate. Its clear that the majority of the nation is in search of a new philosophy, one where public opinion will once again count and where the actions of our government reflect the spirit of our citizens. Its hard to say if Barack Obama is the candidate that we need, the one who will restore democratic principles and values in the White House, but on the surface he seems like our best chance.
Bob Dylan The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan Its only fitting that the first album featured on this blog be from one of the most influential artists of all time. Freewheelin'... was Dylan's 2nd major release, but it was this 1963 recording that catapulted his career from an unknown folk singer-songwriter to an icon. Dylan inspired millions throughout generations with protest songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall". The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan is a graceful and timeless must-have for any self-respecting music lover with a social conscience. Forty three years later and still relevant, check out Masters of War.
Bush's Iraq Plan Meets Skepticism On Capitol Hill. Maybe this is a sign of the new Democratic congress making a stand or maybe sensibility and moral conscience have finally prevailed in the minds of lawmakers in Washington D.C. Whatever the case may be, the American public, who is overwhelmingly opposed to the war, at long last has reason to hope that our government will again function as a democracy.
