Gene Brabender gets the assist: Way back when, it was Merle Haggard who managed to corner the eternal "love it or leave it" market.
He'd already scored with Okie From Muskogee, a song which captured white working-class disdain for coastal elites. Then, along came The Fightin' Side of Me.
At the time, the advice was offered to pot-smokin' hippies, not to four women of color:
I hear people talkin' badAnthropologically speaking, the late Jim Bouton captured this part of the human mind in his iconic book, Ball Four.
About the way we have to live here in this country
Harpin' on the wars we fight
An' gripin' about the way things oughta be.
I don't mind 'em switchin' sides,
And standin' up for things they believe in.
But when they're runnin' down my country, man,
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
Runnin' down the way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep.
If you don't love it, leave it!
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'.
When you're runnin' down our country, man,
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me.
Out in the bullpen, Bouton got in a pointless debate with Gene Brabender, a big raw-boned right-hander.
Finally, Brabender had had enough. As quoted by Bouton, he flawlessly expressed one key part of the human condition:
"Where I come from, we just talk for a little while. After that we start to hit."
So said the late Gene Brabender. So pretty much say we all.
So, in this analogy, Trump is Merle Haggard, man of the people, simple America-lovin’ patriot, the four freshman Dem women of color are, um, coastal elites (though only one is from any coastal area), and their, let’s see, calls for Medicare for All, or maybe criticism of AIPAC or the president are like the hippies protesting the Vietnam War, which was equivalent to runnin’ down “my” country, which means they should leave America? Or perhaps the Squad represent MLK and the civil rights protesters demanding justice, which was just another liberal attack on Merle and the heartland?
ReplyDeleteOr...?
Is this supposed to be a defense of the idea that dissent (that Merle Haggard/Trump
doesn’t like) should get you deported? Or is this some attempt to get us to understand Haggard’s/Trump’s sentiments, which are ultimately undemocratic, and therefore unacceptable?
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete3:07
DeleteHey, look at you, speculating on how to interpret what Bob wrote! A remarkable achievement!
For me, this short essay by Bob just emphasizes the deep disconnect between “The Okie from Muskogee” which exists as a stereotype (written by a supposed Oakie!), and in the real world. Merle would have been a Trump supporter, it would seem.
But he was redeemable, as 3:41 pointed out. Not sure I understand their dig at Bob, I suppose another interpretation, but thanks for the history.
Does anyone think Trump loyalists are? I mean, redeemable? Do you think someone like DinC, a supposed non-Oakie, could change his mind?
Here’s as I might express this view, which I came to reluctantly:
“First, fuck the white working class. Fuck Trump voters. Fuck their votes. Fuck their beliefs. Fuck everything about them. Democrats and the left attempting to appeal to Trump supporters, as if better angels exist in their cesspool, is like a wounded gazelle attempting to reason with hyenas. They're gonna eat you; you just look like an idiot for thinking you could convince them otherwise.”
LINK
Hell, I wouldn’t have put it that way, but in its context, it rings true to me. Of course, the real Trump supporters hide in the shadows, but sometimes they’re right out in the open! Looking at you, MSM and virtually every single fucking Republican in Congress.
Leroy
Shoot, didn’t post a permalink to the esteemable rude gent.
DeleteLINK
Leroy
"Does anyone think Trump loyalists are ... redeemable? Do you think someone ... could change his mind?"
DeleteOne Democrat is already changing Trump voter's minds: Andrew Yang. Trump supporters love him.
The issue is economic anxiety brought on, courtesy of both parties, by the corporate coup d'etat of the last 40 years. Economic anxiety is what leads to blaming immigrants and tribalism etc. He may not win but his policies are the future. The old politics, the late 20th century game of wedge issues pushed to the forefront while both parties let the corporate state run rampant are coming to an end, one way or another.
I don’t necessarily disagree with what you wrote there, Heath. I guess the question is whether Yang is really a Democrat – but I’ve already addressed that issue. And it would be nice if you could provide a link or two to back up your assertion that Trump voters are all over this guy.
DeleteFew in the sickeningly crowded field of Presidential candidates running for President as Democrats, I think, really give a fuck about the way things have become in terms of helping the lumpen. Most of what I see is opportunism with a good shake of solipsism.
“Seriously, do you people not read history?”
Not sure what “you people” is meant to imply, but since you asked, I do. But I think the vast majority in this country do not, and what they know is in diluted form, and often wrong.
And since you mention the “10’s of millions” of people who suffer from economic anxiety, I think you’re way of the mark. Let’s shoot for 100’s of millions, but you’re not talking about Trump voters, as rude pundit did. If you parse carefully (actually, it’s pretty obvious), he’s talking about Democrats winning over Trump voters, to actually vote for them instead of the mango mussolini. And he says fuck that.
So?
And WTF is a “life hack?” Is that when you bust out a David Brooks?
Leroy
I just read the rude pundit thing again and he seems to be talking about winning over non Trump voters, swing voters. That is something else Yang is doing. Winning over libertarians, progressives, non voters, apathetic voters, independents and disaffected Republicans and Trump voters. There's a small chance he will win. If he does, it will change world history.
DeleteIt's a long shot. The Establishment is very entrenched and powerful and controls the information. People are routinely deeply misinformed as this site points out
But I think I was a little too hard on the rude pundit. Sorry about that.
Truly, are you idiots going to vote for someone other than this guy?
Deletehttps://images.app.goo.gl/UBn2jokhZ57yBM4V6
"..not to four women of color"
ReplyDeleteI see you now lapsed into 100% zombie 'mindset', dear Bob.
Sad, but it was destined to happen, sooner or later....
Merle Haggard, born and bred in California, was an opportunist. After spending his youth committing robberies, he started a career in country music using songs written by others.
ReplyDeleteInitially his take on hippies was actually how he thought his dead father might view them, but after getting audience approval, he adopted it as his own stance - at least until later in life when he said "I had different views in the '70s. As a human being, I've learned. I have more culture now. I was dumb as a rock when I wrote 'Okie From Muskogee.'
Later he protested the Iraq war and defended the Dixie Chicks' criticism of Bush and the Iraq war "It was like a verbal witch-hunt and lynching."
Merle never did get in fight with a hippie, and after The Fightin' Side of Me, he wrote a song in support of interracial relationships, Irma Jackson. Unfortunately his audience was largely conservative and his record company advised him not to release that song, so Haggard did not.
Irma Jackson
I'd love to shout my feelin's from a mountain high
Tell the world I love her and I will till I die
There's no way the world will understand that love is colour blind
That's why Irma Jackson can't be mine
I remember when no one cared about us bein' friends
We were only children and it really didn't matter then
But we grew up too quickly in a world that draws a line
Where they say Irma Jackson can't be mine
If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
There's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till Idie
She tells me she's decided that she'll go away
And I guess it's right but she alone should have the final say
But in spite of her decision forcin' us to say goodbye
I'll still love Irma Jackson till I die
If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
It's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till Idie
As usual Somerby is adverse to historical context.
Little know fact: Haggard invented Orange Julius.
Deletei want to let the world know about Dr, John the Great spell caster that brought back my Wife to me when i thought all hope was lost. Dr, John used his powerful spell to put a smile on my face by bringing back my woman with his spell, at first i thought i was dreaming when my Wife came back to me on his knees begging me to forgive him and accept him back and ever since then he loves me more than i ever expected so i made a vow to my self that i will let the World know about Dr, John because he is a God on earth. Do you have problems in your relationship ? have your partner broke up with you and you still love and want him back ? Do you have problem with your finance ? or do you need help of any kind then contact Dr, John today for i give you 100% guarantee that he will help you just as he helped me. Dr, John email is: drjohnsoco@gmail.com OR drjohnsoco@outlook.com , add him on whatsapp via: +2348147766277
ReplyDeleteI had problem with my Ex husband a year ago, which lead to our break up. when he broke up with me, I was not my self again, i felt so empty inside me, my love and financial situation became worst, until a close friend of mine told me about a spell caster who helped her in the same problem too his name is Robinson buckler . I email Robinsonbuckler@hotmail.com the and i told him my problem and i did what he asked of me, to cut the long story short. Before i knew what was happening my husband gave me a call and told me that he was coming back to me in just 3days and was so happy to have him back to me. We have two kids together and we are happy with ourselves. Thanks to Robinson buckler for saving my relationship and for also saving others own too. continue your good work, If you are interested to contact him and testify this blessings like me,
ReplyDeleteI never knew people still have powers and make things happened this way. My name is Tessa Kitty am from Usa. my boyfriend Slay Scot left me for another girl for three months' ever since then my life have been filled with pains sorrow and heart break because he was my first love who i had in my collage about two years ago, A friend of mine kido Matthew told me he saw some testimonies of this great Dr osauyi that he can bring back lover within some few days, i laugh it out and said i am not interested but because of the love my friend had for me, she consulted the great priest on my behalf and to my greatest surprise after three days my boyfriend is going to call me for the very first time after three months that he is missing me and that he is so sorry for every thing he made me went through. i still can't believe it, because it highly unbelievable it just too real to be real. Thank you Dr osauyi for bringing back my lover and also to my lovely friend who interceded on my behalf, for any one who might need the help of this great priest here is the email address
ReplyDeleteOsauyilovespell@yahoo.com
Osauyilovespellhelp@gmail.com
WhatsApp +905385050893
Finding a true love spell was like a nightmare to me,I have paid over $1500 to different spell caster that never work,Until I meet DrEdede please if you are looking for a real and fast result love spell then she is the answer,you can contact her now on. Ededetemple@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello am Melissa from Texas Odessa i wanna thank Great Matatan Powerful spell for what he has done for me at first i taught he was scam but until i just decided to follow my mind.i told him that my ex lover which i loved with all my heart left me for another all Great Matatan Powerful spell did was to laugh and said he will be back to me in 3days time i taught he was lying on the 3rd day my ex called me and said he wanna see me,i was shocked then he came over to my place and started begging that he was bewitched,immediately i forgives him and now we are back and he his really madly in love with me.All thanks to Great Matatan Powerful spell he indeed wonderful incise you wanna contact him here his is mail: matatanspell@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAll thanks to the great Priest Azuka for helping me restore back my marriage when i taught all hope was lost.,this Priest helped me, and my relationship is now perfect. Contact for any spiritual work @ palaceofsolutions@gmail . com. Your partner will definitely love you or whatsapp @ +2348159058330
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHOW I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK WITH THE HELP OF PRIEST WISDOM CONTACT ON WHATS_APP NUMBER +2348124644470
This is my testimony about the good work of priest wisdom who help me.... I'm Ann Earnis from north Carolina USA. And am sorry for putting this on net but i will have to, by this world best spell caster that brought back my husband who left me out for past 3 years, i eventually met this man on a blog site posting by one of is client for help, i explained everything to him and he told me about a spell caster that he had heard about and he gave me an email address to write to the spell caster to tell him my problems. In just 1 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this truthful and sincere spell caster, sir all you told me have come to pass and thank you sir. Please i want to tell everyone who is looking for any solution to their problem, i advice you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is real,he is powerful and whatever the spell caster tell is what will happen, because all what the spell caster told me came to pass. You can kindly contact him on: his email address is supernaturalspell1@gmail.com or directly on whats-app +2348124644470 or call. PRIEST WISDOM Blog http://reallovespellcaster.over-blog.com
HOW I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK WITH THE HELP OF PRIEST WISDOM CONTACT ON WHATS_APP NUMBER +2348124644470
This is my testimony about the good work of priest wisdom who help me.... I'm Ann Earnis from north Carolina USA. And am sorry for putting this on net but i will have to, by this world best spell caster that brought back my husband who left me out for past 3 years, i eventually met this man on a blog site posting by one of is client for help, i explained everything to him and he told me about a spell caster that he had heard about and he gave me an email address to write to the spell caster to tell him my problems. In just 1 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this truthful and sincere spell caster, sir all you told me have come to pass and thank you sir. Please i want to tell everyone who is looking for any solution to their problem, i advice you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is real,he is powerful and whatever the spell caster tell is what will happen, because all what the spell caster told me came to pass. You can kindly contact him on: his email address is supernaturalspell1@gmail.com or directly on whats-app +2348124644470 or call. PRIEST WISDOM Blog http://reallovespellcaster.over-blog.com
I am so happy for making the right choice by contacting Dr. Irosi who helped me in getting my ex back by casting a love spell on him. One of the best decision i ever made was contacting Dr. Irosi to help me get my lover back, I was life filled with happiness after i contacted Dr. Irosi because he didn't just bring my lover back to me he also made our love for each other more unique and superb. If you need to spice your relationship with more love and attention contact Dr. Irosi on his Email Address [drirosisolutioncenter@gmail.com], call or whatsapp him via his contact +2348118829771 and be happy just like i am, thanks Dr. Irosi for your great work.
ReplyDeleteMy husband left me for another woman after one year of our marriage. I needed him back desperately because i loved him so much. I became very worried and needed help. On this faithful day as i was browsing through the internet, I came across a particular testimony about this good DR IROSI help get ex back fast and stop a divorce or breakup and so on , So I felt I should give him a try. I contacted him and he told me what to do and i did it then he did a (return Love spell) for me. 28 hours later, my husband came back to me crying and begging for my forgiveness. Today I’m so happy and i want to recommend this great spell caster to anyone that truly needs an urgent solution to his or her broken relationships and marriage email him at:(DRIROSISOLUTIONCENTER@GMAIL.COM) Simply contact the great “DR IROSI” If you have any problem contact him and i guarantee you that he will help you., do not cry anymore-contact this powerful spell caster now. Thank you DR IROSI for saving my broken relationships and brought my husband back to me!” email him at: (DRIROSISOLUTIONCENTER@GMAIL.COM) or call/whatsapp him via: +2348118829771.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteZelim da se zahvalim zeni dami i kraljici koja mi uspesno vratila porodicu evo broja sad sam veoma srecna i zadovoljna zena vratila mi volju za zivot evo broja viber wcp poziv +381616418057
I want the world to know a great man that is well known as DR Padman ,website: https://padmanspell.com/index-3.htmlhe has the perfect solution to relationship issues and marriage problems. The main reason why i went to DR Padman. was for solution on how i can get my husband back because in recent times i have read some testimonies on the internet which some people has written about DR Padman, and i was so pleased and i decided to seek for assistance, which he did a perfect job by casting a love spell on my husband which made him to come back to me and beg for forgiveness.I will no stop publishing his name on the net because of the good work he is doing. I will drop his contact for the usefulness of those that needs his help.His Email (padmanlovespell@yahoo.com) or his ebsite: https://padmanspell.com/index-3.html Whatsapp +19492293867 https://twitter.com/padman_dr. this great spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem, Once again i am very much grateful to Dr.PADMAN
ReplyDeleteI Can't still believe that i got cured from Genital Herpes through herbal treatment from Dr Oyagu who I met through the internet, I actually couldn't believe it at first because it sounded impossible to me knowing how far I have gone just to get rid of it. Dr Oyagu send me his medicine which I took as instructed and here I am living a happy life once again, a big thanks to Dr Oyagu, I am sure there are many herbal doctors out there but Dr Oyagu did it for me, contact him oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com , also call or whatsApp him on +2348101755322
ReplyDeleteI was married at 32 and immediately tried to get pregnant. When I was unable to conceive I had blood tests for fertility and was told that I had an FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) of 54 and would not be able to have children. Even though the doctors knew that I had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis since age 25, no one bothered to check my thyroid levels. my TSH was measured at .001. My Synthroid dosage was lowered. a friend advise me to contact a spiritualist who help with fertility with his medicine, i collected his contact and explain my situation to him he prepared for me a herbal medicine which i took as describe by him. became pregnant very quickly, I had a successful pregnancy. I have my baby august 2017. to get pregnant at age 35 with my 2nd child in september 2019, thank you sir , this is his email contact if you require his help babaka.wolf@gmail.com or Facebook at priest.babaka
ReplyDeleteI was married at 32 and immediately tried to get pregnant. When I was unable to conceive I had blood tests for fertility and was told that I had an FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) of 54 and would not be able to have children. Even though the doctors knew that I had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis since age 25, no one bothered to check my thyroid levels. my TSH was measured at .001. My Synthroid dosage was lowered. a friend advise me to contact a spiritualist who help with fertility with his medicine, i collected his contact and explain my situation to him he prepared for me a herbal medicine which i took as describe by him. became pregnant very quickly, I had a successful pregnancy. I have my baby august 2017. to get pregnant at age 35 with my 2nd child in september 2019, thank you sir , this is his email contact if you require his help babaka.wolf@gmail.com or Facebook at priest.babaka
Hi viewers online, I'm Alfonso Vázquez from Mexico. I'm here to share my testimony about how i was helped to get my wife back. I was a cheat and my wife caught me several times. I tried fixing myself and each time i ended up cheating over and over again. I guess i didn't realise what she meant to me until she had left me alone. I began to find a way to get her back but nothing seems to work out perfectly till i came across an article about Lord Zakuza who helped a lot of people globally to get their relationships back. I made contact with him and he assured me that my wife will come back to me within 48 hours with his powerful magics and i paid 410 Euros for the materials needed for the work. Surprisingly, my wife came back home after 2 days saying that she still loves me and i swore never to cheat on her anymore. All thanks to Lord Zakuza. You can have a chat with him on his WhatsApp number via +1 740-573-9483.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone I'm Peace Gold and am here to share the wonderful work Dr DODO did for me. After 7 years in marriage with my husband with 4kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. DODO who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 12hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: Drdodotemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +1 (706)871-4571.
ReplyDeleteI completely trusted Dr Paul totally from the time I spoke with him during the period my husband Left me after11 years of our marriage, He started the spell work on my husband, and gave me so much assurance and guaranteed me that he was going to bring my husband back to my feet in just 48 hours of the spell casting. I was so confident in his work and just as he said in the beginning, my husband is finally back to me again, yes he is back with all his hearts, Love, care, emotions and flowers and things are better now. I would have no hesitation to recommend this powerful spell caster to anybody who is in need of help.. E-mail; astoriashrine @ gmail com
ReplyDeleteHello everyone is a pleasure to share a great testimony about DR ISIKOLO for bringing happiness back to my family. i do really wanna tell the whole world that there is a spell caster called DR ISIKOLO that is so real and genuine. I never believed in any of these things but when i lose my wife for 2 years, i required help until i found a great spell caster,and he assured me that I will get my wife back in just 48hours but i was in doubt, and after the spell has been cast, 48 hours later, just as the spell caster said, my phone rang, and surprisingly it was my wife who has not called me for the past 2 years, and she made an apology for the pain she has caused me and she told me that she is ready to come back home for me. DR ISIKOLO really made her know how much i loved and needed her. And he also opened her eyes to picture how much love we have to share together. I will keep sharing this testimony all over the world. All thanks goes to DR ISIKOLO for the good work that he has done for me. Contact him now because he is very powerful and he will always help you. Believe him and do all he ask you to do and never doubt him in any way. his Whatsapp +2348133261196 or email isikolosolutionhome@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI completely trusted Dr Paul totally from the time I spoke with him during the period my husband Left me after11 years of our marriage, He started the spell work on my husband, and gave me so much assurance and guaranteed me that he was going to bring my husband back to my feet in just 48 hours of the spell casting. I was so confident in his work and just as he said in the beginning, my husband is finally back to me again, yes he is back with all his hearts, Love, care, emotions and flowers and things are better now. I would have no hesitation to recommend this powerful spell caster to anybody who is in need of help.. E-mail; astoriashrine @ gmail com
ReplyDeletePlease read and also contact DR JOHN SOCO if you need a powerful love spell to fix your broken relationship. my name is Melvin Martins. I got a divorce from my Wife when I was Nine months with my second child. And all these whiles, I have been trying all different means to get she back, I also tried some different spell casters here in my country, but none of them could bring Michelle back to me. It was only DR JOHN SOCO who guaranteed me an urgent 48 hours spell casting, and he assure me that my Wife will be with me again. I am writing to offer my thanks and deep gratitude to you for keeping your promises, and for using your gifted and great powers to bring She back home. I was thrilled to know that you are specialized in reuniting Lovers. Thank you Sir, for helping me through the worst times of my life. My Wife is back and promise never to leave me again. If you doubt his ability, trust me. You should take a chance. If you are their right now and you need a powerful and urgent love spell to bring back your ex kindly contact DR JOHN SOCO right now he is the only answer to restore your broken relationship or marriage. His email: Drjohnsoco@gmail.com or his WhatsApp: +1 706 871 4571
ReplyDeleteLOTTO, lottery,jackpot.
ReplyDeleteHello all my viewers, I am very happy for sharing this great testimonies,The best thing that has ever happened in my life is how I win the lottery euro million mega jackpot. I am a Woman who believe that one day I will win the lottery. finally my dreams came through when I email believelovespelltemple@gmail.com and tell him I need the lottery numbers. I have spend so much money on ticket just to make sure I win. But I never know that winning was so easy until the day I meant the spell caster online which so many people has talked about that he is very great in casting lottery spell, . so I decide to give it a try.I contacted this great Dr Believe and he did a spell and he gave me the winning lottery numbers. But believe me when the draws were out I was among winners. I win 30,000 million Dollar. Dr Believe truly you are the best, all thanks to you forever