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An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
Obviously, -- at least so we would like to think -- everyone votes their "Conscience", as Neil Young urged in 2020.
That is voting their conscience for "Freedom" and voting against "Tyranny".
Or, maybe not ... a terrifying realization. Or, even worse -- those who think they are voting for "Freedom" but -- in reality - they're mistakenly actually voting for "Tyranny". Quite a state of affairs, eh?
As usual, Neil Young has quite a bit to say about Presidents and politics.
Many of us were introduced to Mr. Young back in 1970 with the song "Ohio" and the lyrics:
"Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We're finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming
Four dead in Ohio."
CSNY's "Ohio" single with the United States Bill of Rights
Highlights the right to peacefully assemble
Richard Nixon: "Campaigner"
"I am a lonely visitor
I came too late to cause a stir
Though I campaigned all my life towards that goal
I hardly slept the night you wept
Our secret's safe and still well kept
Where even Richard Nixon has got soul
Even Richard Nixon has got
Soul"
And Mr Young has not slowed down on the subject of Presidential politics since 1970.
Ronald Reagan
In the 1980's, there were the infamous "Reagan interviews" where -- depending on one's perspective -- either Neil Young was a Ronald Reagan supporter, detractor or undetermined.
Young's been in hot water with certain elements of the
press for what's been perceived as his support of Ronald Reagan.
Imagine, Neil Young -- the man who wrote that wonderful antiwar,
anti-Nixon anthem "Ohio," a longterm environmentalist and activist . .
. supporting the most right-wing of presidents.
The neo-Reaganite tag affixed to him during the mid-'80s, Young
insists -- quite vehemently -- was taken out of context, blown out of
proportion. ''The Reagan-supporting era," sighs Young. "I don't think
there is one president that's come down the line that hasn't done
something good somewhere." Young says a "sleazeball journalist"
nailed Reagan and then forced Young to his defense.
"Some people put down all presidents no matter what," says Young,
"like once you get to be president you're a . . . idiot. So if you say
anything good about any of them, they think you're supporting
everything they do."
"We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler,
Machine gun hand"
The lyrics are a direct reference to President George Bush's (#41)
campaign pledge to create a compassionate citizenry volunteering to help
cope with society's ills. The "thousand points of light" symbolize the
American citizen's spirit and a shining example of giving selflessly to
care for one another's neighbor and brother. Along with "a kinder,
gentler hand", Bush believed that each American could contribute to
helping make the United States -- and the world -- a better place to
live and work.
In 2008, the song "Lookin' for a Leader" with lyrics:
"And maybe it's a woman Or a black man after all"
Referencing Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the official music video was prefaced by: "Every
American President has left an impact on his country and the World.
This musical history lesson from Neil Young takes a look at the past,
present and future of US leadership."
In 2017, Neil Young announced his latest new album titled ‘The Visitor’ -- and sharing the 1st preview track of the song “Already Great”. The song “Already Great” is the response to those complaining about
America and the need for it to be "great again".
In October 2024, Neil Young endorsed VP Kamala Harris for President, per a statement on Neil Young Archives. Young wrote: "Cast your vote for a beautiful future for your family."
So. From the "tin soldiers and Nixon" in 1970 to "loving" the current Vice President in 2024, Neil has covered the spectrum -- both as a Canadian and a U.S. citizen.
Regardless of the results of the 5th of November, remember empathy and try to focus on our common humanity rather than our often trivial differences. And remember peace, of course.
Check this clip from 1967 Monterey Pop Festival of The Byrds.
The Byrds - "He Was a Friend of Mine" (Live at 1967 Monterey Pop Festival)
In the above clip, David Crosby makes a very brief statement about the John F. Kennedy assassination and then plays the Byrds song "He Was a Friend of Mine".
David Crosby: “They’re shooting this for television.
I’m sure they’re going to edit
this out. I want to say it anyway, even though they will edit it out.
When President Kennedy was killed, he was not killed by one man. He was
shot from a number of different directions, by different guns.
The story
has been suppressed, witnesses have been killed, and this is your
country, ladies and gentlemen.”
"He Was A Friend Of Mine"
He was a friend of mine, he was a friend of mine
His killing had no purpose, no reason or rhyme
He was a friend of mine
He was in Dallas town, he was in Dallas town
From a sixth floor window a gunner shot him down
He was in Dallas town
He never knew my name, he never knew my name
Though I never met him I knew him just the same
Oh he was a friend of mine
Leader of a nation for such a precious time
He was a friend of mine
David Crosby: “Thank you. As I say, they will censor it I’m sure. They can’t afford to
have things like that on the air. It’d blow their image.”
Due to Crosby’s controversial statement about the JFK assassination, the Byrds' Monterey performance was cut from television and film coverage of the festival. It was this incident and similar circumstances which led to Crosby leaving the Byrds and eventually forming CSN.
Jackie Reaching for JFK's Brains "If Lee Harvey Oswald's shots came from the behind (above left), why are JFK's brains on the rear trunk? (front, right)"
Neil replies: "I don't hate Trump. I do hate that he is President."
A passionate, but mainly civil debate has ensued here on TW with our recent posting Neil Young’s Journey Through the Past | The Nation -- which encompassed reflections on the recent Democratic National Convention and the performance of Buffalo Springfield's iconic anthem "For What It's Worth" by Stephen Stills.
"For What It's Worth" by Stephen Stills via 2020 DNC Video
Here is a comment by Sedan Delivery: (please note per Comments Policy, publication does NOT necessarily constitute endorsement, OK?)
I love Neil, but he is gone.
I did not watch the
convention so I can’t comment on it, but the constant assurances that it
was a great success leads me to believe that it was not.
“Biden
obviously thought this through and did a great job.” Does Neil really
think Joe had any part in planning the convention? Vote Dem all you
want, but at least be real with us.
I did however watch the clip
of FWIW. Did anyone here actually enjoy that? It was one of the most
cringeworthy things I’ve ever seen. It was like a bad MadTV skit. The
only good thing was that Stills was involved first hand. Glad it was
good enough for him.
I too appreciate the balanced responses in this post, though I strongly disagree with much of it.
I am happy that everyone agrees that FWIW was a jaw droppingly bad moment. Was that part of the success Neil was talking about?
I
am also glad that no one has disputed my notion that Neil is either a
fool or straight up lying when he says that Biden did a great job
planning the evening. In Joe’s words ‘cmon man!” That sentence didn’t
even need to be written, but was just a chance to artificially shore up
concerns about Biden’s current abilities. This is what I’m talking
about when I say the constant reassurances of the convention’s success
are suspect. An actual example. Don’t just flip my logic and act as
though you are disproving it.
There is no moral high ground in
politics. To me, claiming to have it is a trait of liberals, but I
suppose when you’re on the other side it looks like that’s what the
republicans are doing. Every clip I’ve seen from the convention is
talking about Joe’s heart and his empathy, his kindness, blah blah. In
govt policy those words mean nothing. Every goal they want to achieve
involves forcibly taking people’s income to give to others. Nothing you
do with it after that can be considered moral or empathetic. The big
lie is that we just need to elect “good people.” Power corrupts. The
sooner you accept that, the more sense politics makes. All the original
platitudes about America’s greatness were specifically because of its
minimal federal govt. Not because we had magically moral politicians
that would help fix all aspects of our lives. More freedom is always
the answer.
I’m always fascinated by the obsession that Trump
is destroying democracy. The DNC stole the nomination from Bernie in
2016 and 2020. This year was especially fun with Warren staying in just
long enough to rob him of a couple primary wins, dropping out, and then
still refusing to support him, even though she stole all of his
policies. It’s all coordinated, folks. Is that not subverting
democracy? Would love to hear Neil write a song about that. In fact,
Neil’s current home state is having rolling blackouts and wildfires
because of its failed liberal energy and land management policies. That
would make for a good song as well.
As for the Russia stuff,
feel free to cling to that as long as you wish. Same as with obsession
that Trump is some sort of fascist. He has let states control their
responses to both COVID and the peaceful riots. No situation could
better prepackaged for a dictatorship, but that liberal dream simply has
not come to pass. But people also think he called Nazis fine people,
so anything is possible.
As for Neil, I still consider him to be a
hypocrite until he issues a public apology for asking Trump for an
investment and taking a smiling photo with him. I hope he realizes that
photo is enough to destroy all of his credibility with the woke mob
should the issue ever arise.
Thank you for the comment Sedan Delivery. While there is much we can and will say here, we do suggest that
everyone consider SD's comments in their context and the
replies that follow. This is what we call civil, respectful dialogue
which we strive to engage in here @ TW, Btw - for the record - we're trying to celebrate our differences as rusties and NOT trying to create an echo chamber where everyone agrees on everything. It is these heartfelt dialogues
with our readers that are better than silver & gold to us. (Again, please note per Comments Policy, publication does NOT necessarily constitute endorsement.)
Neil Young became a U.S. citizen earlier this year, immediately registered as a Democrat in order to specifically vote against president Trump. (See CITIZEN NEIL: Neil Young Becomes A U.S. Citizen.)
"He used to come to my shows and he was always welcome.
I met him in a
hallway once after a show. It’s too bad he could never attend one of
them now. The country is no longer safe for him. He did that all by
himself."
Something that most everyone seems to forget today is that Donald Trump has always been a major player in New York
City politics and always solidly in the Democratic camp.
JFK, Jr (D) and Donald Trump
Donald Trump only flipped to become a Republican with his first political campaign for President of the U.S. in 2016.
Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton (D), Bill Clinton (D) & Melania Trump - 2005
Wrapping up, recall the 2005 movie V for Vendetta which was set in an alternative reality where a neo-fascisttotalitarianregime has taken control using a message of protection from terror and disease -- the invisible enemies.
In these scenes, visualize that you are that man in the bar, or the woman on the couch, or the child staring in disbelief at the TeeVee screen. You are them.
As V says:
“Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of
conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the
means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of
truth.”
"There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your
reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler.
He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent. “
One more clip before we go, is Director Oliver Stone at the Writer's Guild Awards ceremony in 2017.
3 minutes of honesty out of milions of minutes of lies Oliver Stone's speech on American hegemony pic.twitter.com/wywVZkZvFO
"First they came for Thrasher's Wheat, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Neil Young fan.
Then they came for Aaron Swartz, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t an opponent of the "privatization of knowledge" by corporations and academia.
Then they came for Oprah Winfrey & Beyonce, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a black female social justice warrior.
Then they came for Neil Young, and I didn’t speak up, because I was Donald Trump voter.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me."
MODIFIED ~~ Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
We first published these original words by Rev. Martin Niemoller here on Thrasher's Wheat on September 27, 2011 -- almost 9 years ago. And we insert the profound words of Rev. Martin Niemoller into our postings from time to time. And it's been 75 years since the quote originated.
So how much longer will this continue all of you communists, jews, trade
unionists, and catholics out there? How's that identity politics thing
working out for you these days?
And just in case anyone is missing the obvious point here, if they can censor and de-platform a rather benign music blog such as Thrasher's Wheat for getting out of line, then we can guarantee that much more serious throttling lies in wait. Be very careful what you wish for.
George & John, Donald & Neil + Bob: Sooner or Later, It All Gets REAL ... As in Now
UPDATED: 8/2/20; 11/3/2020 (see comments)
GEORGE Magazine - 1997; U.S. Citizen Neil Young - 2020
On July 15, 2020, President Trump's walk off song at an event in Georgia at UPS HQ was Neil Young's "Rockin in the Free World" (see clip below @ ~1:40:00).
President Trump in Georgia at UPS HQ w/ Neil Young's "Rockin in the Free World" (see clip above @ ~1:40:00)
As we have repeatedly wondered over the years, (see here, here & here) "why on EARTH is Trump using Young's song "Rockin in the Free World"?"
Because Neil Young certainly is not pleased with Trump's usage of his iconic song, judging from the latest posting on Neil Young Archives.
Well -- as with all things -- it's complicated. Very complicated. So bear with us as we begin the tale of "George & John, Donald & Neil + Bob: Sooner or Later, It All Gets REAL ... As in Now".
We begin ...
1st, the cover of GEORGEMagazine, published by John F. Kennedy Jr., from February 1997 issue.
GEORGE Magazine - February 1997
There's a huge amount here on the cover that we'll get to, but before going there, let's look inside at the Publishers Forward by John F. Kennedy Jr.
Publishers Forward by John F. Kennedy Jr.
GEORGE Magazine - February 1997
The Publishers Forward by John F. Kennedy Jr. concludes with the lyrics from The Rolling Stones: "It may not get you what you want, but you just might find, it will get you what you need."
Prior to the July 15, 2020 event, President Trump's walk off song had been The Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want".
But on July 15, in Georgia at UPS HQ, President Trump's walk off song -- instead of the customary The Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" -- played Neil Young's "Rockin in the Free World" (see clip above @ ~1:40:00).
Neil Young, Stevie Nicks & Mick Jagger Ahmet Ertegun Tribute - Backstage Rose Theatre, Time Warner Center New York City, New York United States April 17, 2007
Back to the 1997 cover of GEORGE Magazine.
The cover of the issue has images of Mount Rushmore, a full moon, a UFO and articles on Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton and THE FUTURE. And recall the Publishers Forward by JFK, Jr. suggesting to keep issue in "a safe place and take out in 20 years".
"Platform 2020 - A Survival Guide To The Future"
GEORGE Magazine - February 1997
And here we are in the Year 2020. A virus and Bill Gates out front on a vaccine. Hmmm.
"An overpopulated planet choked to extinction by a long attacking virus"
GEORGE Magazine - February 1997
Now how about that? How convenient. "Platform 2020 - A Survival Guide To The Future". "An overpopulated planet choked to extinction by a long attacking virus." Hmmmm.
Well, here is where it really all starts to get REAL.
We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler,
Machine gun hand
The lyrics are a direct reference to President George H.W. Bush's (#41) campaign pledge to create a compassionate citizenry volunteering to help cope with society's ills. The "thousand points of light" symbolize the American citizen's spirit and a shining example of giving selflessly to care for one another's neighbor and brother. Along with "a kinder, gentler hand", Bush believed that each American could contribute to helping make the United States -- and the world -- a better place to live and work.
President George H.W. Bush (#41)
The song is considered aligned with strong democratic ideals and pro-American values in that it is a condemnation of the supply-side/trickle down politics of President Ronald Reagan and his Vice President George H.W. Bush. 1980's "Reaganomics" involved massive tax cuts in the wealthiest brackets, which supporters claimed would trickle down to lower brackets. In fact, the policies led to huge federal deficits and exploding unemployment and social decay, particularly in large urban American cities.
The economic realities of the 1980's with increasing social problems -- such as homelessness and drug abuse -- made Young mock the campaign promises of President George H.W. Bush as hollow rhetoric. The drug problems ("she's gonna take a hit") refer to the crack epidemic which swept large American cities during the 1980's. (We mention this because we know that Neil Young has practically built a career in calling out Republican Presidents, as detailed here previously).
GEORGE Magazine Publisher John F. Kennedy Jr.
OK, so why did John F. Kennedy Jr. name his magazine GEORGE? Think about that. Think about JFK, Jr's father in Dallas in November 1963. Think about a "murder most foul".
U.S. President John F. Kennedy "Then they blew off his head while he was still in the car
Shot down like a dog in broad daylight"
via "Murder Most Foul" by Bob Dylan
Neil Young calls Bob Dylan's song "Murder Most Foul" "a masterpiece."
As covered earlier this year in the analysis of Bob Dylan's "Murder Most Foul": 17 Minutes of The TRUTH, the song explicitly details who did NOT kill U.S. President John F. Kennedy and obliquely references the true plotters, naming names, giving dates, locations, colors and players (Wolf/Wink Man/Secret Service's code name for "W": TimberWolf aka "George") of "The American Coup of 1963" (which we explained in detail back on the 50th anniversary in 2013).
President Trump and 1st Lady Melania Trump at Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2020
Photo by Alex Brandon
Coincidentally, a full moon has occurred on July 4 at Mount Rushmore in 1997 and 2020.
Full Moon, Mount Rushmore, South Dakota & UFO
GEORGE Magazine - February 1997
Now fast forward to the event in Georgia at UPS HQ with President Trump's walk off song "Rockin in the Free World". Notice in the video (embedded above) the way that Trump's pronunciation emphasizes the "George" inGeorgia repeatedly (listen above "George - Gee - Yah").
President Trump in Georgia at UPS HQ
And notice how the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is located in Georgia.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Atlanta, Georgia
TheGeorgia Guidestones? So, not familiar with the Georgia Guidestones? Well, one might want to look into the Georgia Guidestones in order to try and tie this all together in a neat little bow.
Sometimes referred to as an "American Stonehenge", theGeorgia Guidestones -- erected in 1980 -- appear to lay out a prophesy which some argue that it forecasts an apocalyptic event, such as a population reducing "pandemic". But check it out and decide for your self. Of course -- as always -- use #disCERNment.
CDC's Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates, Sr., Ted Turner (CNN) & others - 2001
Something that most everyone seems to forget today is that Donald Trump has always been a major player in New York
City politics and always solidly been in the Democratic Party camp.
Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton (D), Bill Clinton (D) & Melania Trump - 2005
Donald Trump only flipped to become a Republican with his first political campaign for President of the U.S. in 2016.
And back to JFK, Jr and Donald Trump.
JFK, Jr and Donald Trump - 1997
JFK, Jr and Donald Trump were more than mere acquaintances in New York City in the 1990's. They were both leading figures in NYC's financial and Democratic circles.
Donald Trump & JFK, Jr. - NYC, March 1999
@ New York Knicks Basketball game - Madison Square Gardens
Donald Trump & JFK, Jr. Wall Photo - Trump Tower Office
JFK Jr Predicted Trump Presidential Run
Trump received a condolence letter from JFK, Jr regarding loss of Fred Trump, Donald's father, written on July 19, 1999 -- 3 days after his "plane crash".
JFK, Jr writes to Trump: "Losing your father changes you."
Trump on Larry King Live discussing JFK, Jr.
Likewise, Neil Young and Donald Trump were far more than mere acquaintances in New York City.
Donald Trump & Neil Young - January 2014
@ Trump Tower offices - New York City, NY
(Note: Donald Trump & JFK, Jr. photo above Young has been moved)
Make no mistake, Donald Trump is a huge Neil Young fan.
I’ve listened to his music for years and I’ve seen him before that, but I went to the concert where they were honoring Bob Dylan and Neil got up and totally brought the house down. There was nobody close.
He’s performed for me at my casinos over the years and he just brings it down. I’ve met him on occasions and he’s a terrific guy.”
Donald Trump attended Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at Madison Square Garden in 2006, Young’s solo show at the United Palace Theater in 2007 and Crazy Horse at Madison Square Garden in 2008. Trump also attended at least one of the 4 Carnegie Hall solo concerts by Neil Young in 2014.
There's Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. with Neil Young and Daryl Hannah at Monsanto Roundup Trial. As everyone knows, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is John F. Kennedy's nephew. So, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and John F. Kennedy Jr. are cousins.
So back toGeorge ...
"The day that they killed him, someone said to me, 'Son, the age of the Antichrist has just only begun.' ”
So, we're not really lookin' for a leader these days ... since ... right on cue ... don't just trust a plan, instead make a plan, be the plan, because ...
(UPDATE: see comments below for more on message above)
Do NOT just sit back and enjoy the movie and popcorn. This is NOT a movie. It's REAL life and about to get VERY REAL as the primary principles of 1776 are restored. Wake up, be awake (not woke).
Unsurprisingly so, significant blowback to our post here " George & John, Donald & Neil + Bob: Sooner or Later, It All Gets REAL ... As in Now". Comments are negative to the point of takedown notices suggested.
We may -- or may not -- have more to say on this.
But right now, we'd like to thank the Bob Dylan community for their support here on Expecting Rain. (Thanks Scott! It means a lot. #BeTheRain)
Regarding takedown notices for this posting. One of the key takeaways of this post is that it simply amplifies the essential point of Bob Dylan's song "Murder Most Foul" - there was a conspiracy to take out JFK. So for those of you advocating that we take down this post -- impose self censorship -- then, likewise, you would be asking Bob to remove MMF from his Rough & Rowdy album for promoting a "conspiracy theory".
Obviously, this would infringe on our rights (and Bob's) of free expression. If you do not believe in the right to contrary political and historical speech which you disagree with, then you are not for free speech at all.
And that is an anti-American, anti-first Amendment position.
(this is what Democracy / "Patriots in Control" really looks like)
I love Neil, but he is gone.
I did not watch the convention so I can’t comment on it, but the constant assurances that it was a great success leads me to believe that it was not.
“Biden obviously thought this through and did a great job.” Does Neil really think Joe had any part in planning the convention? Vote Dem all you want, but at least be real with us.
I did however watch the clip of FWIW. Did anyone here actually enjoy that? It was one of the most cringeworthy things I’ve ever seen. It was like a bad MadTV skit. The only good thing was that Stills was involved first hand. Glad it was good enough for him.
I too appreciate the balanced responses in this post, though I strongly disagree with much of it.
I am happy that everyone agrees that FWIW was a jaw droppingly bad moment. Was that part of the success Neil was talking about?
I am also glad that no one has disputed my notion that Neil is either a fool or straight up lying when he says that Biden did a great job planning the evening. In Joe’s words ‘cmon man!” That sentence didn’t even need to be written, but was just a chance to artificially shore up concerns about Biden’s current abilities. This is what I’m talking about when I say the constant reassurances of the convention’s success are suspect. An actual example. Don’t just flip my logic and act as though you are disproving it.
There is no moral high ground in politics. To me, claiming to have it is a trait of liberals, but I suppose when you’re on the other side it looks like that’s what the republicans are doing. Every clip I’ve seen from the convention is talking about Joe’s heart and his empathy, his kindness, blah blah. In govt policy those words mean nothing. Every goal they want to achieve involves forcibly taking people’s income to give to others. Nothing you do with it after that can be considered moral or empathetic. The big lie is that we just need to elect “good people.” Power corrupts. The sooner you accept that, the more sense politics makes. All the original platitudes about America’s greatness were specifically because of its minimal federal govt. Not because we had magically moral politicians that would help fix all aspects of our lives. More freedom is always the answer.
I’m always fascinated by the obsession that Trump is destroying democracy. The DNC stole the nomination from Bernie in 2016 and 2020. This year was especially fun with Warren staying in just long enough to rob him of a couple primary wins, dropping out, and then still refusing to support him, even though she stole all of his policies. It’s all coordinated, folks. Is that not subverting democracy? Would love to hear Neil write a song about that. In fact, Neil’s current home state is having rolling blackouts and wildfires because of its failed liberal energy and land management policies. That would make for a good song as well.
As for the Russia stuff, feel free to cling to that as long as you wish. Same as with obsession that Trump is some sort of fascist. He has let states control their responses to both COVID and the peaceful riots. No situation could better prepackaged for a dictatorship, but that liberal dream simply has not come to pass. But people also think he called Nazis fine people, so anything is possible.
As for Neil, I still consider him to be a hypocrite until he issues a public apology for asking Trump for an investment and taking a smiling photo with him. I hope he realizes that photo is enough to destroy all of his credibility with the woke mob should the issue ever arise.