In one arena, some Republicans like to dismiss President Obama’s politics as socialist. In another arena, partisan bickering has chased U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh out of Congress.
But what would happen if southern Indiana’s John Mellencamp left the rock arena to take Bayh’s seat in Congress?
No stranger to politics, in 2008, he recorded a song supporting Obama and he asked Republican candidate John McCain to stop using “Our Country” and “Pink Houses” at rallies. Mellencamp knows the game.
Now, Mellencamp’s name is circulating as a write-in Democratic candidate to run for Bayh’s seat in November. Mellencamp is staying mum, but grass-roots campaigns are being orchestrated via Internet, including three Facebook accounts.
Ain’t that America?
Mellencamp’s music has been socially relevant since 1985 when he sang of the foreclosure of small farms in “Scarecrow”: “This land fed a nation/This land made me so proud/And Son I’m just sorry/They’re just memories for you now.”
His vision of the USA falls somewhere between a common man’s passion for democracy as in 2007’s “Our Country” (“The dream is still alive/Some day it will come true/And this country it belongs/To folks like me and you”) to a more bleak horizon. Last year on the forboding “Life Death Love and Freedom,” he told bigots in Jena, La. (where white teens hung nooses at their high school and then six black students beat up a white classmate) to “take your nooses down.”
Mellencamp fans know this is a Midwesterner who despises bigotry, rallies for the little guy and stands up for small farmers. Maybe Mr. Mellencamp should go to Washington.
But if we’ve listened to his lyrics, we find his view of Washington, D.C., is one of impotent leaders.
In 1987’s “Down and Out in Paradise,” three Americans write letters of despair to the president, including this from a newly jobless man: “I live in the suburbs/It’s a long way from Washington, D.C. ... My kids are hungry/I’ve got four mouths to feed/I go out every day looking for suitable employment/Do you think there’s something you could do for me. ... Looks like the milk and honey/Done run out on me.”
Republicans would liken his heartfelt concerns to left-leaning socialist tenets. In Congress, he would disintegrate into frustration faster than you can say “Evan Bayh.”
Oh, he’d fight authority, but we know who would win.
If he becomes serious in seeking the seat, let him file a petition and campaign. Let voters decide.
Who’s to say John Mellencamp couldn’t be an effective voice focused on the plight of families and workers? Who’s to say he wouldn’t be open to ideas and bipartisanship?
From 1998’s “Fruit Trader”: “Ain’t got no politics/Ain’t got no particular point of view/What I’ve got is plenty of time on my hands ... Lord, tell me again, what you want me to do.”
Editorials
Editorial: Would Mellencamp R-O-C-K in the U.S. S-E-N-A-T-E?
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
-
Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
