The Thought Vox

When “The Grand Old Party” Ain’t So Grand…

Art is something that should be respected; often times it is not. Some folks at the GOP seem to think a song is just a song and, once released into the universe, it is there for the taking. The beauty of music is that it means so much to so many. Words gently/fiercely threaded together to a melody have most meaning to the artists crafting them.

It is one thing to be inspired by a song and quite another to use a song to inspire. Especially when you are using that song to inspire a nation to vote for your way of thinking. It’s all fine and dandy if an artist has endorsed you and granted permission. It’s called stealing when one uses a song to sell a product without permission.

Government is a product. Each candidate is selling their vision for the country in hopes you will pay with your votes and buy four years of their thinking. If Nike were to throw an ad on TV and use a Heart song without permission – well, people would be fired and suits would be filed. Why then, do political leaders think they can slide on over to the CD rack (mp3 file) and choose a soundtrack without permission? Without considering the meaning of the song to the artist, or if the artist is buying their way of thinking?

I just about hurled when I heard the crunchy guitar lead-in from Heart’s “Barracuda” as a theme song for Sarah Palin, at the RNC. I believe my response was said aloud to Josh, “WHAT THE F@%# ! There is NO WAY ANN AND NANCY WILSON ARE INDORCING PALIN!” Josh replied, “Girl’s havin’ a meltdown.” I believe he was talking about me and not Palin. He was correct.

Nancy Wilson, (Co-founder of Heart - 1974), gave the following statement to Entertainment Weekly after the use of “Barracuda” as a theme for Sarah “Barracuda” Palin: “The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.” Wilson went on to say, “We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored.”

Of course those wishes were NOT honored and the next night, following McCain’s speech, that same familiar rift came blasting out of the speakers when Palin took the stage to join McCain. (I believe I repeated the “F-BOMB” several times at this point.) In response to this latest act of disrespect Nancy Wilson told EW.com the following: “I think it’s completely unfair to be so misrepresented.” “I feel completely f—ed over.” Since Nancy’s phone conversation she and sister Anne Wilson (Co-founder of HEART) e-mailed the following exclusive statement to EW:

“Sarah Palin’s views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song ‘Barracuda’ no longer be used to promote her image. The song ‘Barracuda’ was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The ‘barracuda’ represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there’s irony in Republican strategists’ choice to make use of it there.”

I for one hope this is the end of the link between Sarah Palin and two women I grew up listening to and admiring. If we are looking for True female Mavericks we need look no further than Anne & Nancy Wilson.

The HEART incident is not the first of this sort of infraction: the GOP has also had run-ins with John Mellencamp over McCain’s use of his songs, “Pink Houses” and “Our Country.” Rollingstone reports that four days after McCain was asked to stop using Mellencamp songs to fire up his campaign a spokesperson said his music would no longer be played. Mellenamp, was a strong supporter of the John Edwards campaign.

Rollingstone online also reported on Jackson Browne, who “sued
Republican presidential candidate John McCain, the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Republican Party, accusing them of using his 1977 hit “Running on Empty” in a campaign ad without permission.” How do campaign strategists put together an ad and NOT secure rights to a song? Perhaps copyright is not part of the Republican Party platform.

McCain and Palin are not the only guilty parties. A few months ago (as reported by Rollingstone) Tom Scholz of the rock band “Boston” contacted Mike Huckabee to request he cease playing Boston’s song “More Than a Feeling” at campaign events.
Scholz penned the following letter to Huckabee:

Dear Gov. Huckabee:
It has come to my attention that your campaign’s use of my song More Than a Feeling and my band’s name BOSTON has resulted in a great deal of false information, which it now appears may exist permanently on the Internet.
While I’m flattered that you are fond of my song, I’m shocked that you would use it and the name BOSTON to promote yourself without my consent.
Your campaign’s use of More Than a Feeling, coupled with the representation of one of your supporters as a member “of BOSTON” clearly implies that the band BOSTON, and specifically one of its members, has endorsed your candidacy, neither of which is true.
I wrote and arranged More Than a Feeling, engineered and produced the recording, and actually played all the guitars on that BOSTON hit as well as most of BOSTON’s songs, not the person holding a guitar in your promotion who identified himself as being “of BOSTON.” Your claim that this was “the guy who originally did it” is a bit mystifying since he never played on that recording, nor has he been “of BOSTON” since he left my band over a quarter century ago, after performing with us for only three years.
BOSTON has never endorsed a political candidate, and with all due respect, would not start by endorsing a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything BOSTON stands for. In fact, although I’m impressed you learned my bass guitar part on More Than a Feeling, I am an Obama supporter.
While this may seem like a little thing to you, BOSTON has been my life’s work. I hold the trademark to the name and my reputation is inexorably tied to it.
By using my song, and my band’s name BOSTON, you have taken something of mine and used it to promote ideas to which I am opposed. In other words, I think I’ve been ripped off, dude!
The unfortunate misconceptions caused by your campaign now live indefinitely on Internet news sites and blog archives.
As the “straight talk candidate,” I hope you will help undo the damage still being caused by this misleading use of BOSTON and More Than a Feeling.
Still evolving,_
Tom Scholz for BOSTON

One would think that campaign strategists for the GOP would have gotten their shit together after the first incident. If not then, surely the message would be clear after being sued by Jackson Browne. Perhaps this is much ado about nothing on my part – after all we should be use to the Republican Party taking what they want – when they want it.

Iraqi Oil Anyone…

John McCain is an incredible man. He has triumphed over horrors most of us will never come close to facing. I have respect for him as a human being – he is, without a doubt – a war hero. This does not make him the man for the Presidency.

McCain’s acceptance speech for the Republican nomination was very long and at times lagging. Among his outstanding comments was his notice to money wasting politicians, “Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: change is coming.” What troubles me is that the man has been in Washington for twenty-five years and has voted for much of what has put the USA into crippling debt. He was a strong voice for ordering up more forces for the war – a war that has cost more than any other single government action in US history. McCain has also voted in line with George Bush on dozens of bills. I fail to see how this qualifies him as an advocate for change.

Enter Sarah Palin – “Sarah Barracuda,” a second maverick for change. Selecting Palin for a running mate was a risky/bold move on McCain’s part. Much focus this year was given to putting a woman in office – McCain just may be attempting to capitalize on this.

Many political pundits agree that Sarah Palin gave the best speech of the RNC, yet, they conclude, she is not a factor in the race for office. This is a scary thought to me. Sarah Palin is the first in line for the Presidency should anything happen to McCain. She should be a deciding factor in this race.

While on a web forum discussing Sarah Palin I was questioned as to why I, a Canadian, am so interested in the American Vice President. These are the facts: Canadian soldiers are also dying, our economy is failing, jobs are being lost, and free trade is in danger. The 2008 race for the Presidency of the USA is a world election. We are all affected by the decisions made by those holding the reigns of power.

I am a pro-woman, woman. I believe we should be given the same opportunities as men. I also believe we should be qualified for these opportunities. Palin seems like a highly intelligent/strong woman. She is, no doubt, a devoted mother and wife. Her staunch beliefs about gun control, the environment, and gay rights are far removed from mine. However, these are not the only reasons I wouldn’t vote her into office, if I had a voice. I honestly don’t believe ANYONE, male or female, with only 20 months in political office has the experience to run the most powerful nation in the free world.

McCain and his camp have spent months discounting Barack Obama due to his LACK of experience. Tonight McCain, once again, touched on his experience vs. Obama’s lack of experience.“I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.” I love a good irony – but seriously? It may be time for Republicans to either drop the attacks on experience or change running mates.

Palin is a gifted speaker who pulls no punches. If this were enough to qualify for office she might get my nod (had I a vote). It isn’t – America has to look at ALL the opponents in this race and consider all the scenarios. Voting McCain into office is voting Palin into office and possibly putting her in the drivers seat. My mother always taught me to never take rides from strangers. How well do you know Sarah Palin?

If I were American I would not be a Republican. I don’t have a vote in the US election and if I did I would be a disappointed Hilary Clinton supporter. I don’t know if Obama can do all he promises – but I hope to find out. I do not want to see four more years of the Bush regime. I feel that McCain is a continuation of that mentality and its misguided policies. But tonight was not about the boys – it was about the girls.

The RNC was pimping the for the women’s vote tonight. With two strong businesswomen opening the evening’s festivities – the agenda was clear: Listen up Ladies!

Meg Whitman, while speaking about McCain’s agenda for the first 100 days in office, was as dry as a popcorn fart. I applaud her for becoming the first woman billionaire by founding e-bay – but she didn’t get there through public speaking. I respect her business savvy – but hope to never sit through a speech again. My favorite Whitman sentence: “… how will he do all this – by lifting the ban on off shore drilling and building more nuclear reactors!” Umm Really? Is that progress? AND, she said it with a smile.

Carly Fiorina chair of RNC 2008, and former CEO of Hewlett Packard – is definitely a more commanding public speaker, than Whitman. She also knows how to work the room; shifting position, focusing on a new section of the arena, rhythmically, through every few sentences. However, there came a point where it felt way too choreographed. Though I don’t buy what she’s selling about McCain – she sold it well. Her hook, “I know John McCain,” was effective but over used. Kudos to Fiorina for delivering a better performance – the lady can talk and was easier to listen to. Her stand out statement to me was: “John McCain will bring our troops home with victory.” I beg to differ, there is no victory in this war: Vietnam - The Sequel.

Honorable mention goes to “Mr. PotatoE” himself - Bob Dole - his cheeks are pulled so far back that his lips don’t move. Good to know that vanity has a place in male politics too. He did amuse me with his repetition of the fact that he DOES NOT KNOW PALIN. But she might do great things – BUT HE DOESN’T personally know her. Umm – why was he there again? Was it to support the candidate for Vice President?

After the trotting out all of the republican losers –who didn’t like McCain for the job during the campaign – we got to listen to their often-dry tributes to McCain. Mitt Romney had the most odd attempt at comedic speaking I’ve seen in a while. It was a little uncomfortable.

After what seemed like 19 minutes of cheering and, “Thank you. Thank you so much – Thank you. Thank you so much.” Sarah Palin accepted the nomination – HUGE SURPRIZE.

Palin is very well spoken. She touted McCain as a TRUE believer and jumped straight in to introducing her family: a family that faces all the challenges families face. She spoke of her, off to war son, Track, who leaves in one week. She spoke with such pride – I on the other hand would encourage my boys to doge the draft if there were a draft. She alluded to her pregnant daughter – which I CAN’T believe has been an issue at ALL! She also spoke about special needs children and her youngest son. I believe all these things make Palin very likable to women everywhere.

She seemed sweet – until the hockey mom pit bull joke. After that Palin went for the kill – she pretty much called Obama twofaced. She took shots at the media – she took shots where she could. The woman has brass balls. I think she may have been a little too “On.” At times she was reminiscent of a Kathy Griffin bit. Which is funny and GREAT – if you’re Kathy Griffin. She may have come on too strong. I love sarcasm, but it may open the door to some snipe counter attack that is really not necessary in politics. It’s actually overdone.

I think Palin is smart and strong and will hold her own in this election. I am looking forward to the debate between she and Joe Biden. We shall see how she does off script. I don’t know if she has what it takes to run a country – I’m hoping I never find out. I have nothing against her (yet) – but she comes with McCain – and I can’t stomach him. If he wins – I’m moving to Canada! Wait – Phew – I’m already here.

A day can start out one way and end very differently. I’m sure this is a revelation to all! That’s what I’m here for: to enlighten with pearls of wisdom. Anyone feel smarter yet?

My Tuesday day ran from about midnight till six am – I got some writing taken care of and sorted through about 1000 photos. (It always seems like a great idea to take loads of photos at the time one is shooting. Later on – well: not so much.) I was up and at em around eleven am for round two of my day. Getting up was the fatal flaw in my plan. I could barely walk when I woke. My foot was swollen as if I’d already been on it for a day. Can a body just decide to quit on us? Anyway – I avoided the anti-inflammatory drugs because they make me nauseous. All in all it was a “stick a fork in me” sort of day from the word go.

I’ve been getting lots of e-mails at both Myspace and The Thought Vox in regards to a health update. I am so appreciative of all your messages of support and encouragement. It has been a while since there has been any real medical news hence the lack of shared info. There have been lots more tests and there are more appointments scheduled. It seems like a million miles ago I was saying that the Doctors would have answers in a month or so. We’re now starting month six and have no solid answers.

Today things took a bit of a frustrating turn – or rather continued to be on a frustrating turn. On August 20th the results from my spinal/hip bone density x-rays came back absolutely FINE! Awesome news! No osteoporosis! But wait – before I had the chance to celebrate, that very day, it felt as though a second bone cracked in my left foot. WTF? I called my GP and my Rheumatologist to say, “Houston – we have a problem.” I was squeezed in for a rush appointment – wherein we scratched our heads. As per standard practice – I went to the lab for an x-ray of my swollen foot. The results were rushed through and the lab called me directly the next day. The x-ray came back clear – no break visible (nothing new there) - the foot: looked like a balloon float in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I assured my Doctors that I needed another MRI, as the first broken bone didn’t show up on x-ray. I knew, without a doubt there was a fresh break! Incidentally – the original break is now healing and the mending bone was visible on the x-ray (It’s as if the bone is mocking me). There was no MRI ordered – they wanted to wait and see how things would be in a few weeks. Granted, I might have been wrong – but I was DAMN sure! I hobbled around for a few days and then saw another of my Doctors. (yes, I seem to have acquired a lot of Doctors over the past few months). Within three days (last Friday) I was getting a bone scan on my foot.

Other than the part where they inject you with radioactive isotopes – bone scans are quite something! I’m told it’s not a harmful amount of radiation. Why, it’s “no more than the amount one is exposed to in a spinal x-ray.” Yeah – umm - like the amount I was exposed to on my spinal x-ray three weeks ago? Or maybe the amount from the hip x-rays the same day as the spine – or the three foot x-rays, or perhaps the series of full skeletal x-rays that took more than an hour in the x-ray lab (radiation chamber). At this point I have a glow about me that counters the moon. “No. I’m not pregnant – I’m radioactive!” I was advised to drink a shit – load of fluids for 48 hours and NOT to cross any borders without a note from the Nuclear Medicine lab that stated I was injected with radioactive isotopes for medical reasons. Apparently I would have set off radiation detectors. Good to know! That part of the experience was quite amusing to me as well as my friends. “Bitch – I will go nuclear on your ass!”

Watching both flesh and bone show up on screen as the scans were taken was wild. The technician was great, and explained what we were looking at. A huge area of my left foot lit up with brilliant white light. This signified “lots of activity” in that area – meaning: something was off and the radioactive isotopes were congregating there.

Today I got a call. The results were in and I was mistaken: I did not have a new broken bone – I have TWO new broken bones in my left foot. The second metatarsal is healing – the third and fourth are now fractured; all of this with zero trauma to my “anything.”

I was pretty bummed to get the news this afternoon. I will call the Rheumatologist in a few hours and find out where I have to go to get a cast or boot on the foot. I’m hoping they go this route. Last time it was too late as the bone was healing by the time the MRI located the break.

I wish I could tell those of you, who contact me regularly, something concrete. All we know is something is wrong. There is a lot of ruling out in medicine. We’ve ruled out many, many, many things. Perhaps the two specialists I see in early October will have new angles.

As per usual, I called Jake and Glamma to bitch about my bones. They listened and we made fun of the situation – which ALWAYS helps. Nothing beats a laugh when you’ve had a crap day.

I went around the corner to their place and we watched movie trailers. We are compiling our winter movie consumption list now. This is Canada – we need to have indoor plans to avoid frozen arses. We’ve mapped out the movies that will require two boxes of Kleenex and those that may require depends. Some look pee in your drawers funny. We also speculated on Oscar contenders. After four hours of chill time I hobbled back around the corner a happy and uplifted soul.

Life can be a challenge – either we sit at home miserably feeling sorry for ourselves. Or we can choose to be optimistic. I can accept feeling frustrated and pissed off – but I CAN’T do self pity (for more than twenty minutes at a time).

Note: comfort food such as ice cream and potato chips are prescribed for pissed-off and frustrated. They need not be rationed for incidents of self-pity only.

Until the experts decide what to do about my bones I’ve purchased some new bones that are fully intact. So far they are holding me up – and they look stylish too. Win-win!

I wish all of you well! Thanks again!

I spent many hours on the Austin City Limits Fan Forum on Sunday. I went in search of answers to my distaste for what I believe is FAUX ACL contest judging. (See previous post, I’m tired and ain’t getting into details.)

Forums are interesting places. I’ve never belonged to one - well for more than a few posts. It is quite something how well people get to know each other in the online reality. I am a Myspace junkie, and make no apologies for it. Yet there is a difference: Myspace tends to be one on one conversations or private emails. Forums riffle through conversations or multiple conversations at break-neck speed. You have to pay attention and type fast.

I was not a popular addition on the forum. I guess it stands to reason that if one goes to an ACL site and says ACL’s contest is rigged - it won’t be met with a warm embrace… or so I thought. Here’s the thing. Not everybody is as interested in small justices. Overall the members of the forum didn’t give a crap one way or another about the contest. Some were NOT amused at the suggestion that gender and sexuality may have played a part in the judging. I took my lumps.

So what is the point to this possibly misspent day and this post? Well - after much debate, and some award-winning sniping the tide turned. At some point my bulletproof exterior got some respect. I, in turn, showed greater respect for them. Those of us in heavy debate agreed to disagree. Some still claim to hate me - which I welcome - it just means someone else is getting a break. Besides, it really doesn’t matter.

Wherever I go I am always gifted with seeing the kindness in people. Finding this in a place where the air was caustic and the attack was full on was is it’s own reward.

There is a large group of smartass people out in cyber forums who have serious wit. When we put aside our own opinions and listen to other people we start to see human beings. I don’t dig nastiness or cruelty, but I can give as well as I get, when cornered. Nobody is bucking for sainthood here. There were lots of things said that crossed a line, as far as I’m concerned. One poster said the lines were long gone there. At times it seemed that way – then lines seemed to reappear.

There is a strange etiquette in these cyber worlds. One thing that’s the same as the tangible world: people protect their homes and families. I arrived an outsider who seemed on the attack - when I backed off a little I was seen differently by some. This is a lesson our leaders should take. Sometimes there is NO right and wrong - just many shades of gray.

I give kudos to the crew at the ACL Fan Forum. They proclaim (jokingly) that they are a cult and make slams at each other because that’s the way they like it. I also saw the community side of these people - many of whom, it seems, have met in person. I don’t agree with some of the debating tactics and nastiness - but they take care of their own - and that is respectable.

I still think Jen Foster got the shaft – my reasons still stand as my reasons… but it was much nicer to be told: “We don’t care,” then to be lied to. I wish people cared about everything – but realize I don’t care about everything either. We choose our battles and can’t make them the battles of others. This is not rocket science or a grand new prophecy; yet, it is a good thing to remind our selves from time to time.

Peace.