Night After Night

Writing, a blog, and a newsletter. By Steve Smith.

Voice of reason.

I try to stay away from discussing my politics here*, but occasionally I’ll break that personal guideline in order to point out something worthwhile. Did you know that former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has a blog? Today’s post digs into the cynical media and political spins of the current "Bittergate" imbroglio. Reading backward, earlier posts offer plainspoken analysis of the slippery slope on which our economy is currently poised. (Per Daily Kos)

* It’s not that I’m afraid to talk about politics or defend my positions; it just doesn’t seem germane to what this blog was established for — and I’m also wary of attracting the lunatic fringe to disrupt the proceedings. That said, it becomes increasingly difficult not to speak up in light of a $3 trillion war, an economy in peril and the shocking malfeasance and ineptitude of elected officials on both sides of the aisle. I fear that the sense of
hope I felt after voting in the primary has been eroding ever since. Emptying the contents of my bank accounts into envelopes headed for the federal and state coffers probably didn’t help that mood.

Bite my lip and keep fiddling? Or speak my mind and risk alienating readers who came for the tunes? Your thoughts on the matter are invited.

Postscript: Jodru at ANAblog has another take on "Bittergate" and Reich.

Steve Smith

9 responses to “Voice of reason.”

  1. Ian Moss Avatar
    Ian Moss

    I agree with you: there comes a time, and that time has come.

    Reply
  2. La Cowntessa Avatar
    La Cowntessa

    I’ll admit, I don’t mind political discussion. Granted, when it’s not political discussion that reflects my personal leanings, I’m a little less ok with it, but! As long as it’s generally thoughtful and respectful (regardless of who it’s from and who it’s toward), I’m happy to read it.
    I do believe that the arts in general are shaped by and shape politics, so how can a living, breathing thing (that music is) ignore that which is part of its creation?
    All pontification aside, it’s your blog, do as you like. 🙂
    (PS, I discovered your blog doing a search for Johnny spielt auf, actually. I was so pleased to find something, ANYTHING written about this work, that I ended up reading a good portion of your blog and then subscribing to the feed. Champions of rarely performed works make my day!)

    Reply
  3. the improvising guitarist Avatar
    the improvising guitarist

    Music is politics by other means.

    Reply
  4. La Cowntessa Avatar
    La Cowntessa

    Oh dear, delete the last half of that comment. To my everlasting shame and embarassment, I mixed your blog up with Johnny spielt auf. I found you from a completely different search term, but one nonetheless musical related. It’s Monday, and my wits are none too keen today.

    Reply
  5. Niall Avatar
    Niall

    I admit I stopped reading a blog by one of your occasional colleagues because I couldn’t take her incessant crowing about the Italian world cup team. That’s where I draw the line.*
    When I find interesting artists and critics with other political views, though, I actually am kind of fascinated, esp. as everyone I know is pretty much on the same team and I’m floored that some folks actually find a way to think otherwise.
    But I agree with you, so I”m not really who you’re asking for permission.
    *(Buffon is a great man, don’t get me wrong; but that’s it.)

    Reply
  6. Lisa Hirsch Avatar
    Lisa Hirsch

    I’m fine with political discussion. I do it occasionally, and when I do, as sharply as I can. My readership isn’t big enough to attract crazies, except maybe once or twice*; your readership may vary.
    * The most extreme email I got essentially defended the south’s role in the Civil War; at least, that’s how I interpreted the argument that “it was an economic war against the south.”

    Reply
  7. Bruce Hodges Avatar
    Bruce Hodges

    Although Ian’s initial reaction probably comes closest to my own, I also empathize with wanting to stay true to the core subject of your blog. (And it’s not as if there are no forums for politics.)
    But for your blog (and others covering the arts) I have no problem with political posts now and then. I’ve thought about the same issue myself.

    Reply
  8. Eric Skelly Avatar
    Eric Skelly

    I trust your discretion to err on the side of caution and know how much politics is too much.

    Reply
  9. JSU Avatar
    JSU

    If it’s in the vein of “we, like all decent people, agree, and aren’t we outraged at those who don’t”, don’t bother.

    Reply

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