What follows is political commentary with which I happen to agree.
If you disagree with me, that is fine– simply ignore it. I don’t really want to have big time political fights on this blog. You probably aren’t going to change my mind, and I’m probably not going to change yours. So I’ll respect your views, if you’ll respect mine.
To answer the question in this song, I’ve always known which side I am on, and I’ve never been confused.
The original version of the song comes from a bloody strike in Harlan County, Kentucky. Here is that version:
In case you didn’t know, I have this side to me. It pops up every once in while.
I’m not a liberal. I’m a progressive.
There is a difference.
Tomorrow is the primary election in West Virginia. I vote early, but I voted with these thoughts in mind.
In a time of austerity, it’s really the only thing I can think of in terms of politics.
I know that many of you don’t agree with me in terms of politics, but please respect my views. I have reasons for having these views, and not all of them can be reduced to my attendance of a liberal arts college, where I received my BA summa cum laude.
Although I am proud of my undergrad degree, I don’t think I’m smarter than anyone else. The only reason why I have had these opportunities is because some people (mainly my parents) were willing to sacrifice for me to have those opportunities. I am only “self-made” in that I have taken advantage of those opportunities.
This song captures what I wish the current administration would never forget:
“There is only one aristocracy”:
Dropkick Murphys also has a great cover of “Which Side are you On?”
I like their version of the Worker’s Song and this one (I like this one a lot):
Oh, I saw Billy Bragg in Roskilde Festival Denmark. A man, a guitar and passion for a mission – what else one should have.
I think you have no reason to feel ashamed or beg for mercy for your views. In Europe you’d be stated an intellectual and emancipated.
Don’t ever call me an intellectual.