27-01-2015, 06:50
Nick Wrote:I am huge Steve Earle fan, but my fandom begins and ends with his music. Musical honesty is something I value above all else when it comes to artists, and Earle doesn't have it. Our idols are often not the men we believe them to be though, Johnny cheated on June (with her sister, while she was pregnant), Dylan is a terrible father, and George Jones was a drunk. These things don't make me any less of a fan of their work, I just don't see them as the heroes I once did. Earle writes and sings about all his military service, when in truth he was as anti-war as they come, he is a draft dodger that uses experiences that aren't his own to sell records.
I feel your pain and that's no blather--6 years in the Marines including 2 in the Old Country gets me a seat at the table, and grieving with plenty of hurt friends gives me a voice. May I simply ask: Can a man re-invent himself? Seek redemption for previous follies and addictions? Our justice system is "Justice, tempered with mercy"--all I ask is temper your justice with a measure of mercy towards Mr. Earle. Not asking you to like him, just forgive him. If you find this scathing or intrusive, go rip me a new one--I shan't fight back.
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR