Advertising dude Jim Cohen from downstairs sent this my way, suggesting it would be a good election day post. Frankly, I don't remember ever hearing that Mr. Byrne isn't an American citizen. If I did, I forgot. You do learn something new almost every day.
I Can't, But You Can
Pardon the bulk mailing. I Can't Vote. I am an immigrant with a Green Card
and, therefore, I am not eligible to vote in a federal election. FYI, I can
get drafted (luckily, Daniel Berrigan burned my draft board's records) and I
pay taxes, yet I cannot vote for president. On election day, I see my
neighbors heading to the nearby elementary school to cast their ballots. The
voting booth joint is a great leveler; the whole neighborhood -- rich, poor,
old, young, decrepit and spunky - - they all turn out in one day.
But most of you can vote. What can I say? The Republicans have made us less
safe than before 9/11, bankrupted this economy, started an illegal war they
can't -- and don't intend to -- finish, removed what sympathy (after 9/11)
and respect the world had for the US, and have robbed US citizens of many of
their basic rights. Global warming? What's that? Science and education?
Investment in our future? No, thanks -- we'll stick with a good ol' hockey
mom. Ignorant and fucking proud of it, as is always the case.
Although it looks like a shoo-in, it ain't over 'til Florida. And there are
plenty of racists in this country who will vote against their own best
interests. So, please, get to your local elementary school, post office, town
hall,or whatever, and cast your vote and make this a country we can all be
proud of. We can get out of this mess, and life can be better than it is.
David Byrne
NYC
Byrne with Eno: Their new album is real good, too...!
