I know the topic walks a fine line, but I dont think I am crossing it!

For anyone not to acknowledge Bruce Springsteen as an icon of American culture is to reject an American institution. His music over the past 30+ years makes up one of the greatest catalogs in music history. He has been a voice for people without a voice for as long as I have been alive!

Like his music or not, anyone who reads the lyrics as they were written has to acknowledge his genius and his love and heartache for his country.

He just got slapped in the face today and that's a shame.

Elvis for Drug Czar, anyone?

"The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle" rocks in my mind..a

Maybe i'm lost in translation (again) but what institution rejected The Boss ?

clint.

Personally, I don't think people should be honored until they're dead... if they are still alive they plenty of time to become a F*ckup!

WASHINGTON -- Bruce Springsteen famously was "born in the USA," but he's getting scorned in the U.S. Senate.

An effort by New Jersey's two Democratic senators to honor the veteran rocker was shot down Friday by Republicans who are apparently still miffed a year after the Boss lent his voice to the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

The chamber's GOP leaders refused to bring up for consideration a resolution, introduced by Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Jon Corzine, that honored Springsteen's long career and the 1975 release of his iconic album, "Born to Run."

No reason was given, said Lautenberg spokesman Alex Formuzis. "Resolutions like this pass all the time in the U.S. Senate, usually by unanimous consent," he said.

Telephone calls to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's office seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Lautenberg said he couldn't understand why anyone would object to the resolution.

"Even if the Republicans don't like (Springsteen's) tunes, I would hope they appreciated his contributions to American culture," Lautenberg said.

Corzine said he, Lautenberg and other Americans appreciated Springsteen's contributions to American culture.

"We'll never surrender looking for ways to honor our local hero who made it big in this land of hopes and dreams," Corzine said.

Springsteen endorsed Kerry last year, and made campaign appearances that drew huge crowds who came to hear music described in the resolution as "a cultural milestone that has touched the lives of millions of people."

Well, I'm a Republican, & I LOVE Springsteen's stuff- not all of us are tight-ass, anal-retentive types...I got sent off to college when "Born To Run" was big...the Southern kids liked Bruce, as did the damyankees...I figured I was gonna be alright at school, then...-Sandy G.

With all that's truly needing attention in this country, we got two New Jersey senators clogging up the works with time-wasting resolutions like this?! I don't mind Springsteen one bit, but Uncle Sam has better things to do. The best way to show appreciation for Springsteen's talent is to purchase his music. Just my two centavos.

Tom

Well, this may be harsh, but Bruce played politics and now he gets burned. He supported the other guys and now he gets a payback; what a surprise!!!
I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Personally, I don't think people should be honored until they're dead... if they are still alive they plenty of time to become a F*ckup!

I concur. Whether there was greatness or not can more easily be judged through the perspective that time gives. Something this current seems to be all politics - payback one way or another.
I would also rather have our lawmakers involved in solving our very real problems - dems and reps

Oh, if they would only do that-do what's right for THE COUNTRY-instead of playing these stupid games all the time. It's all "NIGYSOB"-Now I Got You, You Son Of A Bitch..." A pox on BOTH their houses !!-Sandy G.

With all that's truly needing attention in this country, we got two New Jersey senators clogging up the works with time-wasting resolutions like this?!

These resoultions (and there have been many similar) aren't really time wasters at all. They are very simple, almost ceremonial resolutions that usually pass quickly and easily.

For example, upon his death a bill was introduced to give Ray Charles the Congressional Gold Medal. Here is the bill: http://www.congressionalgoldmedal.com/RayCharles.htm

Now, I know what you are thinkin' - Ray Charles, a fighter in the war for civil rights (and played plenty o' politics) as well as a cultural icon, is in a different league than Bruce. However, other icons of American culture have been proposed for Congressional Gold Medals, like Mr. Rogers! http://www.congressionalgoldmedal.com/FredRogers.htm

An Icon is an Icon is an Icon. Nebraska, Darkness On the Edge of Town, The River, Born In the USA...these are things that speak for themselves. The great songwriters and poets will always write about the things that trouble them...things they see need to be changed. They should be honored for that and not for the side of the aisle that necessarily agrees with those words.

I'd say his greatness hasn't been diminished in the least.

Now i get it. :yes:

In my opinion he doesn't be honored to be GREAT.
I'm a big big fan of Springsteen's music and the big impact in rock music and social terms. :thmbsp:

clint.

Elvis for Drug Czar, anyone? Without Elvis, there would be no Springsteen (as we know him). Elvis was THE major influence on Bruce, as well as mostof the musicians that followed.
They should be honored for that and not for the side of the aisle that necessarily agrees with those words. Like others have mentioned, he campaigned for months agaist the Republicans. I do not think you would be honoring a guy that went to several states tryng to get you thrown out of your job. I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too. EXACTLY!

I love Bruce's music and have every album in his arsenal, but I could care less if he gets recognized by the Senate. They have the Grammys for that. :yes:

As a side note, I doubt Bruce wants the Senate wasting time on him when there are many more important issues to address.

I know the topic walks a fine line, but I dont think I am crossing it!

For anyone not to acknowledge Bruce Springsteen as an icon of American culture is to reject an American institution. His music over the past 30+ years makes up one of the greatest catalogs in music history. He has been a voice for people without a voice for as long as I have been alive!

Like his music or not, anyone who reads the lyrics as they were written has to acknowledge his genius and his love and heartache for his country.

He just got slapped in the face today and that's a shame.

Elvis for Drug Czar, anyone?Well, when he came out openly in support of democrat John Kerry last year he pretty much severed any good will he had with any Republicans who sit in the decision making chairs on issues like this.

or, payback is a bitch.

Maybe they'll redo this when Democrats are ithe majority. Who knows?

Didn't both Bruce and Elvis wind up on one of those "Most overrated" lists here?

:rolleyes:

Actually, to be honored by the scum we call our politicians, is hardly an honor at all. That is targeted to both parties, BTW. What is it Groucho Marx said- "I wouldn't want to be a member of a club that was willing to have me as a member"? To be honored by fellow musicians, to be honored by fans, is fine. To be honored by some of the lowest, most contemptible people on the planet... well, I'd rather not be. Personally I'd rather be honored by the criminals in jail than the criminals we elect...

Good point. I myself wouldn't want to be recognized by a bunch of overpaid lawyers aka politicians, but my peers and fans.
Tom

Good point. I myself wouldn't want to be recognized by a bunch of overpaid lawyers aka politicians, but my peers and fans.
TomDidn't Bruce make his stance as being one that stood outside the established system? Wouldn't this be the ultimate hypocrisy?

Well, maybe not, how long did he, Dylan and others sing about being dirt poor and suffering for years after they had amassed tremendous fortunes?

I feel bad for Bruce. He's been avoiding politics for years, and the one time he ventures an opinion, he gets whacked. Anyone remember when Reagan tried to co-opt Bruce's "Born In The USA" for his last election?

Politics not withstanding..... George Busch and his henchmen B__W Goats !!!!!
:banana2: :banana: :banana2: :banana: :banana2: :banana:

Springstein Rocks !!!

Sorry gotta close this one.