What a year of drama this has been from the coronavirus virus to the presidential election. Regardless of which side you have come down on, I think life will go on, this is not the first time in history, as far as the shifting of power in America.
It seems that history has a habit of repeating itself. The presidential campaign and election of 1800 are rightfully remembered as being both bitter and divisive. Perhaps no other election, save for the elections of 1824 or 1828, conjured up more partisanship than the one between Adams and Jefferson. The partisan newspapers ran attack ads daily. Adams was called all things, including a hermaphrodite. Jefferson was labeled an atheist and a dangerous man. Both lead candidates remained largely detached from the political rancor, though Jefferson certainly played a greater role in directing editors what to print.
Despite the Election of 1800’s pivotal outcome, what it shows us is how American politics would shape the country in the decades moving forward. Sectional tensions that were not settled, and perhaps irreparably enshrined, would come to challenge the country’s very existence and identity in the nineteenth century. Many of the founders, including Adams and Jefferson, worried about these divisions. But they had cast their lot with those who favored national unity above all else. The election showed that some aspects of their vision were imperfect. It also showed how American politics would operate hereafter.
Many popular music artists have made it their business to become the latest authority on politics. The sad fact is, they know little about it and should probably focus on something they really know, like their ability to express themselves musically.
Yesterday Kurt Russel posted his view on entertainers getting into politics, he said he saw them as court jesters when it came to politics. Just a reminder of the classical definition of a court jester: A person in bright garb and fool’s cap who served as amusement in a mediaeval royal court.
I don’t know how many times when I was touring with Linda Ronstadt that someone in the audience would hold up a sign “shut up and sing,” when she would launch into per Michael Moore support. Although, I too did not support her political beliefs, she was very kind to her crew and band and when it came to belting out a song, not sure anyone was better.