The Band of Hope and Dreams

“The last check on power after the checks and balances have failed, are the people. You and me.” In the Bruce Springsteen song Jungleland, the narrator laments that, “the poets down here don’t write nothing at all, they just stand back and let it all be.” Springsteen is one poet not following that model. “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us. Raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.” Bruce Springsteen is one artist not ignoring America’s struggle. Let’s hope younger artists follow suit. “The world’s richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world’s sickest children to sickness and death.” Here’s the full video of Springsteen’s remarks.