Steve Earle and the Protest Machine
By James on Jun 18, 2007 in Rock
I was sitting here trying to figure out what I wanted to write about today and I think hey, what about Steve Earle? I have always enjoyed his music since the 80’s and Copperhead Road. I mean I even like his later, folkie stuff you know. So I went and Youtubed him and the first thing that pops up is a protest song. Now the song seems to be a good song but I just couldn’t seem to get past the opening. Now some of you may have read the about page on this site and realize I am a soldier. Now I am not a politically minded guy. I also try and keep an open mind and realize that this is America. The right to free speech is an incredible right to have. So here I am going to exercise my right also. Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, and anyone else that enjoys the benefit of being a public entertainment figure remember some of your fans may just be soldiers, loyal Americans, and people who love this country and joined the military because we believe in this thing we call These United States of America. Now I understand the argument that you are just protesting what you feel is a corrupt government. You may have issues with the current group of politicians up on the hill but the thing you have to remember is that Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines not only have to follow the orders of those appointed over them but they also need to believe in those orders. It can be a hard thing being a member of the military during a time when the war or wars that our country fights become unpopular in the public eye. You see no matter what, members of the military take an oath. Now what am I asking here? First stop saying you support our troops and then turn around and talk about our leadership. Believe it or not you do not support the troops if you run down the country they fight for. Also stop using patriotic sounding songs to pursue your agenda. It is morally wrong in my eyes and a contradiction. If you would stop and think about I think you would see it as clear as I do. Now for those artist that have never served their country or wanted to all of this may seem hard to understand. If you want a platform to speak from thats okay, this is America after all, just don’t use the backs of the members of our military to do it from. We serve because we want too. We volunteered to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and our ego’s. Am I saying you don’t give? No but I am asking are you ready to give your life? We are, that’s our job. If you want to support us then volunteer for a USO tour. If not then be clear what your agenda is and stop saying you support us.
Here is the video from YouTube;
These view expressed are mine and in no way reflect the views of the government or the military.
Popularity: 43% [?]


4 Comment(s)
By Nanette on Jun 21, 2007 | Reply
I understand what you are saying and I see how, as a soldier, it would be next to impossible not to take a war protest personally but I think it is completely possible to support the troops (and soldier’s families) without supporting the war. I am a Candian citizen and I was living in the States at during 911. I am back living in Canada and just today I heard on the radio that 60 Canadian troops have died in Afganistan so far.
I do not agree with the ideology behind this war but, as you said, troops are simply following orders for what they believe to be a just cause. I support each individual soldier in his and her endeavors and I simply want them home alive and safe.
By Amanda on Jun 29, 2007 | Reply
It is possible to support the troops and not the war you are supporting them and wishing them home safety and for them to win in the essence of coming home intact.
By Female Bodybuilders on Nov 24, 2007 | Reply
Great blog post. I agree with you totally!
By Anton Daniels on Jul 5, 2008 | Reply
Your post reminds me of what the wise François La Rochefoucauld said - “The virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in the sea.” - thank you for sharing this blog.