Two years ago, I wrote my first and only DKos diary criticizing Bruce Springsteen for having an exclusive Wal-Mart album release. I was disgusted by that decision, and I needed to vent about it. In a NY Times interview a few months later, Bruce openly admitted that the Wal-Mart release was a mistake.
But Mr. Springsteen said the decision was made too hastily. “We were in the middle of doing a lot of things, it kind of came down and, really, we didn’t vet it the way we usually do,” he said. “We just dropped the ball on it.” Instead of offering the exclusive collection to Wal-Mart, “given its labor history, it was something that if we’d thought about it a little longer, we’d have done something different.” He added, “It was a mistake. Our batting average is usually very good, but we missed that one. Fans will call you on that stuff, as it should be.”
Now, I have written my second diary and, once again, it involves Bruce Springsteen. This is an open letter to him. It has been cross posted at the backstreets.com message boards.
Bruce,
The labor protests here in Wisconsin are no longer a local or state issue. Madison has become the forefront of the battle waging between the elite and the working/middle class. Public Union leaders have publicly conceded to Scott Walker's financial demands because they are reasonable people who understand that the Great Recession has caused financial hardships for everyone, but our governor refuses to negotiate. He has dug his heels in on an ideological principle that puts business interests ahead of worker's rights. Our fourteen brave Democratic State Senators have taken the only action that will prevent this overt power grab from taking place. They have refused to be pawns in Walker's game. By leaving the state, they are protecting the collective bargaining rights of over 100,000 Wisconsin Public Servants. Their action is, dare I say, noble.
I drove three hours south last Saturday and joined in the protests to support not only decent, hardworking Public Sector employees, but also to make a stand against the wealthy elite that continue to gobble up more and more financial resources at the expense of the working/middle class. It was exhilarating to stand with 60,000+ people uniting for a common cause, and it made me realize that there is an untapped pool of frustration in this country towards the unchecked power and wealth that is trying to advance the already entrenched oligarchy.
This is why I am writing this, Bruce. You have been on the front lines of giving voice to the voiceless for a generation. Your words, music, and actions have been an inspiration to millions of people who get up every day and fight the good fight. This movement needs you, just like we needed you after 9-11. Please join us in Madison.
Thank you,
William
Eau Claire, WI
PS--I know the odds are long, and this attempt to reach Bruce is rather futile. But, this issue is too important to ignore. It's not about the benefits of a few Wisconsin teachers. It's not about Unions. Hell, it's not even about politics because the Dems are just as responsible for our economic conditions as the Repubs. It's about taking a stand against the powerful and starting a movement to take OUR goddamn country back.