KMS

^ I agree with your stance on Rise Against. Most punk is leftist, but I prefer the more brash and in your face forms that may have a lefty tint to it, but deal with all forms of rebellious subject matter. Rise Against has always been about nothing but cliche leftist(American view point leftist at that)rantings.

Similarly I never could stand Anti Flag for the same reason, even though I enjoyed their first couple of songs that I heard when I first found them.

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You guys are hilarious I have been searching for a good right-wing, neo-conservative punk band for years! Especially one who supports corporate global fascism, and, gun-toting, flag-waving patriotism, who supports staunch capitalism, even at the expense of billions of children who are starving to death, or making tennis shoes for fifty cents a day.

Got any to recommend? LMAO.

I love these Siamese Twins. Left or right? Right or left?

They cannot be reversed. So, we solve all of them with similes.

Left is to right as right is to left.

Liberal? Or, Conservative? Wow, those lefty liberals wanting all that 'freedom'! And, the righty conservatives wanting to liberate the whole world? Even if America has to blow up a few countries to liberate them!

Rise Against is a great band, and they did have a patriotic song. And, one of the best songs ever written. If you don't like it, then you don't like music.



Who cares if it was a white flag he brought home? It was a flag damn it!

Here's some politics you all might enjoy more. The Politics of Starving. It's off-topic, but, Against Me! And, I am the authority! And, who in their right mind would not support more authority! I often ask, why don't we have more authority in the world? There is just not enough!



So, someone please explain exactly what is the problem with the liberal stance on political issues? Don't give the abortion crap, or the anti-gay issue, or that God is a right-wing conservative Christian who votes Republican every election, and, hand-picked George Bush to be his burning tree of a President. And, makes sure all the kids put their hands on their heart, and say "I pledge allegiance to a flag"! Every morning, yet cannot say a silent prayer, or face suspension or worse from school in the good ole USA.

And, also makes sure that 2% of the population controls 98% of the money in the world, and, makes certain that any foreign leader who doesn't play ball gets ousted, or assassinated. And, believes that Karl Marx was a complete monster, and the Communist Manifesto was a tool of the Antichrist or devil to even suggest any type of Socialist society.

A Truly 'free-market society' has to be based on Capitalism.

Socialize v Capitalize? I hope some good punk band comes up with an album called 'The Irony of Blindness'!

I want to hear this nonsense badly!

God Bless America! Our National Anthem? No. The Star Spangled Banner! God doesn't mind taking second fiddle to a flag I am sure. Even though the Jews were utterly destroyed and dispersed for a lot less idolatry than is displayed here in the Revived Roman Empire.

Even England, with the largest percentage of Atheists in the Western world wants to at least have God Save the Queen! Or, is that Freddie Mercury?

I think the right-wingers here are listening to the wrong genre. It is called Country and Western. I here Toby Keith is a big rah rah America twanger. And, the Dixie Chicks got lambasted for even suggesting any lefty notions.

I want to rant, but, I have to stop. I'm laughing too hard. But, I ended up ranting anyway. So, sue me. Lawsuits are big money in America.

Most punk is leftist. But, most punks are neo-cons. And, all neo-cons are punks who need the sh*t slapped into them.

Wake up and think. And, quit buying into all the 'liberal mediums', who are all owned by a total of six conglomerates! That is all the media, all of it, not simply TV or Radio. Nearly all, if not everything we read or see is part of an oligopoly of six companies or individuals. Liberal Nazis!

You all will get your New World Order. It's cranking up big time, and, coming to a theater near you.

Political bands don't get airplay anyway. Viacom and the record companies control who gets heard, and, these days it is Justin Bieber and Lady Ga Ga. If the music isn't geared toward 13 year old girls, then, it doesn't play. Unless it is a rap for a booty call! All the gangsta rappers sold out big time for TV shows and movies, and making FUBU clothing lines. Many went from cop-killing raps to killing criminals on cop shows!

This is one of the funniest posts I have ever had the pleasure to read. And, a lot of people here think I am crazy!

So, here is some food for debate I am certain.

Anyone who thinks they are a political band are not hearing the lyrics. Tim's lyrics deal with largely social, and personal issues not involving politics at all. They have political songs, but, not a lot. Read the lyrics, and, see the overtones of symbolism involving an angry soul. Don't confuse politics with social issues. Politicians have nothing to do with the ills of society, and, can do nothing about them if they wanted to. They are puppets controlled by the corporate lobbyists, who manipulate the system profusely.

The major problem with the politicians, as well as man, is the fact he has no conscience. They do not cast votes. They sell them to the highest bidder. They sell out, and we get sold out as a result. And, all you 'right' wingers eat the sh*t up like candy. And, the so-called 'left' wingers are about an inch from the center of the spectrum. There is no 'far left' politician left in this country. If there were, they would be eaten alive by the media, and, never win an election.

It's a joke. But, not a funny one.

Now, slay me with criticism.

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The passing traveler stops for food and music.

KMS

Wow, an essay filled with originality.

Alfred

Wut.

As for the rest of your post, I could not pinpoint exactly what you were trying to say but it sounded like you don't think Rise Against are a political band (mixed in with your generic rant against Republicans that I partially agree with but have heard a million times before). Rise Against are absolutely a political band, and just because more of their songs concern social issues, that doesn't make them any less preachy. They were involved with Punkvoter and Rock Against Bush, they consistently bring their politics and statistics into their stage banter, and pen songs about animal rights, child labour, and blind patriotism, among others.

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I had to edit this. Sorry. You are from Canada! So, ignore the U.K. references I called that way wrong!

You couldn't pinpoint it? I thought I made it fairly obvious

It was a rant, but, a generic rant? Give me a little credit for the humor at least, come on?

Stage banter and involvement in political-based events does not involve the lyrics to the music. And, what is the problem with standing up, and, expressing concerns about issues that need addressed? There are huge problems with the exploitation of child labour, and, blind patriotism is a problem. Everyone should wake up, and, take a stand against the current system of elitist corporate global fascists, who are oppressing the entire world. Why would you sit back and watch, if you were in any position to possibly have your voice heard.

They are not the problem. People like you are, but, don't be offended. I am not insulting you personally. Apathetic, well-controlled slaves to the powers that be, who couldn't care less about anything, but, how much sh*t they have, or can buy. I assume since you spell it labour, that you might be from the U.K., correct me if I am wrong. How do Londoners feel about being filmed an average of 6000 times per day?

I read that statistic several years ago, so, I am basing that on what I've read. It could be more or less, but, even if it were but a thousand, does that not bother you? That little country still carries a big stick of influence even on this big, fat harlot daughter of a whore. A little walk down Wall Street will demonstrate the influence. Union Jacks waving on building after building. And, they are not even kept as ignorant as the blind, patriotic hill jacks in this country, who can only count to 24, because, that's a case of beer.

But, beer makes you smart you know. Yep. They made Budweiser It that's not funny, then, I quit. But, it is not dry humor, so, it might not get a grin from those across the Atlantic. I am a bit off-topic, but, just for the record; Russel Brand is not funny at all. Monty Python had their moments.

Rise Against does not have many political songs. You need to read Tim's lyrics. They are chalk-full of dark, spiritual symbolism. Very dark. He does not even realize how he is sending messages that clearly spell spiritual darkness, and, also suggests a near hopeless situation, that must be screaming from his subconscious. Nearly every song contains at least a stanza or two concerning a troubled soul, or a world in deep trouble.

And, they are not alone. You just don't see it, because, you are not meant to probably. It is a constant theme in music today. AFI, Thrice, The Lawrence Arms, Alkaline Trio, Brand New. I scrolled down my list, and, picked out a few, but, it's everywhere.

Find me a song that does not contain at least one reference to something concerning religion, or a spiritual connotation, implicit or symbolic. Post the lyrics, and, let me see it. I will be surprised if you can find one. Here's one that you would probably say does not. It is one of my favorites as well.



Not the greatest quality, but, it throws the lyrics out there to see.

California is just a symbol. The world is a tumbling empire.

'Can't you see the end is coming soon'?

And, he is right. Music is the only thing that's real or true. The world is in pain, and, we can't fix it. We can't even communicate with each other without arguing. Everyone knows everything, but, no one cares to even consider the fact that we are drowning in our own feces. Because, everyone is only concerned with 'making their petty fortunes'.

He's warning you. It'll buy you sh*t, but, not a life. We are all confined to pull-out quotes, and our own little hotel rooms. He is screaming bloody murder, but, no one listens. A lot of them are.

And, there is nothing wrong with wanting to try to fix things. If we all gave a sh*t, maybe things could be fixed. It'll never happen. Everyone is fast asleep, and, cannot hear all of the alarm clocks. And, they are all ringing quite loud. Maybe it is not meant to be fixed. That is what concerns me.

I don't want a debate. I would like to see a song, and, the lyrics. A purely political song, with no symbolic references. I'll show you how it might. You can't use 'Hero of War'. I found that one. Sorry

Is this a generic rant? I actually would prefer to be generic. I don't want to be a 'name brand'. I would love to be able to change my user name to 'blank'. If it is possible, tell me how to do it, please?

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The passing traveler stops for food and music.

KMS

Whatever you say, kiddo.

Alfred

I don't think we are even on the same page, nor do I have to energy to dissect your post. This jumped out at me a bit...

If you knew anything about me, you'd know that I am not apathetic or 'controlled.' I hate consumerism, CCTV, government involvement with our private lives, and the state of our society today just as much as you do.

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Unrelenting

It's a great mindset that when someone doesn't share the same music taste as you they are closeminded sheep

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My lastfm

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Sorry dude. It just appeared as though the manner in which you expressed your annoyance with their 'preachy stage banter', and, how my 'generic rant against Republicans' appeared to grow tiresome after a million times.

It is not limited to simply Republicans. Democrats are not exactly 'leftist' politics. They tend to hang fairly close to the middle road. Neo-conservative, including the new fad, and, recent uprising Tea Party. They demand change Ultra, ultra conservative.

Politics is such a fu*king joke. It doesn't matter.

I have to been to Canada many times to fish. Peterboro, Ontario. Rice lake

Beautiful country.

later

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The passing traveler stops for food and music.

KMS

Republicrats don't matter at all, they're not even worth mentioning, neither is any left wing political doctrine unless it includes a healthy dose of anarchist thought process to balance it out. The only thing people should be concerned about is a complete regime change in most of the worlds nations. A place like Bhutan, not so much, a place like the US or Canada - extreme need of a discarding of the two party dictatorship which is held up and backed by financiers.

All the majority of leftist political idealogy is going to do is feed a few more people, offer a safety net for some, disproportionately tax others and create a veil that its fair and any better than its barely different modern conservative counterpart. The mega rich, the financiers, the elite will always find a way to retain their wealth and power and will exploit a new left wing system just like they exploit their current one and a by product is that you'll have now have given the state all the more power over your lives in controlling and distributing the wealth(but not the wealth of the elite)in a new manner, with more and more corruption.

So, I tire of these cliche rants against one side or another, they're both equally inept and a band that's criticizing a neo-con society, but calling for socialism is quite humorous to me, since most of them call for freedom. Ha.

And every place in the world nearly has a laundry list of political issue's, deal with it, live and die with it. Rise against isn't lyrically innovative, nor even good. Its cliche socialist, straight edge noise under a catchy package.