Steve Earle

Among us lesser types however, the people have real faults to identify when one rises to speak, to guide a nation, to open eyes, to comfort the oppressed, and to distress the comfortable. Like, isn't this the guy who's had countless wives, the guy who shot heroin into his veins, who left his children to pursue whatever compulsion came along? Steve Earle gave his detractors plenty of ammunition and may to this day give them some more. Name a bad habit and he has probably had it. Or maybe still does.

But that does not diminish the truth that proceeds like a sharp double-edged sword from his mouth or from the powerful vibrations of the instruments in his hands. This truth cuts like no knife made of steel, for the world in which his battle is fought is one of spirit where metal and meat and bones are of no use.

The songs he sings speak straight to the heart of our nation. His words indict those that would enslave and kill, those who oppress and lie and cheat and steal, those who live off of the blood and the pain of our people, those that use the name of the Lord in vain and I am not talking about saying goddammit. He pulls no punches when he speaks or sings.

Steve Earle is a battle-tested warrior. His body wears the wounds of age and the fights he has fought.

His enemies will laugh. Then they will get angry. Then they will fight. And then they will lose.

Last night he played in Helotes, Texas, near San Antonio and I had the chance to see him perform. It did me and about 700 others a hell of a lot of good. Even the cop guarding the place left with a big smile.

Steve reminded me that America is worth fighting for and the fight ain't over. He challenged those of all political persuasions to stand once again, to wrest control of their respective parties from the imposters in power, be you Democrat, Republican, or independent.

He sang for trade unions, for those facing death in our prisons, for those fighting wars in which they have no stake. For the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, those addicted to drugs or living with the pain of failed relationships.

He reminded me that those that fight wars are seldom those that start them, those priveleged ultrawealthy fucks. He reminded me there will be no need for a draft when millions are joining the ranks of the poor and will find a job in the military a way to survive.

Look, I can't begin to describe how good this guy is. You'll just have to go see him perform to understand.

Then you will know that there is a prophet in your midst.

I find it fitting that some of the strongest voices to rise in opposition to this sorry excuse for a president we have share the same home state.

Thank God almighty.