“(W)e refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.”

We’ve come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke those words on a fateful summer day in 1963.

But despite the great strides that have been made over the last half century, there is still work required of us to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity of which King dreamed.

While we are a rich country, too many children attend failing schools.

While many Americans prosper, too many are working too hard for too little.

While bigotry and intolerance are rightly shunned, too many politicians in Washington still quietly seek to perpetuate divisions–based on race, religion, gender and sexuality. They still tell us that those who differ from us are to be feared.

Yes, we’re a better, stronger, more just society than we were in 1963, but there is work left to be done.

So as we honor Dr. King on Monday, let us also take time to renew the calling of his life and make it our own–in this election and beyond.

Sincerely,

Brian Barnes

www.barnes.mn

Brian Barnes has announced his candidacy to replace the guy on the “right” – Erik Paulsen. What can I say about Paulsen in just a few words? Well, career-politician Erik Paulsen first door knocked me WAY back, when running for the Minnesota State House – I didn’t like Paulsen’s politics then and I damn sure don’t like them now. Oh – and his voting record closely resembles Michele Bachmann’s. If you believe the 1% needs devoted water carriers in Washington D.C., Paulsen’s just the guy.

Brian Barnes, on the other hand, has been a union member. He’s been active in the Democratic Party (“DFL” here in Minnesota). He’s a graduate of the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Academy, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves, is a successful businessman. Oh – and Brian is an Eagle Scout, too.

It’s a clear contrast. And if you support the 1% and Erik Paulsen, you need not do a thing – Wall Street Fat Cats are making sure Paulsen has PLENTY of dough for November’s election. If you support the 99%, Brian can use your help, and you can help out via Brian’s Act Blue page.

It’s fitting Brain Barnes took that quote to honor Martin Luther King Day; that quote is from MLK’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech, which Dr, King delivered on August 28, 1963. As Brain said above, we HAVE come a long way since Dr. King’s speech – and there’s work left to be done. So, let’s DO IT!

To help you get ready for Monday’s Martin Luther King Day, here’s a YouTube of Dr. King’s speech, over music – enjoy!

(the song above – “Spiritual High (Part 3)” – is from the album “Mood Food” by Mood Swings, and is available where I buy my music – The Electric Fetus. If you like Chrissie Hynde, check out “Spiritual High (Part 1)” – Chrissie singing at her best!)

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

PETERBOROUGH, N.H.—John McCain hugged Mitt Romney today as he endorsed his campaign. Four years ago, he wanted to hug Romney long enough to stop his breathing. (Slate.com)

So, what was McCain saying about Romney, four years ago? Let’s look!!!

So, how does McCain justify that epic flipflop, from ripping Romney 4 years ago, to stepping up for him now? Back to Slate:

Bygones.

But if the enemy of my enemy is my friend, it does not mean he’s my boon companion.

“…if the enemy of my enemy is my friend…”

Hey, THERE’S a real “Christian” philosophy, yes?

I guess what that really means any flipflop is ok, as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president. Grinding the country to a stop – like the GOPers do in the GOP controlled US House, and the filibustered tyranny of the minority in the US Senate, is ok — as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president. Taking care of their Boardroom Base is ok — as long as it’s in the interest of making sure Obama is a one term president.

McCain didn’t have to come out for a guy he ripped four years ago – correctly – as a serial flipflopper; he could have just stayed on the sidelines and let the process play out before stepping in for his team’s endorsed candidate. But he didn’t; he jumped in now for a guy he ripped mercilessly — and, again, correctly.

The Big E used to track The Court-Certified “4th Most Most Corrupt Senator In Congress” – GOPer Norm Coleman – in a repository called “The Norm Coleman Weasel Meter”. Ol’ Smokescreen (Norm Coleman) has got nothin’ on Mittens, in the way of flipflops! Comparatively, Norm’s an amatuer. McCain ripped Romney for that flipflopping back then; now he’s got Mitten’s back.

Today’s GOP is morally bankrupt, intellectually dishonest, and institutionally corrupt.

And has been pointed out before, one person pointing that out was then-RNC Chair Michael Steele: “You have absolutely no reason – none – to trust our words or our actions at this point.”.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You Couldn’t Trust The GOP Then, You Still Can’t Now, And Tomorrow Won’t Be Any Different

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

So today’s song choice, for the next to last day of Zappadan 2011, has to be “Dirty Love!” Now, Frank always had a “secret word” at his concerts, for fun and entertainment. With the sordid and scandalous behavior by drop trou GOPers at the Minnesota Senate, I picked this song cause there’s a secret word in it, too! Well, phrase, to be exact: “The poodle bites – c’mon Frenchy!” If what I’m hearing is correct, the significance of that “secret word” will become very apparent in just a pew, er, ‘scuse me, “few” days!

Which is why I added the “Pew d’Etat” to the title, there’s a new crew taking advantage and taking over the GOPer side o’ the aisle in the Minnesota State Senate! While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, smart money is betting after their Pew d’Etate that it’ll just be SSDD….

Without any further ado – “Dirty Love!”

Frank Zappa tribute with ex-band members and many guests, recorded in November 1991 in New York City. Frank was too ill at this time, so he couldn´t attend.

Hope you enjoyed that; I’m sure Frank would be having a field day writing new songs based on the antics of Today’s GOP: Morally Bankrupt, Intellectually Dishonest, and Institutionally Corrupt.

***

Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 11″ by TPT on Wednesday December 14th

“Zappadan 2011, Day 6″ by TPT on Friday December 9th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

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Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

Here’s Ruth, demonstrating how Frank’s music is, shall we say, just a little different?

And yes, that’s Dweezil and Napoleon Murphy Brok at the end o’ that YouTube. And yes, that’s why if you get a chance to see Dweezil Zappa play live, you simply have to do it!

Here’s a live version of the song “RDNZL” from the double CD “You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 5)” (yes, “vol. 5″ – there are actually 6 double CD’s in the series) – there’s no concert footage; it’s just a great example of an instrumental song featuring incredibly tight percussion and a monster – MONSTER – guitar solo by Frank! Let’s listen!!!

Again, that’s off of “You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 5)” – which would make a great stocking stuffer for that Special Zappa Fan you’re buying presents for during these retailing days coinciding with HannaRamaKwanzMas…

Other suggestions – and it’s just me, but I buy the vast majority of my music locally, at The Electric Fetus – for that Special Zappa Fan in your life have to include:

“You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore (Volume 2) – The Helsinki Concert”. Everybody remember Deep Purple and “Smoke On The Water”? “Frank Zappa & the Mothers were at the best place around / But some stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground / Smoke on the water…” – Yes, this concert is from back in those days – and the band line-up includes Ruth Underwood and Napoleon Murphy Brock!

Really, the whole “YCDTOSA” series is well-worth having.

As is the new stuff put out by Dweezil! Dweezil’s version of “Pygmy Twilight” on “Return Of The Son Of” shows that the apple don’t fall far from the tree. And those that like Ruth Underwood, will love Scheila Gonzalez.

***

Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011 Day 6″ by TPT on Friday December 9th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Back in 1991, when Frank was sick and everyone knew his touring days were over, there were two special shows performed and recorded – film, too! – at The Ritz in New York on November 7 and 8, 1991. Frank picked the songs and arrangements – Mike Keneally was the guitarist. The film was used for a PBS documentary; the CD was called “Zappa’s Universe” and it’s great. “Inca Roads” evolved over the years while Frank toured; as most songs did – arrangements depended on who Frank hired for the band. The “Zappa’s Universe” version is one of my favorites, even though it’s Keneally playing and not Frank. I couldn’t find a TouTube of it, or another rocker off that CD, “Hungry Freaks, Daddy.” It’s a great CD, and one every fan of Franks should own.

1988 was a monster year for Frank; he put out the single CD “Broadway The Hardway” – with a guest appearance by Sting and a few not-so-subtle jabs at Jimmy Swaggart – and two double CD’s – “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life” and “Make A Jazz Noise Here.” All three CD’s are live recordings. It was an incredible band; they played stuff from a reggae version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire” to Ravel’s “Bolero” to “Stairway To Heaven.” Here’s Frank’s composition, “Black Napkins.”

Mention “Frank Zappa” to most people, and if they recognize the name they’re more than likely to make a “yellow snow” comment, or some comment on lyrics. Frank more than once said his music didn’t need lyrics, except for one reason: had to have ‘em to sell records. Well, to rip politicians he didn’t like, too. But to his hardcore fans, many of the best songs are instrumentals. If you liked “Black Napkins” go down below and click on the “Watermellon In Easter Hay” link -same band, same venue!

Frank’s son Dweezil has been touring and playing Frank’s music for the past few years; he’s wrapping up a tour in England now and Dweezil’s website says he’s starting to line up the 2012 tour by inking some February shows in California. I’ve been lucky to see Dweezil play here in Minneapolis 3 times; the inaugural “Tour De Frank” at the Orpheum, at First Avenue, and again at the Orpheum. Where ever you are, if Dweezil is playing anywhere near – go see him! More Dweezil, later.

***

Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 4″ by TPT on Wednesday December 7th, 2011

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com‘ comments welcome there)

So today I thought it’d be fun to play a song called “Cocaine Decisions.” Frank wrote a lot of anti-drug songs (“City Of Tiny Lights” being one of my favorites). Let’s listen!

And then for yuks on Frank’s anti-drug stance, here’s Frank in a Saturday Night Live skit. Rather ironic, considering who is playing “Window Pane”….

***

Previous posts on MPP, referencing Frank Zappa:

“Zappadan 2011, Day 2″ by TPT on Monday December 5th, 2011

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

So I’m posting today. And I’d like to offer two videos; the first is an interview with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, who Zappa hired when only twenty (more on Steve Vai, in later posts). The first video is from an interview of Steve from the Dutch prodcasting company VPRO, which did a documentary about Frank:

And here’s Frank Zappa, performing what Steve was talking about, and demonstrating:

“The present day composer refuses to die.” Edgar Varese said it; Zappa quoted it on album liner notes; and although Frank’s not with us anymore (‘he bit the big one”) – his family’s press release on Frank’s demise stated “Composer Frank Zappa left for his final tour just before 6:00 pm on Saturday” – Frank’s music and legacy lives on.

(cross posted on MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

***

Previous posts on MPP &TPT, referencing Frank Zappa:

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial!” by TPT on Saturday November 19th, 2011

“One Year Later – Who Opposes HCR? Or…a picture says a thousand words.” by TPT, Thursday March 24th, 2011

“Watermellon In Easter Hay – May 17th, 1988, Barcelona, Spain” by TPT, Friday August 21st, 2009

“Progressive Nation 2009 Concert Tour” by TPT, Wednesday June 17th, 2009

***
Where I get my Zappa music: The Electric Fetus

“I think what makes us different and what makes us in some ways when we have good leadership, much more ruthless and much tougher than any other country in the world, is we don’t send soldiers and sailors and Marines and airmen to war.

We send our children. We send our fathers. We send our brothers and sisters. We send our mothers, and therefore there’s a preciousness to this decision, unlike any other country I know of. I think our position has been historic.”

So Newt “Is My Wife Well Enough To Divorce Yet?” Ginchrich – a former college history professor – thinks it’s only Americans on the battlefield that have children, fathers, brothers, sisters & mothers??!?

It should be noted that Gingrich himself, was never on a battlefield, let alone in uniform.

But this one, this one, is so typical of today’s GOPer: they just don’t care what others think:

“…and we frankly couldn’t care less what the rest of the world thinks.”

Why does serial adulterer and Chicken Hawk Newt get away with spewing that cr@p, before an alledgedly “conservative Christian” group, at an event titled “Thanksgiving Family Forum” – and get applause?

Because, as I always say: “Those that forget the lessons of history tend to vote GOP.”

Of course, another explanation is what Ronald Reagan told the adoring masses at the 1988 Republican National Convention: “Facts are stupid things.” Reagan said it, today’s GOP lives it.

And this sordid story is just anther example of You Couldn’t Trust The GOP Then, You Still Can’t Now, And Tomorrow Won’t Be Any Different.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

I’m thinking Frank was anticipating the advent of Faux News.

“That’s right folks, don’t touch that dial…”

While Frank had caustic commentary about politics, he – above all – was a musician. Here’s a HQ performance from 1988 in Barcelona of Frank’s instrumental “Watermellon In Easter Hay” – enjoy!

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

The Junk Yard Democrats (Tommy Johnson, Norb Gernes and Doug Lind) pay homage to Johnny Cash’s signature song and Erik Paulsen’s signature record in Congress with “He Talks the Line.” The Timid Video Theater production premiers on Democratic Visions next week, but here’s a sneak peak:

(direct YouTube link)

The song has been retro-fitted with lyrics by Lind who claims in local saloons that he once wrote jokes for comedy legend (2nd tier) Jackie Vernon. Democratic Visions is produced through DFL Senate District 42, Eden Prairie/Minnetonka.

(cross posted from MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)