# Politically Uncorrect - WTF?? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 20, 2006, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172 "2006-03-20T18:22:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/101 "2006-03-21T04:10:24Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > Yeah, I was thinking the same thing… Merle has a pretty good share of genuine down-and-out songs, like “Mama Cried,” and I see “Okie” (and perhaps this latest song) as a kind of commercial hoodwink. He’s deeper than that, I swear. He even hangs out with Metallica sometimes. Guess what…This is _not_ a Merle Haggard song. He didn’t write it. It’s not on his CD. He’s only a guest vocalist. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/102 "2006-03-21T04:23:07Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Maybe those country bumpkins realize the difference between condescending lip service and actual respect. What a concept. I’d believe you if the state of Tennessee hadn’t voted for Bush. Twice. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/103 "2006-03-21T04:24:19Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Guess what…This is _not_ a Merle Haggard song. He didn’t write it. It’s not on his CD. He’s only a guest vocalist. Thanks for the clarification. I haven’t actually heard the song, and was only responding to the lyrics posted here. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/104 "2006-03-21T06:10:02Z")
Go figger. Them bumpkins that live in Nashville voted for Kerry (132,362) o’er Bush (107,618). [Cite](http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/PresidentialByCounty.aspx?oi=P&rti=G&sp=TN&tf) ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/105 "2006-03-21T12:05:34Z")
> [@Zoe](#): > > Go figger. Them bumpkins that live in Nashville voted for Kerry (132,362) o’er Bush (107,618). [Cite](http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/PresidentialByCounty.aspx?oi=P&rti=G&sp=TN&tf) Nashville is a pretty young city, so it skews a bit more liberal than the rest of the state. Not meaning it’s a new city, of course, but that young people live here. That doesn’t mean country music fans in general are liberal or that occasional novelty songs aren’t marketed to conservatives. The country music industry is a bit more liberal than you’d think, but they know where they’re bread is buttered. I think this is such a song. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/106 "2006-03-21T12:07:33Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Maybe those country bumpkins realize the difference between condescending lip service and actual respect. What a concept. Incidentally, I never used the term “country bumpkins.” I think the myth of the beleaguered christian white majority is found in all social classes and all parts of the country. Country and bumkin have nothing to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/107 "2006-03-21T13:36:20Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > Nashville is a pretty young city, so it skews a bit more liberal than the rest of the state. Not meaning it’s a new city, of course, but that young people live here. That doesn’t mean country music fans in general are liberal or that occasional novelty songs aren’t marketed to conservatives. The country music industry is a bit more liberal than you’d think, but they know where they’re bread is buttered. I think this is such a song. Nashville has a huge influx of people from all over the country because of the music industry. Regardless of what actually makes it to the main stream radio stations there is a large community of songwriters who write in the entire spectrum. You can go out seven nights a week to a writers night somewhere and hear people doing originals. It’s pretty cool. I also think that causes Nashville to be a little more Liberal. Of course there tends to be a lot of conservative Christians here in the south as well. It’s unfortunate that they wanted to vote against abortion and gay marriage more than against a war. Kerry and the Democrats didn’t have the guts to really address the issues openly and honestly and folks can tell that too. They lost to Bush because of political cowardice IMHO My point here is that smart people are reading a lot into the song that isn’t clearly there. Ironically it’s that condescending assumption of superiority that the song telling to “Kiss my ass” I also happen to be a Merle fan. Remember “Fighting side of Me” Another ignorant redneck anthem? I hear people talkin’ bad, About the way we have to live here in this country, Harpin’ on the wars we fight, An’ gripin’ ‘bout the way things oughta be. **An’ I don’t mind ‘em switchin’ sides, An’ standin’ up for things they believe in.** When they’re runnin’ down my country, man, They’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me. The song doesn’t denounce anybody but says Hey, if you really love this country you live in stop bitchin about how bad it is and how wrong it is and act like it. If you want to stand up for what you believe in great. Do it because you love this country and let that be in your words. Not a bad sentiment. The Dems who do nothing but point an accusing finger should wise the fuck up and listen to Hag. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/108 "2006-03-21T13:57:12Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > Incidentally, I never used the term “country bumpkins.” I think the myth of the beleaguered christian white majority is found in all social classes and all parts of the country. Country and bumkin have nothing to do with it. You’re correct you didn’t. I was responding to what I sensed in other posters. It amazes me how eager Christianity is to claim to be persecuted. They seem to revel in it. They mistake defending outdated Christian tradition for standing up for Jesus. BTW. It wasn’t just the Pubbies who spouted condescending BS to the average TN citizen in the last two elections. Given a choice of two disingenuous political game playing jackasses every voter has to choose. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/109 "2006-03-21T14:00:33Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > You can go out seven nights a week to a writers night somewhere and hear people doing originals. It’s pretty cool. The Bluebird Cafe is my favorite place in the world to see live music. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/110 "2006-03-21T14:02:40Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > The Dems who do nothing but point an accusing finger should wise the fuck up and listen to Hag. Maybe that was why Bubba did well in the south. He didn’t come across like he was pointing fingers at anyone. And he probably grew up listening to Merle, Waylon, Johnny, and Willie. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/111 "2006-03-21T14:32:09Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > The Bluebird Cafe is my favorite place in the world to see live music. It is pretty cool. I’ve played there myself a few times. There are special moments all over town when great writers get together to share their music with the public. You’ll hear the hits done by the original authors which is fun, and you’ll hear tremendous songs that will never be cut. There’s also tremndous musicians who just wander up from the audience to blow you away. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/112 "2006-03-21T14:35:43Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > Maybe that was why Bubba did well in the south. He didn’t come across like he was pointing fingers at anyone. And he probably grew up listening to Merle, Waylon, Johnny, and Willie. People here will usually respect some guts even if they disagree with you. The other crucial ingredient is respect. You can disagree with someone if you acknowledge and respect their own beliefs. You must try and meet them where they are. ---
**Author:** ![Walter\_Windchill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/113 "2006-03-21T14:47:56Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > It is pretty cool. I’ve played there myself a few times. There are special moments all over town when great writers get together to share their music with the public. You’ll hear the hits done by the original authors which is fun, and you’ll hear tremendous songs that will never be cut. There’s also tremndous musicians who just wander up from the audience to blow you away. That’s been my experience at Bluebird. A lot of times it’ll be a song that’s always on the radio that I don’t think I like, but when it’s just the songwriter and his or her guitar, and all the layers of studio puke are removed I like it. Heck, maybe I’ve seen you there. What other venues do you recommend? I don’t get out to see much live music these days, but I’m open minded for new adventures. Just don’t send me to Tootsies. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/114 "2006-03-21T15:20:11Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > Garsh thanks. > > I take it you believe that schools shoud sponsor prayer? Are there any limitations on such sponsoring? Cuz Merle seems to think that the Bible is the way to go, according to your explication. How about Wiccan prayer? Santeria prayer? Voodoo prayer? Should we let Fred Phelps pop in for a mornin’ meditation down to th’ elementary school? Not at all. As a Catholic, I’m extremely aware of the historical backdrop for school-sponsored prayer, and the related events that led to _Pierce v. Society of Sisters_. I’m not at all a fan of school-sponsored prayer. ---
**Author:** ![Sevastopol](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cdc98d/32.png) [@Sevastopol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevastopol)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/115 "2006-03-21T15:58:18Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Especially the flag. I mean, the Bible’s got some heft to it, but how do you bludgeon someone with a flag? I suppose you could get it wet, twist it up, and give someone a few good welts with it, but that’s hardly the same thing as “bludgeoning.” Wet and freeze. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/116 "2006-03-22T02:16:53Z")
> [@Walter Windchill](#): > > That’s been my experience at Bluebird. A lot of times it’ll be a song that’s always on the radio that I don’t think I like, but when it’s just the songwriter and his or her guitar, and all the layers of studio puke are removed I like it. Heck, maybe I’ve seen you there. > > What other venues do you recommend? I don’t get out to see much live music these days, but I’m open minded for new adventures. Just don’t send me to Tootsies. Ha, I wouldn’t. Writers nights vary greatly. I saw one at Douglas Corner a couple of weeks ago that was incredible. There’s one about once a month in E. Nashville at a B&B called The Big Bungalow. Totally acoustic. No PA and always a very cool vibe. Debbie Champion has hosted writers nights for years now and usually features some great writers. You also hear some real mediocre newcomers but the surprises are usually worth it. I think she’s at Two doors down now but I’m not sure. My buddy Jack Scott has a couple of writers nights at the French Quarter Cafe. A mixed bag the last time I was there. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172/117 "2006-03-22T02:47:16Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Not at all. As a Catholic, I’m extremely aware of the historical backdrop for school-sponsored prayer, and the related events that led to _Pierce v. Society of Sisters_. I’m not at all a fan of school-sponsored prayer. Oops. Thanks for the correction. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politically-uncorrect-wtf/349172.md?page=5)