Stuart Egan teaches high school students inNorth Carolina. When he heard that Bruce Springsteen canceled his concert to press test the noxious HB2, Stuart decided to mix a tape of Springsteen songs for the governor.
He even provided liner notes. There are 12 songs. Here are the notes for the first three:
“Better Days” from Lucky Town. This song talks of maybe having “better days” ahead for North Carolina when McCrory became governor. He did win the election with that hope. Wow! How ironic it is to actually have regressed in the last three years.
“Born in the U.S.A.” from Born in the U.S.A. I put this on the mixtape because the possible nominee for president from the political party that McCrory bows to actually was not born in the U.S.A.
“Brilliant Disguise” from Tunnel of Love. As someone who touted his ability to moderate between political ideologies and reach across the aisle, the governor really has been a puppet for the GOP leaders in the General Assembly.
“Down in the Hole” from High Hopes. This song could represent how in three years we have dug ourselves into a hole created by disastrous policies born on West Jones Street. It makes me think that the governor could have vetoed a lot more when he had a chance to.
By the way, Cyndi Lauper is not planning to cancel her show. She is donating the proceeds to the fight to repeal HB2.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Good for the Governor for realizing that males belong in a male restroom and females belong in a female restroom. Everyone is in such a rush to be politically correct that common sense has been thrown out the window.
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Carlos,
Transgender people are already choosing which bathroom to use. Be careful next time you go to a public bathroom!
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Springsteen has committed an act of protest by canceling his concerts in NC. More power to him!
Chris Hedges talks articulately about the need for ALL of us to protest, demonstrate, boycott, organize, launch, mobilize, and hound our officials. He also talks about getting the right people into office, which means many of us running for various positions in the next 5 years.
He talks about, as Springsteen demonstrated in his own localized way, revolution. Springsteen tried to threaten the local economy by not performing in such a state run amok. Akin to that line of thinking, it is not about having the plutocrats face reform; it’s about instilling a potent and virulent fear in them that if they step out of line, they will face harsh consequences and the wrath of the populist masses. Fear is the only thing fat cats understand.
Something to think about . . .
Something to be inspired by . . .
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/revolution_is_in_the_air_20160416
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One of the Boss’ best songs is “Darkness on the Edge of Town”
“Everybody’s got a secret, Sonny,
Something that they just can’t face,
Some folks spend their whole lives trying to keep it,
They carry it with them every step that they take.
Till some day they just cut it loose
Cut it loose or let it drag ’em down,
Where no one asks any questions,
or looks too long in your face,
In the darkness on the edge of town.”
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I think I read that Cyndi Lauper said they would engage in education the day of her concert. Jimmy Buffett noted that his shows had sold out before the law was signed so he will perform those shows to honor his fans then decide whether to schedule future performances in NC. Ringo Starr cancelled NC. Varied responses that show reflection.
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Cyndi Lauper is donating her proceeds to the fight against Hate Bill 2
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I’m sure the Governor popped it right into his tape deck and had a listen and thought, “how profound. . .surely this teacher knows something that I don’t!” And he got up from his chair, having seen the light, and called his advisors for a special session.
Nah. . .from what I have read the percentage who support HB2 don’t care about these cancellations and it might even be a little bit of a briar patch situation. (If not familiar with that reference, that would be Br’er Rabbit. . .a bit of folk literature from these here southern states). Da Tar Baby be talkin’ bout now, I’s thinks.
I do know many are happy that Michael Moore won’t be showing his new movie in NC. Again, Briar Patch for a lot of NC residents.
Far bigger than a bathroom bill, of course, the next NCGA session begins on April 25. We shall see what happens. But I suspect ALEC and conservative thought (and strong arm reactions to the energy Charlotte started with the original bathroom ordinance, which might have been a provocation??, perhaps a tar baby of its own right) will be more on the minds of our elected leadership far more than any sadness over cancelled concerts.
I personally am more concerned about clean water and coal ash, and Achievement School Districts.
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With the guys in power now, I assure you that NC will not have clean water (I read about the big pollution dump by by Duke Energy) and you will get an ASD to monetize and privatize your schools. The purpose of the idiotic bathroom bill is to divert your attention from the wrecking and exploitation of the state by profiteers
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Lauper is brilliant!
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When there are already restrooms that are gender neutral why should there be a need to force the majority of citizens to allow a minority to violate their right to privacy?
Blanche Brick Professor of History Blinn College Bryan, Texas
Sent from my iPhone
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The law is a farce because the big public facilities in NC have gender neutral restrooms. The airport, the ConventionCenter. It is a big scam to divert the public
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Awesome idea Stu– but one suggestion for song #1 on the next one: BADLANDS, which I quoted in my letter to McCrory:
There’s a line in this Bruce Springsteen song that makes me almost feel sorry for you pal:
“Caught in a crossfire that I don’t understand”
Almost . . . what is wrong with you people?
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