By now, most everyone attached to the political world has listened to or read about Oliver Anthony’s viral hit song, ‘Rich Men North of Richmond.’ Anthony complains about being “an old soul living in a new world”, where corporations exploit workers and keep wages low, and too many government benefits go to citizens he finds undeserving.
Thanks to Senator Murphy for this very thoughtful piece. I agree with the pragmatic approach described by Mr. Painter, but personally, I found it so refreshing and reassuring to hear someone in a position of political power name and acknowledge the "spiritual emptiness in American life" that I agree so many are feeling right now but may not know how to describe or identify. There was an interview in the NYTimes recently (“Robert Putnam Knows Why You’re Lonely,” July 13) that talks, I think very insightfully, about the same thing. So yes, let’s pass practical policies that support families and lift up the poor and middle class. And, I think we can also start to foster some degree of healing and hope with “just” the words and the narrative—politicians like Mr. Murphy addressing people on the national stage about these issues and giving Democratic platforms a stronger philosophical underpinning that speaks to people’s discontent with today’s world and the greater meaning they’re seeking. It means a lot to people to feel seen, heard, and understood. And respected.
I wholeheartedly agree with your economic analysis, but those of us on the left must also look ourselves in the mirror for being part of our country's divisiveness. I'm referring to the fact that consciously or unconsciously we often look down upon those who aren't like us - the well educated urbanites.
I think a major reason the left instinctively mocked Anthony's song when it first came out was due to our assumption that his looks - beard, clothes, instrument, vocalization, and the setting - indicated he was "one of them" - a red-neck conservative. If I was a member of the more rural, less-educated, poorer class, I'd want to tear the system down too if I felt the economy was not only tilted against me but that those in power culturally were mocking me.
Senator, I pay attention to your tweets (or whatever they're called now) and what you write here because I think you have a heart for people and a desire to see progress made on a variety of issues that you advocate for.
I am just as confused as everyone else about what the GOP stands for now. To me, they have not had any rational ideas for the last 15-25 years, yet they maintain immense support among people that they intentionally hurt through their support of what seems like a draconian agenda. Also, their attempt to identify with the working class is laughable, yet many support these fools.
You're mention of a spiritual need in this country rings true, but I want to encourage you to focus on things you and a few others can achieve in Washington. What I am saying is if you can shepherd through things that help people, like child care and credits, stop the transfer of wealth through stock buybacks, help low wage workers achieve better income goals reflecting their hard work and efforts, provide sustainable careers for both urban and rural folks, in other words, be a catalyst for turning this country away from the current policy model of enriching the billionaires and returning that to the middle and working classes.
The spiritual need is real, but it cannot be legislated, as you know, but programs that enrich the lives of people who are just tired and strapped and feeling left behind can open doors for people of faith to approach them and offer perhaps a better way forward.
Except most of MAGA has felt "unseen" and having it now being their entire identity & social life has turned them into eight wing zealots that can't even recognize the person they felt "seen & heard" from has nothing in common with them or their struggles. Even now when all of this affects them or their communities the most the defend Trumpism and even the oligarchs with their very existence. These communities like Oliver is from are starch republica. Supporters even though right ideology is wht is RESPONSIBLE for their gripes!!
Sir. An articulate foil from your perch there a few days march from the city. I enjoyed your writing here. I would like to lend time to our allegiant common objective and bear on your behalf my dutiful task of inquiry relative to some soulful aspect of our gravitas, there foundational and supportive, which I sense today in your words. You seem to attribute a blame of societal ills pertaining to the enigma "not nailed down" as though a culprit be shrouded now and for a while more there on that hill; awaiting being hoisted to the fate by other than ye own constituents from the coin stronghold states. You and yours might consider more deeply the true guarantor of our USA.
Thanks to Senator Murphy for this very thoughtful piece. I agree with the pragmatic approach described by Mr. Painter, but personally, I found it so refreshing and reassuring to hear someone in a position of political power name and acknowledge the "spiritual emptiness in American life" that I agree so many are feeling right now but may not know how to describe or identify. There was an interview in the NYTimes recently (“Robert Putnam Knows Why You’re Lonely,” July 13) that talks, I think very insightfully, about the same thing. So yes, let’s pass practical policies that support families and lift up the poor and middle class. And, I think we can also start to foster some degree of healing and hope with “just” the words and the narrative—politicians like Mr. Murphy addressing people on the national stage about these issues and giving Democratic platforms a stronger philosophical underpinning that speaks to people’s discontent with today’s world and the greater meaning they’re seeking. It means a lot to people to feel seen, heard, and understood. And respected.
I wholeheartedly agree with your economic analysis, but those of us on the left must also look ourselves in the mirror for being part of our country's divisiveness. I'm referring to the fact that consciously or unconsciously we often look down upon those who aren't like us - the well educated urbanites.
I think a major reason the left instinctively mocked Anthony's song when it first came out was due to our assumption that his looks - beard, clothes, instrument, vocalization, and the setting - indicated he was "one of them" - a red-neck conservative. If I was a member of the more rural, less-educated, poorer class, I'd want to tear the system down too if I felt the economy was not only tilted against me but that those in power culturally were mocking me.
Senator, I pay attention to your tweets (or whatever they're called now) and what you write here because I think you have a heart for people and a desire to see progress made on a variety of issues that you advocate for.
I am just as confused as everyone else about what the GOP stands for now. To me, they have not had any rational ideas for the last 15-25 years, yet they maintain immense support among people that they intentionally hurt through their support of what seems like a draconian agenda. Also, their attempt to identify with the working class is laughable, yet many support these fools.
You're mention of a spiritual need in this country rings true, but I want to encourage you to focus on things you and a few others can achieve in Washington. What I am saying is if you can shepherd through things that help people, like child care and credits, stop the transfer of wealth through stock buybacks, help low wage workers achieve better income goals reflecting their hard work and efforts, provide sustainable careers for both urban and rural folks, in other words, be a catalyst for turning this country away from the current policy model of enriching the billionaires and returning that to the middle and working classes.
The spiritual need is real, but it cannot be legislated, as you know, but programs that enrich the lives of people who are just tired and strapped and feeling left behind can open doors for people of faith to approach them and offer perhaps a better way forward.
Thank you for all you do, Senator.
Please listen to the artist's response to his song. His lyrics are being misinterpreted. You will be pleasantly surprised. https://themessenger.com/entertainment/oliver-anthony-rich-men-north-of-richmond-republican-debate
The people who like the song because of the comments about the obese don’t understand nutrition.
Except most of MAGA has felt "unseen" and having it now being their entire identity & social life has turned them into eight wing zealots that can't even recognize the person they felt "seen & heard" from has nothing in common with them or their struggles. Even now when all of this affects them or their communities the most the defend Trumpism and even the oligarchs with their very existence. These communities like Oliver is from are starch republica. Supporters even though right ideology is wht is RESPONSIBLE for their gripes!!
Not sure we're there yet, Chris, but we can try. I like the idea of trading off higher wages for reliquishing of assault weapon. 👏👏👏😉
Sir. An articulate foil from your perch there a few days march from the city. I enjoyed your writing here. I would like to lend time to our allegiant common objective and bear on your behalf my dutiful task of inquiry relative to some soulful aspect of our gravitas, there foundational and supportive, which I sense today in your words. You seem to attribute a blame of societal ills pertaining to the enigma "not nailed down" as though a culprit be shrouded now and for a while more there on that hill; awaiting being hoisted to the fate by other than ye own constituents from the coin stronghold states. You and yours might consider more deeply the true guarantor of our USA.