Remember or Repeat

Recently, Neil Young released a new album on the internet called Living With War. It is interesting to me, the reactions that this move has made. Certainly, he isn't the first artist to protest against the war and president. A single bold statement by The Dixie Chicks resulted in a boycott against them. Eminem (of all people) released a fairly powerful political video in the run-up to the 2004 elections.

On a local radio station the reaction to Neil Young's decision to release this album ranged from wondering whether as a Canadian he should be commenting on U.S. politics, to whether he was just trying to make a comeback by tapping into cheap politics, or even whether it was too little too late if he was sincere. I find this all quite disappointing. It was 36 years ago today that events spun out of control, and left four dead in Ohio. This was an incredibly important event in our history, but one that is also largely remembered due to the reaction it produced in a much younger Neil Young.

I have listened to the new album, and while I don't find it as inspiring as that effort of 36 years ago, I cannot impugn the intent with which it is made. It is the role of the artist to hold the mirror up to us and help us see our world. We shouldn't blame them if we don't like the warts we see.