I’m back. I was on vacation in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. My first real vacation in five years. I traveled with my wife Kelli, my stepdaughter Grace, and her friend Bella. We stayed in Hull, a peaceful, friendly small town on the coast. It was much needed. We had a very nice time.
Back home in Chattanooga now, and back in the studio with Remy, my puppy. I’m picking up where I left off on some new paintings while catching up on the January 6th hearings.
I sure hope these hearings have an impact. Beyond preaching to the choir. So far. I’ve been impressed with the linear presentation. I have numerous thoughts about multiple subjects pertaining to the attempted coup of 1/6/2021. At the moment, I don’t want to write those thoughts. Right now, I want to listen and be further enlightened and get back to creative work.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 24
I’ve always loved this song. As a kid, I was sold within the first five seconds. It’s one of Led Zeppelin’s best and remains a favorite. I’d tell you where it ranks on my all-time Led Zeppelin list (yes, I did that) but unfortunately, I can’t locate my list at the moment.
This post is more about why this song came to mind, today. Today is the last day of the Trump Administration. That alone is a reason for celebration. This is the beginning of the end for him. Trump for jail. Beyond the title, the lyrics of the song came to mind. The third verse reminded me of what the future holds for Trump and the Trump brand.
This song was written in 1970, but like many lyrics of that time, they speak about our world today. Serving as another reminder that the more things change the more they stay the same. Real progress and true changes come at a glacial pace.
“Her face is cracked from smiling, all the fears that she’s been hiding, And it seems pretty soon everybody’s gonna know. And her voice is sore from shouting, cheering winners who are losing, And she worries if their days are few and soon they’ll have to go.
My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land.
She hears them talk of new ways to protect the home she lives in, Then she wonders what it’s all about when they break down the door. Her name is Brown or White or Black, you know her very well, You hear her cries of mercy as the winners toll the bell.
My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land.
There is a train that leaves the station heading for your destination, But the price you pay to nowhere has increased a dollar more. Yes, it has! And if you walk you’re gonna get there though it takes a little longer, And when you see it in the distance you will wring your hands and moan.”
In a softball interview with Laura Ingraham, Trump claimed people came out of the dark shadows (racist trope) to Washington to disrupt his convention last Friday. He said people wearing black came on planes to Washington (more bigotry). Dark forces were at play.
Trump made the decision to move his speech to the White House a few weeks ago. Even though this is the same day many thousands of people were arriving for the 57th ANNUAL March on Washington.
Unless you’re a racist idiot like the president, you’ve already put two and two together. Their plans were on the calendar long before his.
Do you think he was told this might be a problem and ignored the advice? I’m wondering if anyone bothers to tell him things like this anymore. Then again, I also wonder if the dumbest of dumb shit happens because the most idiotic of loyalists are the only ones remaining in his inner circle.
The evil within the collective mind of the trailer park Pharisees was on full display last night. Fasten your seatbelts and make sure you’re ready to vote. This kind of humanity (of lack of) needs to be excreted and flushed down the toilet.
Empathy is a defining characteristic of humanity. To have no empathy is to be subhuman.
Another quick art studio update. Last week, I placed some finishing touches (AKA: trimming, numbering and signing) on a couple of new series of silkscreen prints. More prints are in development. All are for sale. Eventually through a web presence. Until then contact me directly at brett@brettcallero.com if interested in any way.
Brett Callero: Visual Artist 