The Subway Veggie Delight sandwich is about as important to my diet as anything these days, so Sunday evening I headed over to the Commons to plop yet another $3.49 down on the sub I spent most of my summer enjoying in different parts of the country.
The Sandwich Artist behind the counter asked me why I looked so tired and I told him I hadn't returned home from the Springsteen/R.E.M./Bright Eyes show in Cleveland until 5 a.m. He remarked that he didn't like Springsteen any more because the Boss stuck his nose in the politics of those that enjoyed his music.
In no way, shape, or form will I decry an artist's actions for supporting almost any cause they find fit, but I almost liked hearing him say that.
He cares.
At the risk of resounding a tired refrain, not enough people are passionate about our country and, for the most part, vocal conservatives are even harder to find. On Monday, I wrote of the Vote for Change show where I had felt American pride for the first time in a long time. Pumping fists and group cheering for good political reasons in a blue-collar city like Cleveland has a way of doing that for you.
The most remarkable non-concert event was outside the Gund Arena doors, two hours before the doors opened. Next to a conversion van marked "Teamsters For Kerry" stood four pro-Bush protesters, arguing with passers-by. It was classic, and not only because they had the guts to stand-up for their beliefs outside a Teamsters van (they are consequently cemented in some overpass outside Akron).
A huge democratic event featuring two legendary artists, an indie sensation, loads of Moveon.org support in a swing state hosting the Vice Presidential debate in three days. This was an event so momentous that in my first 15 minutes inside the arena, I met people from Canada, Pennsylvania, and Michigan in my section alone. Lest we forget I'm from New York.
Four pro-Bush protesters. It's laughable.
I would bet - no, I would guarantee - that if Rush Limbaugh, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, and Britney Spears held a Vote for Resolve tour event at Gund Arena, the liberal protesters would be in out in droves. There would be so many people protesting that an unknowing passer-by could imaginably believe that the Pharisees and Jesus Christ himself were having a debate.
Regardless of party affiliation, if the only things that stir you as a patriot are war, Fourth of July fireworks, barbeque and airplanes flying into buildings, I think you are missing the point.
Maybe I'm just affiliated with a lot of things I'd take a few punches for in order to achieve my goals. Maybe as a vegetarian, pacifist, Democrat-endorsing, Christian, anti-death penalty, hardcore and indie music-loving, Bills-, Cubs- and Sabres-supporting soccer fan I've thrown my lot in with a den of loud mouthed underdogs.
Or maybe I'm just not going to take my freedom for granted.
If you don't have something worth fighting for, you're un-American.
With all the great potential of this nation, that's something worth protesting.
