SINGER-SONGWRITER GRETCHEN TURNS THE TABLE
Why is it that politicians never bother listening to lyrics? Are they too busy trying to get elected that small details are beyond their comprehension? This should set off a few warning lights to potential voters.
Once again, a candidate has co-opted a song to suit their purposes – even if the idealogy behind the song is a polar opposite to the candidates position. Ronald Reagan was notorious for using Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” to suit his needs when the song was practically a call against the policies that the candidate would eventually create.
This time it is the McCain/Palin campaign that is playing DJ. They picked a song written by Gretchen Peters for some campaign rallies. Peter’s songs have been recorded by artists such as George Strait, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Diamond, Trisha Yearwood and the Neville Brothers. Her song “Independence Day”, recorded by Martina McBride, received the Country Music Association “Song of the Year Award” and brought much acclaim to Peters. Apparently the song struck a chord with Sarah Palin, or someone on her staff.
The country music singer-songwriter (born in Pelham, New York) has taken exception to the use of her song, but she has found a clever way to protest AND help others. Below is a press release from Gretchen Peters:
Gretchen Peters donates royalties from “Independence Day”
to Planned Parenthood
Donation made in the name of
Donation made in the name of
Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin
October 4, 2008 – Nashville, TN When Sean Hannity began using Gretchen Peters’ song “Independence Day” as the theme song for his Citadel Broadcasting radio talk show, Peters quietly stepped up her donations to causes including the ACLU, PFLAG, and Moveon.org.
But when the GOP used “Independence Day” to usher Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin to the stage after the debate in St. Louis, Peters realized the party was truly perverting the chorus of her composition to suit their agenda and it was high time for Peters to make her feelings known.
“Independence Day,” written by Peters, was a hit for country singer Martina McBride in 1994. The lyrics tell the story of a woman’s response to domestic abuse from the point of view of her daughter.
“The fact that the McCain/Palin campaign is using a song about an abused woman as a rallying cry for their Vice Presidential candidate, a woman who would ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest, is beyond irony,” Peters says. “They are co-opting the song, completely overlooking the context and message, and using it to promote a candidate who would set women’s rights back decades. I’ve decided to donate the royalties from ‘Independence Day’ during this election cycle to Planned Parenthood, in Sarah Palin’s name. I hope with the additional income provided by the McCain/Palin campaign, Planned Parenthood will be able to help many more women in need.”
To join Gretchen in donating to Planned Parenthood on behalf of Sarah Palin log on to:
https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor
Ask that the donation be made in the name of Sarah Palin and send the card to:
McCain for President
1235 S. Clark Street, 1st Floor
Arlington , VA 22202
© 2005-2007 gretchen peters. All rights reserved.