Inspirational story at Salon on Springsteen, Kerry, & the Madison rally

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

I was in Madison a few years ago on vacation, toured the Capital, walked around the downtown.

And when I saw the pix of that crowd filling the street leading up to the state capital I was astounded. Thats quite a walk! Thats quite a crowd!

And then I read the article in Salon, about Springsteens speech.

Folks...I am pretty cyncial and pessimistic about stuff, but I got choked up reading that....some of my old idealism came back, there was just something the way Bruce said what he said, vouching for Kerry...heck...

Springsteen called on the country to face "America's hard truths, both the good and the bad." "That's where we find a deeper patriotism, that's where we find a more complete view of who we are. That's where we find a more authentic experience as citizens, and that's where we find the power ... to make our world a better and a safer place."

As the huge crowd grew quiet, Springsteen quoted the late Sen. Paul Wellstone -- "The future is for the passionate" -- and he said the time to act is now. "That's why I'm here today to stand alongside Senator Kerry and to tell you that the country we carry in our hearts is waiting."

[Lancer]

1. For first-time voters, Springsteen may not seem very relevant

I myself have never been a *huge* fan, but he has my deep and abiding respect. Bruce is most definitely the Woody Guthrie of his generation. It's hard to question his well-informed activism and the message of hope and faith in his country that fuels his involvement in so many worthy causes.

Who wouldn't rather listen to his soft-spoken pleas for peace, love and understanding than the shrill, hate-filled invective of a Zell Miller, for example. Most people whould prefer to be lifted higher and buoyed into the future on hope, not fear.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

5. Zell vs Bruce, boy isnt that a contrast.

Talk about light vs dark. Zell sold out, sold his soul somehow or somewhere and it shows in his bitterness and spleen.

Yet Srinsteens words at this event where such an opposite of Zells rap...like matter vs antimatter.

[Craig Roberts]

2. Damn eloquent, the Boss.

[Cocoa]

3. that would be a good speech to see on TV

but the TV people are too busy talking about how "negative" this campaign is. :puke:

[Doohickie]

4. Kerry needs to hire him as a speechwriter!

[RevCheesehead]

6. Tis indeed a wonderful sight!

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Kick for Bruce, and the country we carry in our hearts --

[WCGreen]

8. Bruce needs to run for Senate in 08....

I watched the intro and then the first song and it brought back so many memories...

I walked down that street in Madison and I can see how 80,000 could easily fit there...

Then here in Westlake, Ohio, my home town, Bush screens his people and delivers, according to my friend Donna, a democratic plant inside the compound, the same tired speech that git's his base all fired up nut little to inspire those on the outside from taking a change with him at the wheel again for four more years....

And then Bruce, despair and hope, you can't go higher until you know and respect the low.......

And John Kerry we can do better.......

Marvelous Closer this man....