Hey Ohio...Let's Go Politiking!

***DISCLAIMER***  This is a satirical piece.  Or is it?  Read it with a grain of salt.  I am invoking a state of freewill.  If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice.  If you are offended it is a YOU problem.

Well, well, well.  Today is primary day in Ohio.  Get out and VOTE people!  And pray for the future of our nation.  For the first time in my 20+ years of being eligible to vote this is by far one of the WORST pools of candidates vying to become Commander in Chief.  I'd run down the list for you but do I really need to?  Haven't we already been overrun with town hall meetings, debates, appearances on Saturday Night Live, etc.?  I'm certain that some people would point out that previous office holders were crooks, embroiled in scandals, and skirt chasers.  I don't deny that.  With the exception of James Buchanan.  I believe he was a slacks chaser based on some reports.  

The only time I ever considered a non-politician businessman for President was way back in 1992.  Anyone remember H. Ross Perot?  They guy could do a spot on Dana Carvey impression.  He made such an impact on the election that he essentially stole votes from George H.W. Bush, and probably Bill Clinton for that matter, causing Bush the election and getting Clinton into office.  I would say history is now repeating itself but this round's non-politician businessman is actually going to be endorsed by one of the recognized parties and not an independent.  Please note I use the term 'endorsed' loosely because, while he may have enough delegates to win the nomination, I don't think the party is too keen on some of his worldly insights (or lack thereof).

All I can say about the other party is this - God help us if William Jefferson Clinton becomes this country's First Gentleman.  Or whatever we would call him.  Par-tay in the Lincoln Bedroom.  Hey!

I've already made my decision how I intend to vote come election time in November.  I desire a candidate who is noble and gifted.  Someone who has shown great leadership and strategy in a military position but also knows to be diplomatic and open minded.  My ideal candidate is at peace with himself and one with...well...the Force.  That's right.  If you haven't figured it out by now.

Reading Review - Neil Peart; Cultural Repercussions

The full title of the September 2015 release by Bradley J. Birzer is 'Neil Peart: Cultural Repercussions: An in-depth examination of the words, ideas, and professional life of Neil Peart, man of letters' is ironically wordy for an investigation into the words of the highly acclaimed drummer and lyricist of the Canadian progressive rock band Rush.  Birzer, himself a Rush fan since the 1983 release of 'Grace Under Pressure', is Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Michigan.  

In most cases I am skeptical to read books by fans because they tend to lack objectivity.  All too often the pages are filled with anecdotes of 'here's why I am a fan' and 'Rush is the best band in the world'.  If anyone remembers Rush - Visions by Bill Banasiewicz you know where I am coming from.  In the pre-Internet era it was the Holy Grail for Rush fans.  I had my copy and it was well worn.  An insider providing stories and images no one else had access to at the time - how great is THAT?!?!  Then the group black-balled him for playing pre-release cuts from 'A Show of Hands' on his Philadelphia-based radio show.  Oops.  Now you're an outsider B-Man.  What I am looking for is for someone to convince me that 'Caress of Steel' is really better than it seems because its a necessary stepping stone for '2112' and why 'Test For Echo' is worse than I think because it hasn't even warranted any playtime on recent tours.  Feed me knowledge, make a case, and then let me decide for myself. 

As a musician who has read numerous books and articles and watched instructional videos, concert videos, and documentaries - all of which confirm Peart's prowess as one of the best rock drummers of all time - this 178 page review is a refreshing departure as it focuses on his influences as a lyricist and wordsmith.  I will admit the inclusion of song lyrics, quotes from Peart's other writings, and snippets of interviews/articles from which I am familiar did cause me to do some skimming.  However I was pleased overall with the direction and breakdown of each album from 'Rush' to 'Clockwork Angels' into different writing periods.  An interesting concept which makes sense as you follow the albums through the band's 40+ year history and realize the different influences and writing styles of each period. I won't divulge too much information here as I encourage you to read it for yourself and make your own determination on the content.  One of the most poignant portions of the book for me, as a parent, was Birzer's decision to include a very personal letter sent  to Peart via his management group.  In it he reflects on the loss of his own child and how reading 'Ghost Rider: Travels On the Healing Road' helped him overcome the loss.  Obviously sharing this type of story with the readers was meaningful to Birzer as part of the coping process and only reinforces how moving Peart's own story of love, loss, and love again has influenced his admirers.

Overall I'll give 'Neil Peart: Cultural Repercussions: An in-depth examination of the words, ideas, and professional life of Neil Peart, man of letters' 3.5 stars out of 5.  I find the book as a good addition to anyone's shelf if you are a fan of the band through their music, themes, lyrics, or all of the above.  Published by WordFire Press it is available in paperback from either your local bookseller (yes there are still some around!) or online from Amazon.    

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