funkyfine said:

I think it also includes innocent civilians and also children that do get caught up in war, plus America's own citizens ie. children.

NuPwrSoul said:

I agree with a lot that has been said but I do think that in the letter to Mr Man, the writer is expecting or hoping for a reply, which might make them change their mind if the basic issues are resolved or at least get recognition and someone comes up with ideas or resolutions to solve them.

Many people don't agree with the two party system because the biggest con is that it becomes very black/white, left right/ conservative liberal. It lacks diversity and reduces real choice. The problem with more parties though is often the lack of unity and governments collapse regularly because they can't get along.

That being said, one man one vote. One's vote is all one really has to have their say in the matter and it should be used. Refusing to vote is similar to saying "I haven't seen God, so I'm not going to believe in it."

I'm not sure when P wrote this song or said that in his interviews and I'm wondering if it was long or not before Obama. Obama has been one of the first politicians in the world who appears virtuous, demonstrates compassion & is generally concerned with world issues beyond his border; knowing that he's got to take care of his own people first to make things better elsewhere.

He seems to lead by example and is living proof that for those who work hard and are genuinely concerned with society's welfare and ills, that they can move forward. He has ethics by which he stands by, and not like McCain who had to resort to insults during the campaign to win debates.

Obama is one of a kind and he should have been voted for.

Good choice.
I like the United States of Division as well.

NuPwrSoul said:

This being the case, what is wrong with expressing your dissatisfaction with the way things are? I know many people who tell me the reason why they do not vote is due to all of the broken promises that politicians make and how nothing is going to get done. Well, there is some truth to that, when those who are running for office, is only doing it for their own selfish reasons. It begs me to asked the question, does my vote really count. Or does my not voting, place more emphasis on what is not being done.

that's positive. it's great when Prince's lyrics can be discussed in serious contexts. 'dreamer' is also likely to stimulate lively discussion

dear mr. man is the perfect choice for this.
I absolutly love this song and i consider is one of his best EVER

Cinnamon girl...

IstenSzek said:

Ditto!

shorttrini said:

Your vote may not count, but if you don't cast one at all, you have no say one way or the other and have put no effort into changing that fact. It may be futile to vote, but if you don't vote, then you haven't done anything at all. Your protest goes unheard.

errant said:

Yes, this is true. But when one chooses not to vote for any candidate, even after hearing all of the rhetoric, is that still the case? I mean, isn't casting what you call a "futile" vote, worse than not voting at all?

shorttrini said:

Yes, it is worse. Because complaining about how things never change rings completely hollow when you take yourself out of the system for changing it.

Splanknasty said:

Why would you want to lead the world?



I think this kind of attitude is exactly why many had a mistrustful attitude towards the U.S. in the first place.

^^^^
true that.

Somebody said:

No no no, not 'Dear Mr Man'.

I have many problems with the lyrics of Dear Mr Man. The biggest problem is this:



Listen, ain't no sense in voting
Same song with a different name
Might not b in the back of the bus
But it sho' feel just the same


WHAT?

You are a MULTIMILLIONAIRE. And you are telling people NOT TO VOTE?

You are telling me that a vote for Barack Obama, whose election gave pride and hope to millions of Americans (and millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, too) is the SAME as a vote for John McCain?

Prince is a multi fucking millionaire, telling people that a vote for John McCain was the same as a vote for Barack Obama. Well, cool: but he's insulated from living with the consequences because he's been swimming in money since the age of 20.

This is irresponsible, and it is wrong.

Look at how people around the world actually like America again. Look at how America's actually LEADING the world again. And whatever your opinion on Obama's economic policy, and his healthcare policy, DO NOT TRY AND TELL ME THAT A VOTE FOR OBAMA WAS THE SAME AS A VOTE FOR McCAIN.

It is a lie, produced by a millionaire who has no idea what the effect of his words are or the consequences of people listening to

-----

America needs to wake up! Prince is just saying Presidents are just big puppets! A big illusion!!

explains it all here !!! http://www.youtube.com/wa...AaQNACwaLw

Any Gil Scott Heron song...

Whitey on the moon, for instance.

LaLaLAHeHEHE said:

Jesus. Fucking. Christ.

Splanknasty said:

the song was 4 the MUSICOLOGY cd which was made in 2004 so he was actually talking about bush not obama...just thought i'd point that out...



thanks 2 every1 who told me other songs by Prince (sadly i dont have the SOTT album yet or the Conterversy cd but i do have the lotusflow3r cd so DREAMER is a great choice now that i thinking about the lyrics) and also songs NOT by Prince (will have 2 youtube those 4 the class)

sadly we didnt get 2 the songs 2day...hopefully on tuesday tho we will do it:)

squirrelgrease said:

I just know there's going to be something about Beyonce and the Illuminati at the other end of that click....

errant said:

Damn near. And I thought folks here were crazy.

RodeoSchro said:

mail fraud

Yes the song was written in 2004 in the Bush era but in his last interview with Tavis Smiley in 2009 he indicated that he "doesn't have a dog in this fight" when asked about Obama--and followed up to say as a Jehovah's Witness he doesn't participate in the political process. That is his right of course. My point is there is a difference between expressing dissatisfaction and being political. Further I would say personally I find it disingenuous to express dissatisfaction about the political state of affairs but advocate no political activity to address those problems.