I just posted a song I wrote in 2023 about Woody Guthrie on my YouTube Channel. It’s called “National Treasure.” I’ll post the video and lyrics below. These days, I think we need to all be more like Woody and stand up for America.
I am shocked and dismayed over what I’m seeing happen in America. We’ve seen two execution-style killings on the streets of an American city this month. This current administration has bombed boats, invaded the oceans, and attacked countries illegally, breaking international laws. It’s slowly starting to not look or feel like an America I’ve ever known.
This hits real close to home for me. Although I’m currently living in Tennessee, I have a home in Maine and I’ll be moving back in April. Currently ICE is in my State of Maine terrorizing the region.
Maine often has the lowest crime rate per capita in the entire United States. It’s also often considered the safest state to live out of all 50 states. Yet, this current administration is making it a battle zone. Trump is attacking blue states, weaponizing the government and all based on political division.
If you do a Google search on authoritarianism in America, it’s at the highest level it’s ever been in the 250-year history of our country. Democracy could crumble before our eyes if we don’t stand up against this evil regime. And from my view, it is evil.
And what really confuses the shit out of me is the tough guys who all said they would stand up against tyranny are the ones supporting it. Oh, and a great portion of so-called “Christians.”
What can I do? What can you do?
I feel so small right now, like my voice and actions won’t make a difference. But that’s not true. Just writing this piece may make a small difference. Posting on my YouTube Channel may make a difference. Posting on social media may make a difference. Because what we need is to speak up and unite.
However, I don’t think being a desktop warrior is going to be enough. There have been some large protests in America in the past year. I think those need to double or triple in size. We need to unite.
I’m considering going up to Maine for a week to protest and observe in my home state, to add to the numbers standing up against tyranny. Because this is tyranny we are witnessing. It’s a coup. Only “We the People” can stop this.
National Treasure: A Song for Woody Guthrie
Okemah Oklahoma in two thousand and two
I’d done my research and I was passing through
My mind drifts back to the Seeds of Man
Now you’d be ashamed about the books they’ve tried to ban
They called you a communist but you didn’t carry a card
Just stood up for the people who lived lean and hard
You traveled this nation with a message for the masses
You didn’t give two cents about elephants or asses
You’re a national treasure
A monument to the human heart
They built you a museum up in Tulsa
Your whole life is a work of art
Back then you might have called yourself a Christian
But if you were to return today you’d see something’s missing
We’ve all been blinded by media, politicians, and thugs
No Train Bound for Glory here just guns and drugs
Now little Bobby Zimmerman is right by your side
He’s good but never had the same kind of American pride
I mean This Land Is Your Land nothing comes near it
I’ve been working all my life trying to capture that same spirit
You’re a national treasure
A monument to the human heart
They built you a museum up in Tulsa
Your whole life is a work of art
Huntingtons Chorea took your life too soon
But you set the stage and you started the tune
Now will this nation ever be peaceful, equal, and classless?
Woody, I wish I could say… but at least this machine still kills fascists
You’re a national treasure
A monument to the human heart
They built you a museum up in Tulsa
Your whole life is a work of art
You’re a national treasure
A monument to the human heart
They built you a museum up in Tulsa
Your whole life is a work of art
Your whole life is a work of art
Copyright 2023 by Dan Steven Erickson
Let’s stay in touch. – dse
