Got the Impeach Bush/Cheney Blues

Got the Impeach Bush/Cheney Blues

Times of crisis and turmoil produce not only political criticism and protest movements but also bring forth strong musical statements. These times are no exception. Artists from various genres: blues, jazz, folk, country, rap, r&b, afrobeat, and others, have come together around a vital theme: stopping the virtual coup d'etat being carried out against the Constitution and democratic rights by the Bush/Cheney administration.

Contempt for international law and use of torture; domestic spying on legal political activity; hatred of open, critical discussion; unchecked government corruption; manipulation of racial and homophobic bigotry; degradation of the environment; attempts to impose government sponsored religion; rolling back women’s rights; “Big Lie” style propaganda; and a stage-managed permanent state of fear has been the stock-in-trade of this White House. Oh…and how about starting a war under false pretenses and stealing a couple of elections?

Besides expressing their opinions on public policy like everyone else, musicians and artists especially need an open, tolerant environment to be able to function. Free artistic expression is also under attack from Karl Rove’s religious right legions and Bush’s moves to muzzle reporters and corporatize the Internet.

The musicians participating in this CD are adding their voice to the growing awareness of the threat to our freedom. It’s time to speak out, and as Howard Glazer says in his song, “Jump And Shout:” “history repeats if you don’t watch out, speak your mind and jump and shout.”

Two organizations I want to especially recommend to you are The Center For Constitutional Rights (www.ccr-ny.org) and Journalist Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now! Radio and cable TV program (www.democracynow.org).

The CCR has stood up and taken the fight to the corridors of power. Their lawsuit on behalf of the Guantanamo detainees has put obstacles in front of Bush’s crusade against basic democratic rights. They provide important legal and educational tools for taking back our democracy. Give them your support and donations.

Amy Goodman has been a vital source of real, uncensored news about stories the government is trying to suppress or spin. Besides listening to her broadcasts you should support Democracy Now! by volunteering your time and money.

Rick Congress
Random Chance Records
June 18, 2006

Special thanks to: Michael Smith, Eli Smith, Bill O'Connell, Ann Fonfa, Tom Sanders, Howard Glazer, Helen Schiff, Pyeng Threadgill, Steve Hobbs, Dimitri Moderbacher, Fran Cathcart, Tom Berkley, and East Side Sound for their help with this project.