C'mon Bruce, play ball

I’ve gotten the question from several people: How can you, a libertarian/conservative, be a fan of … or worse, pay to see! … a lefty such as Bruce Springsteen?

Not only has The Boss promoted socialist-like ideals and supported the most liberal politicians, they say, he’s a hypocrite -- a true capitalist speaking and singing about how corporations and the wealthy have exploited, used and forgotten the nation’s poor people.

As I thought about it all, an analogy came to mind: Major League Baseball and the United States.

Granted, it’s not a perfect analogy. But:

• MLB has 30 teams, the U.S. 50 states

• Both include groups of haves and haves not

• Both include groups (teams, citizens) who struggle to compete with those more fortunate.

In MLB, not every team is located in a top media market that offers much more in terms of fans and dollars. To assist the smaller-market teams, a “luxury tax” tries and spread some wealth.

More than anything, though, it’s up to the individual teams to make wise decisions in terms of philosophy and talent acquisition. The motivation to compete and, hopefully, win keeps alive the dream of being on top.

In the U.S., not every person is lucky enough to be born into a good, stable environment that includes either wealth or the ability to meet all needs.

To assist the needy, taxes have been used to foster entitlement programs. For 
the truly poor, and for people incapable of satisfying basic needs, those programs should be applauded.

However, just as in sports, an individual’s desire to compete and excel should be a fundamental requirement to play.  

Which brings me back to Bruce Springsteen.

I don’t buy the “hypocrite” knock. Just because Springsteen has a lot of cash now doesn’t mean he can’t relate to those in need. Anybody familiar with his background should be well aware The Boss was not born into wealth.

And let’s assume Springsteen can’t relate to the poor. Is it being a hypocrite to defend those who can’t defend themselves? I’m not talking about people who choose not to defend themselves, but those unable to.

I grew up listening to Springsteen because I liked his sound and I respect his talent. That will not change.

Plus, art is subjective and interpretive, isn't it?

But I do have two issues with The Boss' political message:

1.    The accusations often are arrogant and mean-spirited. (Right-wing messages can be vicious, too, but they are extremely more likely to be called out by the media.)

2.    More government involvement is not the answer to most problems. The Bill of Rights guarantees a number of personal freedoms, limits the government's power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. The Bill of Rights does not guarantee handouts. It does not guarantee fairness.

Look, my ancestors came from Ireland. The only things they arrived with were the clothes on their back and a desire to live a better life. 

They succeeded by holding onto that dream, working hard and making the most of their opportunities.

As someone who has benefitted from those before me, I try to do my part by helping people in need, and contributing financially when and where I can.

I do, however, wish more people saw the opportunities presented to them by living in the U.S. I'm disappointed more people do not have the had the inner drive to compete and excel -- like the Cardinals, Rays, Brewers, etc.