Opinion and Commentary By Donna Westfall – April 13, 2025
I was a huge Joan Baez fan during the 1960’s. She was called an activist during that era, with a beautiful voice and memorable songs that have lasted throughout time. I’m pretty sure Ms. Baez is not trying to resurrect her career by being anti-Trump, pro Bernie Sanders and definitely in the Democratic camp while singing a God-awful song in Los Angeles and get this….. her slant happens to be anti-billionaires. Is it because she’s only a millionaire? What’s her beef?
During the ’60’s, I was a registered Democrat. I worked as a volunteer on JFK’s presidential campaign. I was not in favor of the Viet Nam war, but did not join in any protests. My slant on activism turned more towards civil rights and the injustices perpetrated against people of color. The anthology of words to describe people of color has changed over the years from “negro” to “colored” to “Black” to “African-American.” The important thing to remember in my mind is that we’re all human beings regardless of color or race. Now do keep in mind that not all humans are created equal in the intelligence department. And this is where I digress about Ms. Baez and her commitment to the Democrat party. Somehow I thought she was smarter.
Looking back for the moment, remember this song written by Ms Baez, Diamonds and Rust. You can pull up all kinds of video’s on the internet or YouTube.com and reconnect with the music and lyrics. In my mind, her most famous song was singing Bob Dylan’s famous Blowin’ in the Wind.
To my recollection that was against war. It was during the Viet Nam era and seemed very appropriate for that time. Loved the song. I live with family members that are staunch Bob Dylan fans even to the point that our grandson, Dylan, is named in his honor.
Joan Baez with Bernie Sanders. Picture credit Karen O’Connor off Facebook.com
Somehow when I watch 83 year old, Bernie Sanders and 84 year old, Joan Baez at a rally yelling or singing about “Fight Oligarchy” I fail to see their pathos. Oh, and by the way, Bernie Sanders as of January 2025 has a net worth of somewhere between $2 and $5 million depending on what site you visit which puts him with the 1% of richest senators category. When I watch and hear Sanders and Baez at this rally, it feels like someone pulled dusty, junky antiques out of a closet, knocked the dust off and displayed them for a newer audience. Please, please put them back in that closet. Your days have passed and your objections to the Trump teams accomplishments within their first 100 days have failed to make it’s point.
Her voice is gone. Her lyrics about “…don’t let those lousy billionaires turn me around…” leaves a lot to be desired.
Then there’s this. Some genius decided to pull Oligarchy out of thin air and attach it to being anti-Trump. I bet the majority of “protesting” American’s don’t even know what that means. Here’s a definition: a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution. Excuse me. Nearly 80 million American’s voted in Trump and his team and his popularity continues to grow according to the polls I’ve seen.
In Ms. Baez’s remarks on the John Mulaney show aired Wednesday, March 10th, she makes a blanket statement about “incompetent billionaires” running America. Yeech! She didn’t call them out by name, but I’m pretty sure she was referring to Trump and Musk. Eight years ago she called Trump an “empty vessel” and narcissistic. Clearly she’s doesn’t like the guy and baring a miracle I don’t expect her feelings will change in her lifetime.
Clearly my feelings and status politically has changed dramatically from the ’60’s. From Democrat I reregistered as Republican about 15 years ago. I still believe that former Pres. Biden will go down in history as the worst, most incompetent President in our history. From my standpoint, Pres. Trump is the best president in my lifetime. Every day more and more mistakes are being corrected and our economy will most likely see a turnaround like never before. Maybe, just maybe celebrities should avoid the spotlight politically because it’s hard to continue being a fan of actors and musicians when their views collide with ours.
Nevertheless, if we want to address musicians that are pro-Trump, Kid Rock comes to mind. I don’t think I would recognize even one of his songs. I remember him for being married for a short time to actress Pamela Anderson. His current activities included joining Bill Maher and Pres. Trump at a dinner at the White House and I understand he may be dating Colorado Congresswoman, Lauren Boebert.
So I took some time to listen to his video’s and quick frankly, his “We The People” with his rap song liberally sprinkled with “F” bombs sung throughout didn’t appeal to me. But he has captured a fan base that has contributed to his $150 million net worth.
So when it comes to politics and music I much prefer “Y.M.C.A!” performed by the Village People. (I discovered that the guy who wrote the lyrics, Victor Willis, strongly states that it’s not about gays.)
Village People picture from Facebook site
I will predict that Joan Baez and Kid Rock will never sing a duo. I would be amazed if Kid Rock suggested a dinner at the WH with the President and inviting Joan Baez. Maybe the Democratic party can come up with some things of substance to rebuild their party because dragging out old musicians and old politicians is not the panacea they are hoping for.
Or wait for it…… maybe, just maybe some smart Democrats will realize their monumental mistakes and decide to work together with the President and the Republicans over the next 3 1/2 years to make our country a better place. Then songs could be written and sung with themes about working together.
What do you think? Could it ever happen?
