Damus
Lyn Alden profile picture
Lyn Alden
@LynAlden
The media calling Oliver Anthony’s song a right wing anthem when 1) it doesn’t mention political parties or specific politicians and 2) has rather broad appeal across anti-establishment types in general is inaccurate but predictable imo.

Now, I think one valid criticism is that if someone were to write a song called “Rich Men North of Richmond”, and it only criticizes one fiscal policy in the song, then food stamps (assistance aimed at the poor) probably isn’t the best one to pick. There is no shortage of fiscal programs that siphon money towards corrupt rich people (eg defense contractor graft), which would be more on-theme to pick.

But imo that doesn’t detract from the song much. And this unfortunately happens a lot. Usually the fiscal programs that benefit the rich tend to be harder to explain and more obfuscated than ones aimed at the poor (eg food stamps buying unhealthy things vs massive Pentagon or Medicare corruption). By design.
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Golbez9🔩🤘 · 143w
Bravo, very well said. Much bigger fish to fry than food stamps. Almost seems like a red herring
BTCrevolutionary · 143w
This song still speaks to the common man’s plight. Inflation is killing is all. Especially the poor and middle class. It’s hard out here, people are starting to realize the money is broken.
Enki · 143w
I think the food stamps thing is kinda location specific. bible belt areas are notorious for obesity.
DRE · 143w
What probability would you assign that the “missing” trillions from the pentagon are being used to fund black op/secret UFO reverse engineering programs?
humble · 143w
he does not like politicians period. listen to this one. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0eNNTM7TDw0&pp=ygUXZG9nZ29uaXQgb2xpdmVyIGFudGhvbnk%3D
Micah541 · 143w
Yes. I’m on the left and I find it a little bit obnoxious how they described this as “right wing.” Unless “fudge rounds” is a racist dog whistle that I’m not aware of, I don’t think this qualifies as right wing and it’s not helpful to get all worked up about a country song. I mean...
dman555 · 143w
songs a banger
Tom Samuel · 143w
Most common people have no clue what a defense budget is let alone the graft. Trillions of unaudited money flow in the varicose veins of the filthy rich. Humans have to realise the true potential in them and maybe they need help from Galactic ETs. Look up and pray. I think they are ready to help. Th...
Scale Bar · 143w
The ‘anthem’ and its response is further proof that music is one of, if not the, most powerful media for human emotion and storytelling. There is no such thing as bad publicity. The art speaks for itself. ✌️
StackSats.IO · 143w
“Your dollar ain’t shit, and it’s taxed to end” I think he’s criticising more fiscal policy than food merely stamps Lyn. But it’s a song, not a macro podcast - have to be a bit more snappy with the wording. Bit hard to articulate how inflation is destroying purchasing power and the ta...
ingo · 143w
Spot on! And the song is spot on too. It is brilliant. It makes grown men cry (me included). It hits a deep emotional truth so many have long been carrying inside. It dares to point finger at visible signs of a society with grave problems. And at the same time acknowledges that you, the listner is s...
L1berty · 143w
If thebactions of "the people" increase their power its the voice of the unheard, brave, virtuous. If the actions of the people reduce their power its nazis.
Alejandro · 143w
Somebody please turn each of #[1]​ ‘s notes into a page in a desk calendar. I need my daily dose of Lyn wisdom. #Lyndom
Theory of Everything · 143w
*atomwaffen ain’t got shit on FEMA.
Huey · 143w
I wouldn't say the song is partisan except for that audience who think the North/South divide is still more relevant than the more contemporary dynamics of urban/rural or coastal/inland. Using "North of Richmond" as a general indication of where the problem lies is not a subtle reference in America....
Nathan · 143w
Even to the extent he’s focusing on welfare, he doesn’t seem to be against welfare in principle but just the obvious waste and fraud. His example made me cringe, not going to lie. Most people on welfare are the exact types of people he seems to support & there isn’t as much fraud or abuse as...
b4nj0 · 143w
Very telling of the media. This song becoming so incredibly popular in a completely organic manner, is also very telling, but I don't think many are paying attention.
🇰 🇷 🇾 🇵 🇹 🇮 🇽 · 143w
Hear hear
Satoshi Fawkes · 143w
If you write a viral song going after the MIC there will be nothing stopping me going all in on you Lyn. Well unless you come after me with your ninja skills obviously.
Reichard Könige · 143w
Food stamps/ebt cards are a scam. Next to medicaid one of the most scammed programs out there. Government shouldn't be in the business of charity. That should remain private.
Gunson · 143w
I take the fudge rounds part as a metaphor for wider waste - fat people getting plenty of calories already, trying to get more from productive healthy people who won't end up costing the system as much on healthcare. The mainstream critique of this is deliberately disingenuous by purely focusing on...
Dissident Sound · 143w
"right wing" these days means anybody who doesn't enjoy being stomped on by the state.
nobody · 143w
Agreed, he says he’s basically down the middle politically: https://youtu.be/tmxyMJd7IQ8
nobody · 143w
To be fair though, I think what the media is saying is that many on the right have identified this song as being their anthem. Similar to how trump played a lot of ‘anthem’ songs during his rallies (despite the artists themselves not aligning with him, in fact several sent him cease and desists)
Deon · 143w
So criticising the rich in the US makes you right wing. Right ho.
Brunswick · 143w
Welfare for the poor has as much cantillion effect as welfare for the rich. In both cases, it uses fiat money creation to leech from the productive and unbinds cultural regulation of ethics.
joiestylotus · 143w
I haven’t heard his song yet but I know a lot people like Oliver Anthony. Blue Collar folks should be voting for Democrats cuz otherwise, they’re voting AGAINST their self interests. Ditto 🏳️‍🌈people. Anyway, I don’t wanna discuss American politics but that’s my 2 cents. You ...
Jeremy M. Boles · 143w
If detesting taxes and pedophilia are "right wing", then just call this anarchist "right wing". But just goes to show how horrible most leftists have become.
nobody · 143w
Its a red state song
Chipster · 143w
A beautiful song. My only problem is that it blames the rich and not the system that actually empowers them. But try substituting "cause the system is inflation" for the line "cause of rich men north of Richmond". Just doesn't have the same kind of pull.
@IsabelSydow Queen of Shrimps (but u can call me Dan.) · 143w
Amen!!! Absolutely correct!!!!!https://media.tenor.com/hmx5VOJU0YQAAAAC/raquita-preach.gif
DrD · 143w
Agree with your points. I suspect food stamps was simply an example that his audience would understand. It would be hard to find another example that could be conveyed in a line or two in a way that all could understand and resonate with.