While there is a history of political discourse in punk rock music dating back to the mid ’70s, much of it has been exercised through protest songs, political statements in publications and benefit concerts rather than involvement with actual political groups. Veteran punk rocker Jesse Townley, singer for Bay Area band The Frisk, is putting his beliefs into action by… return to article
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Reader Comments (20)Page 1 of 1 pages“You still have people in both parties who are beholden to money and they need to be called accountable.”
As in Kerry and Bush? As in virtually every member of Congress?
A significant problem with the US today is the strength of the two parties, both of which are controled by monied interests. This is more and more apparent as we watch less and less Congressmen willing to deviate from their (party) masters. . .
Repub or Democrat - the difference is small. Kerry voted for the war and says he would have done it “better”. Sure he would. Billionares are like that, you know.
Posted by ken on Aug 11, 2004 at 10:17 AM This is a great article, not just for the fact that a “punk rocker” is getting involved, but that a young American is getting involved. This is the best way to revitalize the system. The more young and fresh voices get heard, the more changes can be made. Plus, the guy is simply a really decent human being! Thank you, Jesse Luscious!!!
Posted by Brian on Aug 11, 2004 at 10:24 AM Jello Biafra beat this guy to the punch years ago. And, until there’s an atmosphere where third/alternate parties are a viable part of the system, we’re all fucked!!
Posted by G-love on Aug 11, 2004 at 12:27 PM this guy seems alright, but for satan’s sake give the punk rock thing a break! I mean almost thrity years after the fact and punk is still used as an indicator of being “underground” or “alternative”? How boring!
the use of “punk” as a hook to get you to read an article supposedly about someone interested in practicing a new kind of progressive politics by a writer who gets his article published in an allegedly progressive journal is as shallow and deceptive as commercial product placement in Hollywood feature films.
it’s great that everyone is all pragmatic and results oriented and so darn well adjusted, but how about some in depth analysis of what’s wrong with the system and some ideas about how to fix, replace and/or subvert it?
ps- also fix your freaking web page so you can preview your comments before submitting them without losing the original text
Posted by soren on Aug 12, 2004 at 2:32 PM It’s certainly refreshing to see someone with my ideals and sensibilities trying to make a difference, regardless of who came before them.
ps. who pissed in soren’s wheaties? that’s punk rock right?
Posted by M on Aug 12, 2004 at 4:52 PM Punk IS still underground and IS still a hotbed for progressive ideals. So, when someone who embraces the punk aesthetic becomes active in government, it sure as hell is newsworthy to me!!
Posted by Brian on Aug 12, 2004 at 9:09 PM Hey Soren- the PUNK line was the reason why I read the article - so it worked-
I don’t have alot of time to scour the net for news - but when I see a headline like that I usually click on it
now - next time I talk to my Northern Cal. friends I will ask them about Jesse Townley - see how that works?
Posted by vacant29 on Aug 16, 2004 at 2:19 PM Check out Stew and The Negro Problem. Irony is still alive but not in a punk label.
For ethnic ska-punk, Voodoo Glow Skulls belt it out while saying, “fuck the system!”
Posted by Windex on Aug 17, 2004 at 12:22 PM PUNK was the only reason I read the article. Good to see some positive activism from someone who has obviously contributed a great deal to the greater community. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Posted by schwa on Aug 20, 2004 at 7:01 AM Want a rad Jesse banner? We made some a while back.. share these on your sites!
http://tinyurl.com/3zaur
http://tinyurl.com/3pklj
Kick ass Jesse!
xox
Kimmy
Posted by Kimmy Cash on Aug 21, 2004 at 8:37 AM i think it is put best by G-love on August 11, 2004
everyone should read his posting!!
Posted by mike sinister on Aug 23, 2004 at 7:42 PM Jello Biafra , he ran against Dianne Feinstein for mayor of San Francisco in 1979 on a platform that included banning cars from city limits, making police run for reelection in the neighborhoods they patrolled, and establishing a “Board of Bribery” in an attempt to set standard public rates. He came in fourth out of ten. In 2000, Biafra was drafted for the Green Party Presidential primary and chose Mumia Abu-Jamal as his running mate. He ended up encouraging supporters to vote for Nader, and he got the concept of a “maximum wage” debated on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. He says his mission is to help “bring the spirit of punk rock and roll into the Greens--make the party rock.”
Posted by mike sinister on Aug 23, 2004 at 8:17 PM soren, it all depends on what you believe is ‘punk’. I seriously don’t know anymore.
In my opinion, Kerry isn’t that much better than Bush. It’s more of a ‘who’s less evil’ type of thing. The sad fact is, an overhaul of the ‘two party system’ won’t happen be cause neither the Democrats nor the Republicans will allow it to happen. As long as the majority remains either a Democrat or a Republican, no change will be brought about.
Posted by jerry on Aug 25, 2004 at 9:00 AM “grass roots” is such a republicrat cliche. it makes me feel low and dirty. can’t we come up with something better. how about “neighborhood” for example.
Posted by ted on Sep 6, 2004 at 10:37 PM Thanks for the comments, I want to note that Jello’s 1979 campaign intended to make a number of specific critiques through humor. My campaign intends to win a grassroots, working family person a seat on the local City Council (that would be me, in case you’re not keeping score!).
Apparently punk is still a threat- just because it’s become old hat to you or me doesn’t mean it’s not blowing some kid’s mind in Mankato or Malaysia.
Finally, thanks to Don for the well-written article and the accurate quotes- it’s great to have a reporter know what he’s covering and to get it down correctly. You rock!
Posted by Jesse Townley on Sep 18, 2004 at 11:26 PM jesse townley is a joke and so is this punkrock politic bs. government and the street dont mix. punk the green party. come on whats next punk rock stock. jokes on you turd burgers
Posted by Ramos on Sep 30, 2004 at 8:57 AM I’ve volunteered with Jesse at KALX for three plus years. He’s been there much longer. No one works harder to make sure that volunteers are treated respectfully. Jesse will make a great politician. He’ll do a great job within the Berkeley City Council. Jesse for President!
Posted by David Rasmussen on Oct 10, 2004 at 6:37 PM Page 1 of 1 pages -
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