Re:A new political movement (Score 1)

OK, again, I grant the excesses of some have certainly made a case against full-time artists, but take the broader view. As a once full-time musician, I know that for every drunk/druggie you happen upon, there are ten guys keepin' it real and clean, and are struggling to make a living doing what they love. Why CAN'T we have full-time artists? Why is that such a hard concept for some to stomach? Are we not a supposedly evolved society? If you hate what you do for a living, DO SOMETHING ELSE. If I had a nickel for every workaday who redirectired their self-loathing at me for the high crime of enjoying myself playing music...well, I could probably retire in style. Life is too short.

Truthfully, in many ways music is often the victim of its own power. Musical experiences can be so transcendent and uplifting that it allows shit-bag record companies to exploit exploit exploit and get away with it. Agreed that many brain-dead consumers who don't do their own listening now are essentially addicted to be being force-fed what is supposedly hip or the NTB (next big thing). To be able to play music well, as in very well, requires FULL-TIME dedication. The guys who can really play (prodigies aside), have spent years in the shed practicing six to eight hours a day to gain the proficiency they have. A doc goes to med school for four years, trains for another four to six years doing residency, and is then paid well for their services. Granted their work is very important, and one could argue more essential than music (although don't discount the power of music therapy). But why is that artists are punished for having the courage to pursue their muse? Most educated folk go to school, get a degree, and then leverage that degree to earn a good living. Why should that be any different for artists? Explain to me why there should be a distiction (and while doing so, remember the five greatest, most moving pieces of music you've every heard and the profound effect they've had on you)

The Captain

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"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King