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Another Perspective
What's a Conservative Deadhead to Do?
President Obama's recent Internet townhall meeting attracted a number of questions concerning the president's views on the possible legalization of marijuana. He said he thought it was a bad idea for various reasons, which might have disappointed a fair percentage of the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of Deadheads who voted for him, including my mother. Our three most recent presidents have admitted to dabbling in the devil weed (Jimmy Carter merely governed like he had a bong stashed under the desk in the Oval Office): Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. The latter claims that he never inhaled, and it will require decades of learned historical research to determine if he did. Unlike the 42nd president, I'll say right now that I did inhale; but I never exhaled.
I have a framed photograph of Mom -- a treasured possession -- taken in Cancun, Mexico a few years ago, when she vacationed there with one of my sisters and her family. In the photo she's wearing a striped knitted cap with fake dreadlocks attached, and is holding a lit joint to her lips. This woman was in her late seventies when this picture was made. Mom sent me a paper print of it with an accompanying note describing the evening at the nightclub where other family members had posed the shot. "I didn't inhale," she wrote. Right Mom, that's what Clinton said.
After performing at a fundraiser for the Obama campaign at Penn State University last October, the surviving original members of the Grateful Dead (minus the late Jerry Garcia, and the late Ron "Pigpen" McKernan): Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart (plus friends Jeff Chimenti and Warren Haynes, and now called simply "The Dead") have reunited and are touring periodically through July 4th, for a total of 23 "shows." There is no such thing as a Grateful Dead (excuse me, "The Dead") "concert." That word implies some sort of predictable musical experience, say, with night-after-night uniform set lists. A Dead show is as much an improvisational theatrical event as a musical one. According to the Washington Post, the guys recently dropped in at the White House on the night before their D.C. show at the Verizon Center and hung out in the Oval Office with the Executive Deadhead, who did inhale during his callow youth. The Dead thanked the president for reuniting them (at the fundraiser) and thus being the catalyst for the current tour. The president was his usual gracious self. Much was made about the neatness of his desk.
I've been to just two shows over the years (Watkins Glen, N.Y.,1973; Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 1988), but I can't count how many Mom's attended, probably twenty or more. At some point starting in the '60s she went from Sinatra and Streisand, to Jerry Garcia and Co. on LP records, 8 Track tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, and now online. Mom and I are big fans of the "Taper's Section" shows on Dead.net. She prefers the late '60s-early '70s period. "Dark Star" into "St. Stephen" into "Turn on Your Lovelight" gets her every time. She really misses Pigpen. She once got backstage (it was one those friend-of-a-friend connection things) at a show at the Meadowlands Arena about twenty years ago, and had her picture taken with Jerry Garcia. I found it while perusing a family scrapbook I'd never seen before. And there it was again. "I know it looks bad, honey," Mom told me. "But Jerry was so much fun to talk to, and I didn't inhale." Thank God she didn't get dosed. She likes a Scotch and water once in awhile, and it would have been a perfect target.
Being a conservative Deadhead is hard enough, but it's especially so when one's eighty-something mother behaves this way. I wonder if other conservative Deadheads can empathize with me? Are there any support groups out there that can be of help? Maybe Ann Coulter or Tucker Carlson can tell me. For one thing, political discussions in inter-generational Deadhead families can be dicey.
But I'd prefer not to explore the Conservative-Deadhead-Whose-Mother-Didn't-Inhale-and-has-voted-for-every-Democrat-she-could-since-Harry Truman political dynamics. But it's safe to say that the average Deadhead is also a starry-eyed Obamahead: Overtly pacifist and culturally relative. Tax the rich, redistribute the wealth, give a federal bailout to any struggling tie-dyed T-shirt manufacturers, and legalize marijuana, of course. But Mom's politics are her own business.
So, for Mom, this current tour is a perfect -- in Dead lingo -- "convergence" of the political and the cultural. Look for her at one of the New York area shows, such as the Nassau Coliseum or Madison Square Garden. As you're grooving along to "Sugar Magnolia" you might recognize her as a kindly senior lady wearing a Skull and Roses T-shirt and that striped knitted cap with the fake dreadlocks. Maybe she'll offer you a brownie from a tin.
Don't eat it.
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Pingback| 4.20.09 @ 7:35AM
What’s a Conservative Deadhead to Do? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Kitty| 4.20.09 @ 7:40AM
I'm about your age, but it wasn't my mother who was the deadhead, it was my son. Although I never cared for the group -- I preferred James Brown and Aretha Franklin -- I found the Grateful Dead preferable to the other caustic noise he listened to. And he did inhale.
He's all grown up and responsible now, with a wife and three kids, the oldest of whom will be going off to college this fall. He's no longer a deadhead; he primarily listens to Celtic music, instead. Politically, he can't stand either party.
...
whiterb| 4.20.09 @ 8:14AM
My mother depends on me for money. I am happy to help her out. She too has this propensity to vote democrat every time she can. Thus, the only thing I ask from her is to stay home on voting day. I have explained to her that enabling somebody who votes democrat ravages my soul. Women like my mother and yours are a major reason our great nation is being destroyed. The damage their voting patterns have inflicted is not a laughing matter. Thus, for me she does not vote. But, I live in Rhode Island and it does not matter. Even the men vote like women here.
JJ JR| 4.20.09 @ 8:45AM
Y'all,
I must confess that I was a major DEADHEAD in my misbegotten youth attending probably over 50 shows in my lifetime (and many others of various Dead splinter groups). Still enjoy some of their music, but I must say it's tough listening to a bunch of musicians who support the anti-U.S. Marxist and racist who currently occupies the Oval Office.
Hank Rearden| 4.20.09 @ 9:40AM
Bill,
I too am a dead fan, not a dead head, I'm way too young. Nevertheless, having much interaction with left of center "dead heads" provides many of opportunities for me to remind them that the very things they deride (capitalism, corporations, etc) allow them to live their lifestyle the way they want. Hippies can only exist in a capitalist country, they might actually be forced to do something productive elsewhere.
tmac| 4.20.09 @ 9:41AM
Fellow conservative deadhead here. A veteran of a hundred-plus Dead shows over the years, I was once a proud dope-smoking liberal. I've seen the error of my ways ('grown up' a bit) and now look back on my utopian youth mostly as a starry-eyed misadventure. Alas, the vast majority of my deadhead c0-conspiritors remain entranced in the left-wing camp, but I hold out hope that one day they'll wise up and lay down the bong, much as I did.
Still enjoy their music immensely, though nowadays I mellow to a Dead groove over a glass of single malt scotch instead of the pipe.
Your mother sounds like a wonderful person, a real free spirit. I think if we ever met the two of us would get along famously, no matter her political persuasion. God Bless her!
NavyBrat| 4.20.09 @ 9:57AM
Mr. Croke, I can empathize. While I'm not a Deadhead, I'm a 30 year old classic rock/southern rock/blues afficianado & pot smoker. I'm also as conservative as they come. As you stated, generally, that's quite a contradiction. I make the distinction b/w leagalizing marijuana as opposed to other drugs this way:
Everything else under the sun in the drug world; people KILL & rob to get the drugs or money to but them. I can't tell you the last time I heard of someone getting robbed so some stoner could buy a $20 bag. I also can't tell you the last time I've heard: "Uh, gee, your Honor, man, like I was really high & THAT'S why I robbed the liqour store & shot 8 people." About the only crime stoners commit is maybe the thieving a candy bar from the mini mart because they're hungry. All the other garbage that's available these days DOES lead to that type of behavior.
Finally, there's the money aspect. This also is a multi faceted opinion. Leagalizing pot would take a HUGE chunk of profit out from the hands of drug cartels. Other than cocaine, weed is their biggest cash crop. Leagalization would contribute TREMENDOUS streams of revenue to Federal & State governments at a time when it's desparately needed. Hell, just look up the studies about how much of the Mendocino County economy is based on marijuana. Finally, think of all the money that would be saved from no longer incarcerating Johnny & Jane college kid for having a half ounce.
I've been the subject of considerable ire from many of my conservative brethren for these views, but it's ok. I roll with it. I know what I beleive & just because I choose to smoke, instead of drink, doesn't make my beleifs any less conservative than anyone elses. Keep the faith, brother. You're not alone.
Here's an older article on the conservative case for marijuana legalization:
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/04/180202.php
Dr. M. K. Nelson| 4.20.09 @ 10:06AM
59 yo deadhead here. Its interesting the strong conservative ideals the Dead have. Entrepeneural, capitilistic, hard work, preparation, loyalty. Similar to John Wooden's pyramid of success. But, they do live in a different world, and I can understand their support of the left. The communal spirit has worked well for them.
Hubert Horatio Hornblower| 4.20.09 @ 11:28AM
Know what the Deadhead said after completing rehab?
"Those guys suck!"
rightydead| 4.20.09 @ 12:04PM
Another conservative head checks in -- the scen and the mojo are left -- how the Dead approached what they did (and Phil and Bobby continue to) applies to both living life and making music -- the music, the sound and courting the magic via the seats of the pants shamanism knows no political bounds -- still, just because collectivism might gel on stage and make for incredible Dead passages doesn't make one a hypocrite if politically is doesn't shake out for you that way ---
P Walker| 4.20.09 @ 1:15PM
Having been a conservative Dead Head for nearly years , I always appreciated the relatively apolitical aspects of the scene in the Jerry days . I only saw the "Dead" once , afew years ago . After a friend told me about one of Bob Weir's political rants during the '04 campaign season , I decided to never attend another show . I fondly remember cruising the parking lots in the old days , happily realizing that most of those people didn't vote . Alas , things have changed .
Roger Jones| 4.20.09 @ 3:32PM
Great stuff as usual from Bill Croke! This is the kind of thing you won't find on too many conservative sites. The Spectator is the best!
El Phantom| 4.20.09 @ 3:51PM
I'm too young (32) to be a REAL Dead Head, but I sure like their music. My dad actually had a band in Vallejo and got to sit in with the Dead once. It's possible to be a conservative and enjoy good music, because heaven knows, there aren't a lot of great acts with conservatives in them.
Jeannine| 4.20.09 @ 5:08PM
Yes, I was once a lite Dead Head, saw only the shows around the NYC area for a few yrs. A real Dead Head traveled w/them as a groupie, sold tie-dyed t-shirts & was perpetually stoned. I had to go to college & become an adult----a good thing!
For all those Dead Heads who can't seem to grow up & become responsible members of society, Jerry Garcia was turning into a conservative capitalist. I love bursting bubbles of delusion! He married a nice Episcopal woman & started a side business by designing ties to be worn w/business suits. I bought a few for hubby & they weren't cheap!
Dan from NY and CA| 4.20.09 @ 9:48PM
I'm a 52 year old conservative who used to be non-political (like many young adults). Saw the Dead a dozen times in their hayday when they were the best, in the 1970's, in upstate NY. I still have dozens of live recordings (soundboard tapes and CDs) and their excellent LPs from the 70's.
Discouraging to hear that the current Dead had Tipper Gore play drums in one of their shows. I don't want anything to do with T Gore, A Gore, or B Obama, thank you. Also discouraging to hear occasional quotes of support (e.g., Mickey) for Fidel Castro. Would be discouraged, but not surprised, to hear of their support for other socialist or commie dictators or causes. So, I just tolerate any such news I hear about them.
I don't listen to anything of theirs after 1978. They weren't much good after that. During the 70's, their music was the best.
Dan from NY and CA
Pete| 4.20.09 @ 10:23PM
To a musician, the long jams (or "going out into the zone" as Mickey Hart called it) tended to noodle around aimlessly for far too long. But, hey, that's what they did. I liked their albums a lot better. Nothing can touch the spirit and sheer exuberance of "A Touch of Grey". They carried the entire essence of the '60's experience right up to the millenium and , as a conservative, I felt their popularity cut across all political ideologies.
Conservative| 4.21.09 @ 9:54AM
The louder someone complains, the closer you are to the truth. I anticipate a lot of ad hominem complaints from statists here. Do not let them talk you out of reading this book.
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For too long, Conservatives have let themselves be defined by the media. Mr. Levin's book recasts what it is to be a proud Conservative, and gives voice to those who are often silent in the face of ideological slander. If you believe in this great country, if you believe in truth and honesty, if you believe in life and principles, if you believe in freedom and patriotism, if you believe that all people are created equal and it is up to the individual to succeed according to their talents and interests, and if you believe in a smaller efficient government, and lower taxes, then this book is for you.
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...and all the while, a deafening silence from the major media outlets - until now, April 20th, when the MSM champions an anti-American book.
http://tinyurl.com/mlevinbook
This book is perfect for the individual who has always "felt" conservative, but couldn't quite explain herself. Mark Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny" begins with an excellent overview of where our country is as a constitutional republic and how we got here. He then states clearly his book's theme and rallying cry -- Conservatives must know the philosophical foundations for the principles they purport to advance in order to defend liberty from the "soft tyranny" of modern liberalism.
Levin goes on meticulously (many more than 300 endnotes), but plainly explaining the principles of classic conservative philosophy of "prudent" progress, a government that is subservient to the people (rather than the other way around), the fundamental truth that rights are not derived from the government but from a higher power, that the free market system more than any other in history provides the best, most efficient and most just opportunity for individual prosperity as well as for the general welfare, and much much more.
Levin's book provides ample evidence of government encroachment on individual liberty and our country's descent into the soft tyranny warned of by Alexis de Tocqueville in our country's earliest years. Economic regulation, environmental extremism, the usurpation of representative government by the judiciary, unprecedented and uncontrolled illegal influx of people into out country, and the like threaten our economic viability. Finally, Levin's book details how the liberal (and some so-called conservative) political elite rejects the notion of American Exceptionalism and seek to surrender voluntarily the sovereignty our forefathers fought and died to give and to preserve for us.
UPDATE: This book is currently on sale at Amazon. Now is a great opportunity to pick up this book, if you haven’t already.
http://tinyurl.com/mlevinbook
edward del colle| 4.21.09 @ 12:47PM
i'm all confused , what's to lose! you can call this song the united states blues! i have a sense that dr, tyrrell didn't have editorial power over this harmless piece of nostalgia! i believe dr. tyrrell many moons ago penned a piece in the amspec called "gratefully dead"! i also know that mr. tyrrell liked coming to manhattan and listening to bobby short at the carlyle, i believe. a great artist, and interpreter of cole porter and others! but the grateful dead are the greatest american rock n roll band ever. the original band members the greatest live musicians, ever! it's not even close! the big man, jerry garcia was an encycolpedia of american music. in fact he would warm up at times by asking someone to name any tune and he would just oblige! as a band they were a great promoter of the american song book. blues grass, think dark hollow, motown, think second that emotion, country, think sing me back home! one of garcia's inspirations was chuck berry, and the band did many berry original's as covers, think promised land, johnny b. goode, around & around! they also played it better than anyone else! i know bob "bobcat" weir is wacky politically, but he could arguably be the greatest rocker ever, based on his longevity, his brilliance on the hollow body gibson, the catalog of great tunes, think jack straw, looks like rain, cassidy, the weather report suite, continuing to play with ratgog, and others! i grant him some absolution for supporting this dangerous, foolish, neo-marxist nut in the people's house! he is a national disgrace! eddie "jack straw" del colle.....
Stuart | 4.21.09 @ 3:38PM
Edward, I'm sure you're right that Bob Tyrell(can I be so informal?) didn't commission this charming little piece. And as much as we all love Tyrell, he is unreasonably intolerant to rock music, good, adventurous rock music, that is.
I do love Bobby Short as well, but's let keep in mind that Bob Tyrell(hey, it rolls off the tongue like "Bob Weir") was young enough to see the Dead in their psychedelic pomp. But he avoided-perhaps studiously?- the youth culture of the day.
Anyway, the Dead, as you describe well, were votaries of American music, who happily mixed up all their influences(though I can live without their blues singing- post-Pigpen).
As for the politics of the Dead and Deadheads, in my day many Deadheads were apolitical, even if their views had a generally liberal cast to them.
And I remember reading that John Barlow, who's written songs with Weir for decades, is a libertarian.
Pingback| 4.22.09 @ 12:37AM
The South Will Write Again links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
James Rush| 4.22.09 @ 12:01PM
A long overdue article. May I point out that it's possible to be a Conservative (or even a Neo-Conservative) in the UK and appreciate 'The' Grateful Dead. I've been 'On The Bus' since I was 14, and avowedly right-wing for almost as long.
Drew K | 4.22.09 @ 12:43PM
At the core of real American conservatism is classical liberalism, and at the core of that is pretty much libertarianism. In that sense, the Dead represent something apolitical, even if the individual members have predictably leftist views. I remember, as a fan of the Dead (and many other interesting musical forms, the early 70s Miles Davis on one hand, Canada's Objectivist nerd warriors Rush on the other) when many of the Deadheads realized just how much money these guys had made, they found it challenging -- oh no, you mean upper middle class kids who grew up to be multi-multi-millionaires, and Bobby wears LaCoste shirts, the traitor...so called Establishment conservatives have a problem with expressive culture, but the rest of us don't. I have two first-rate degrees, a beautiful wife and two kids, a half dozen tattoos (gotten 20+ yrs ago when this was still a horror to the mainstream), and the CD collection in my car today would include Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Molly Hatchet, the Dead, Billy Joel, Megadeth, and Rush. Classic rock and classic liberalism are very comfortable with each other. There's also a difference between drug use -- and drug abuse. One of the biggest, serious, Deadheads I know is, by day, a hedge fund VP. Don Henley thought in the mid 80s "Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac, there's no turning back" but nothing was new. The core of the Deadheads were always frustrated upper-middle-class kids, as were the Dead themselves. No conflict at all, but if you want some real conflict, try saying something good about Reagan at a show...as I did in 1988...
Dave Lincoln| 4.22.09 @ 2:24PM
I am also glad Mr. Croke could get this article past "whomever" at the Spectator. This is one case where the messenger and the message (at least from what I'm hearing from the re-grouped band) should be separated.
There will never be any music to surpass that of Live Dead, and I am barely worthy, as I only went to 4 shows, one of which I wasn't really "at", but on top of the hill over the Greek Theater, Berzerkely, CA. The cops could not see me in my tied-died shirt, for some reason, to get me off the hillside (they were worried about fire, of course).
To me, their music is the definition of All American. Indeed, they would play country standards, blues, bluegrass (that's how they started out, BTW), and rock, that, with the help of Jerry's guitar, could take your mind anywhere you wanted to go, drugs or no drugs. It also helped, if you wanted to dig the lyrics too, that they had a fantastic lyric-writer by the name of Robert Hunter (not in the band), who penned the words to most of the Jerry original stuff. All of the music was "made in America", it seemed, no matter where Jerry and Bob borrowed from.
It's too bad about any political comments made by anyone recently in their re-grouped band, but, indeed long-term drug use does have some side effects ( I wouldn't know personally, but see, I've got this friend in California, you know ....)
Pingback| 4.23.09 @ 7:27AM
Greened to Death links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Common Sense| 5.16.09 @ 7:25PM
41 year old Dead Head here. Saw about 100 shows when Jerry was around and about 30 of the various combinations since. I think if I had the chance to sit down with most people I could convince them that Dems & Repubs are different sides of the same coin. Realized about 2 years ago that I was really 100% Libertarian. We are long over due for some fresh ideas. Our founding fathers would be horrified to see what the Federal Government has become. My basic stance is tax me just enough to run an efficient government, respect the constitution (as broadly interpreted as possible) and stay the hell out of my personal life.
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