If you’re anything like me, you’ve fantasized about having a word with 47. The following artists, in their own way, have each actually achieved this. While “Dear Mr. President” issues an open letter via song to our 43rd (Republican) President, “Commander in Chief” addresses 45, who’s now also 47. And the third describes issues many of us have had with 45/47.
I. “Dear Mr. President” by Pink, featuring the Indigo Girls (2006)
It’s clear, powerful, and a beautiful blending of voices. The lyrics, intended for George W. Bush and reprinted below, are applicable to today’s leadership as well, don’t you think?
Dear Mr. President Come take a walk with me Let’s pretend we’re just two people and You’re not better than me I’d like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street? Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep? What do you feel when you look in the mirror? Are you proud?
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye? How do you walk with your head held high? Can you even look me in the eye And tell me why?
Dear Mr. President Were you a lonely boy?… How can you say No child is left behind? We’re not dumb, and we’re not blind They’re all sitting in your cells While you pave the road to hell
What kind of father would take his own daughter’s rights away? And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay? I can only imagine what the first lady has to say You’ve come a long way from whiskey and cocaine
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye? How do you walk with your head held high? Can you even look me in the eye?
Let me tell you ’bout hard work Minimum wage with a baby on the way Let me tell you ’bout hard work Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away Let me tell you ’bout hard work Building a bed out of a cardboard box Let me tell you ’bout hard work… You don’t know nothing ’bout hard work…
Dear Mr. President You’d never take a walk with me Would you?
