Posted on 01/04/2005 12:59:58 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Band's version of one-time Presley tune hits sour note with some
MADISON, Wis. - As if the incoming Legislature didn't have enough problems, a high school band's rendition of a tune that was an Elvis Presley hit decades ago drew a complaint from a newly elected member of the Senate.
The Richland Center High School band played "An American Trilogy" at the Senate's inaugural ceremony at the Capitol Monday - the first day of a session expected to be dominated by battles over budget-cutting, a tax-freeze amendment and a myriad of other issues.
Sen. Spencer Coggs (D), who is black, said he was SHOCKED, as were his family and other guests, to hear the strains of the Southern anthem "Dixie" played in the Senate chamber as part of the trilogy, along with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "All My Trials."
Coggs, a Democrat from Milwaukee, complained in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center.
"Whether the slight was intentional or not, the selection was not appropriate," he wrote, noting that "Dixie" is often associated with slavery.
"While now it should be unnecessary to suggest, in the future a list of songs should be submitted prior to a performance and the list should be reviewed for its appropriateness," he said. "It is unfortunate that this special day was marred by such an unnecessary event."
Schultz had invited the band and choir to play at the ceremony.
He said the complaint caught him by surprise.
"A simple apology is what's needed," Schultz said, "and I will certainly be happy to do that."
He said he wasn't aware of every musical selection the band prepared for the event, and the piece has some historical significance.
"But I want everyone to feel included. If Sen. Coggs felt offended, I would want to extend my hand in apology."
http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com
Another wacko who thinks it's all about slavery. Get over it!
Gee, is THAT what they meant? I always thought they were singing about Bianca Jagger! ;-)
Senator Coggs? Wasn't a L left out of the spelling? A Coggs (cogs) keeps everything moving smoothly. A Clogg (clog) does things like blocking sewer lines, etc.
"Personally I find Rap music more offensive than Dixie ever was. Correct me if I'm wrong... please."
Okay, you're wrong. Offensive is not nearly a strong enough word, much of rap music makes merely offensive music seem like lemon meringue pie by comparison. Calling it offensive is like calling a midsummer day in Death Valley "slightly uncomfortable".
Me, too. Well, the too close for comfort part. A little further away than Diana, and more SW than S...
I've been a redneck hillbilly all my life, but dang it, I really like the beat of Rap and the flow of the lyrics. The only thing that turns me off is the profanity and the too often offensive message of the lyrics.
With the lyrics cleaned up and a more inclusive message presented, I believe Rap can take it's place beside other music that originated here in the USA.
"Them slave owners up north were so nice the slaves wrote songs in their honor."
Now mistuh, yu nose day ain't nebbuh bin no slave up No'th, dem folk up dar ain't nebbuh beleev in no sich doin's, dat be why dey had to fit de Rebs way down in Dixie to stop dem trashy buckra white folk frum all dey ebil doin's. Dem folk up No'th dere is de 'sendents of de angels in hebbin. Yu be needin' to be gittin' yo fax in order.
" I have the "Stars and Bars" on my patio fence"
I would bet dollars to doughnuts that you do not have the Stars and Bars on your patio fence. I would be that you have th e"Starry Cross" or The "Southern Cross" on your patio fence.
It is a common 21st century mistake to refer to the battle flag as the"Stars and Bars". The Stars and Bars were the Confederate First Flag.
I drove by there once on my way to Minneapolis.
I chose to stay the night in Portage.
Abraham Lincoln is supposed to have ordered the playing of Dixie on formal occasions, and saw nothing bad about the song or the tune. The composer was, I believe, a Northerner.
The compaliner should read the column on how blacks can improve themselves and their situation, in today's Wall Street Journal (4 Jan 2005). It is a classic.
"Ass we all know," said senator Coggs,
Yep, we all know at least one ass.
lol...it's an eye opener isn't it.
that is very good.
It is unfortunate that this special day was marred by such an unnecessary event."
No, it is unfortunate that this special country is marred by such unnecessary democrat voices.
ROTFLOL!
Hilarious.
Coggs is a pol with awfully thin skin.
JMJ, I am sick of him and his ilk.
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