Frank Zappa - more than just a rock musician.
He was also a prophet.
In 1986, when he was interviewed on CNN, rock star Frank Zappa (1940 - 1993) said “The biggest threat to America today is not communism, it’s moving America toward a fascist theocracy, and everything that’s happened during the Regan administration is steering us right down that pipe.”
His words are still true in 2023. Why should Canadians care about it? Because the USA is the elephant living next door. If it rolls over, we’ll be crushed.
Republican representatives have recently drawn attention to the danger of immigration from Canada to the USA? Why would masses of Canadians want to move from the country that is regularly rated as one of the five best places on earth to live to the country that rates 21st? Why would we want to leave a place where we can read anything we want to go to a country that is censoring reading materials in schools; where we might get shot if we go to a mall; where we are routinely called “socialists” because we believe in helping our fellow citizens?
What worries me most is that this new Republican country, which I hope never comes into existence, is adopting a corrupt version of Christianity and plans to impose it on everyone. The Christianity I grew up with taught that Jesus preached only love and fellowship with others of all religions. Remember, American “Christians”, that Jesus was not a Christian. He was Jew. He would not be happy to see you figuratively burning books in his name or promoting gun violence or hating anyone with a darker skin than yours or scorning knowledge because it is beyond your understanding or refusing help to those of a different sexual orientation. If Christ were to return to Earth today, you would ignore him, or perhaps lock him up.
Yes, Frank Zappa was right about the danger of a fascist theocracy. It is of concern to all of us who would like to see a world of peace and happiness. If you doubt that it’s a serious threat, look at it through today’s lens - the war between Ukraine and Russia. The struggle for freedom and democracy versus the iron grip of fascism.
Thanks for your comment, Paul. You've really added a lot to my post.
Thanks for seeing what separated Frank Zappa from any other musician of his time. A great deal of his lyrics were political. Most people know him for his mild,(by today's standards) sexual references or somewhat silly story telling. In fact, he would like to be remembered as the composer that he was. Many music journalists believe that he will be revered as a musical genius one day. At the time of his death, his catalog included fifty plus titles, more than half being orchestral. His music has been played by some of the most know orchestras, directed by some of the the worlds finest conductors. While some of this music does not appeal to me it is highly regarded by many music critics.
Frank Zappa put his money where his mouth is. He put together an organization that stood up against censorship of music, representing his organization at senate hearings, and even took a shot at running for U.S. president, until succumbing to cancer. His American concert dates always had a "Register to Vote" booth to assist his fans in the registration process.
Frank Zappa was indeed much more than a rock star, he was a music composer, musician, humorist, political activist, and , a prophet.
Thanks for reminding your readers about Frank Zappa.