I have a confession to make. I?m a rock ?n? roll nerd. I practically worship The Beatles, Eagles, Stones, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix among others. While it is difficult to admit that I often live vicariously through several rock stars who aren?t all alive themselves, there is something healthy, and, in fact, American about rock ?n? roll. Why? Because Rock ?n? roll is a voice for the young, and often ridicules the establishment. Sure, maybe rock ?n? roll is the establishment.. After all, it?s dominated by corporations and graying millionaires like David Crosby and Art Garfunkel. But then, rock ?n? roll is also vital hypocrisy. Most importantly, rock ?n? roll represents dissent, which, to me, makes it synonymous with working democracy. And like the aforementioned qualities, rock ?n? roll is dying in America.

It?s one symptom of America?s disease.

Since childhood, I?ve always admired the band U2?s lead singer, Bono, for his political consciousness and intense criticism of the powers that be, including Ronald Reagan, whom he often referred to as “Ronald Ray-gun” for his military buildup and nonsensical attempts to develop space-based weaponry. Sound familiar? U2?s mid ?80s criticism of the Reagan administration culminated in the 1987 anthem “Bullet the Blue Sky,” which features slashing guitar riffs and transient lyrics characterizing Reagan?s military operations in Central America.

Today, the rock band is arguably at the height of its popularity, but noticeably quiet about the current military buildup and nonsensical attempts to militarize space. In fact, even “Bullet the Blue Sky” has been absent in the band?s tour since Sept. 11. Rock and roll just isn?t what it used to be.

Of course this is not a problem in itself. After all, rock ?n? roll is simple entertainment in the end. Lack of dissent in popular culture, in spite of obvious global turmoil, is just one symptom of what I call “trentitus,” America?s dangerous disease. Allow me to explain.

If history is any indication, the nature of rock ?n? roll is emblematic of larger societal moods. For instance, during the tumult of the Vietnam era, the band Buffalo Springfield dared to say, “Everybody look what?s going down.” Three decades later, this is still sound advice. The civilian casualties in Afghanistan exceed those of Sept. 11. The Bush administration has ignored the constitution in its detention and mistreatment of so-called terror suspects on minor charges or none at all. Military aid of third world dictatorships such as Pakistan and Turkey has soared, while political and economic aid to developing countries is still fringe policy. George W. Bush has been able to operate with little opposition from the Senate or Judiciary as he orchestrates these questionable policies, potentially undermining checks and balances at home.

Case in point, the Senate, the press and other institutions, instead of looking at “what?s going down,” have opted to follow the lead of Senator Trent Lott (hence the term “trentitus”). After some minor questions about Bush?s foreign policy by Democratic Senator Tom Daschle, Lott fired back, “How dare Senator Daschle criticize President Bush while we are fighting our war on terrorism, especially when we have troops in the field?” Actually, Mr. Lott, this is exactly the time to ensure they are being used wisely and morally.

In any event, it?s time we bring some “rock ?n? roll” back into American politics. That is, questioning, criticism and perhaps dissent. Who knows if trentitus is chronic or not. If so, God help us. Democracy simply cannot work without a multitude of viewpoints and disagreements.

Though the bi-partisanship of the past six months has been largely celebrated in Washington, the end result has been a more dangerous world. As you read this today, new military alliances with countries like Georgia, Yemen, the Philippines, Pakistan and Uzbekistan promise to further arm oppressive regimes while doing little to curb the destitute conditions that feed terrorism. This, of course, is the most telling symptom of trentitus. All presidents must face scrutiny. That?s democracy.

Had it with Josh Leon?s pointless banter? Fire back at [email protected].

Send comments, questions, or concerns to [email protected].

For questions orinformation regarding the site, please contact [email protected]