Critical Times

by P Henry 2Feb26

Bruce Springsteen’s new song, Streets of Minneapolis, written in one day, https://youtu.be/GDaPdpwA4Iw?si=uKHCdUC3JMz3Cfa4  was the number one trending song on its recent release. It forcefully describes the murder of two innocent people, racism and the continued need for protest. Its forceful strong music, with driving rhythm, is up there with his other powerful songs.

In the tradition of singing journalists, Springsteen summarises the demonstrations against Trump directed Federal troops invading areas of the city, then throughout state, brutalising innocent citizens. Up to 100,000 protested against Trump’s attacking troops – who arrested 3,000 people and injured hundreds -denying many medical care. Trump, before examining evidence, exonerated the troops’ brutality and tried to call the peaceful demonstrators terrorists. This included abusing children and schools.

These troops – ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) came on 6Jan26 and haven’t left yet. They perpetrated racist acts. The federal troops remain, overriding & violating the objections of local city & state legitimate police, elected officials and court authorities. This division of state and federal authority is crucial under American democracy, so law and tradition has been negated. Springsteen calls to take a stand against Trump’s troops.

Many other celebrities continue to be highly critical of Trump: https://youtu.be/cDUFgwjzGUE?si=jMYCXGVT1D8TDdwc.