April Vol 1 #7.Indd

This Issue Crazy Days - pg 4 Happy Birthday, RFN - pg 7 The Rich Get Richer - Old Story? - pg 10 The Plot to Kill Google - pg 11 April 23 - may 7 vol 1 # 7 Old-timers have Obama: The First 100 Days their day in By TNFP staff disturbing tendency toward imprecision in meaning (as Dickson in, the courts cannot “second-guess” the President’s decisions). Grade: C. By Burt Mustin Math – Poor. Many of Barack’s pronouncements chool’s about out, report cards are due, and even S don’t add up. The President said that “we must respect though our prize pupil has put in less than a full term, the rule of law and the privacy and civil liberties of we’ll grade him on the work he’s done. If we were (Note: The Nashville the American people,” but so inclined, we’d grade him on Free Press is now the new administration the curve, but as his predecessor distributed in has continued, and even was the class clown, the average Dickson. Visit www. accelerated, the old one’s would be skewed severely Report dicksonfreepress.com enthusiastic abuse of power downward. and look for the Dickson by illegally wiretapping Barack Obama entered edition of the Free Press in the coming weeks.) and intercepting the email school on January 21. He was communications of American greeted with high hopes and Card citizens. He said that the much good will. A speech he These days, an old-timer might be described as government must be open and gave in outdoor assembly was someone who remembers when it cost less to fill a above-board at all times in its enthusiastically received. Then car up than to buy a new one. We’re exaggerating, actions, yet the new regime he buckled down to his daily which is what some of the geezers on hand for next Barack has invoked the “state secrets” routine. There, he proved to be week’s Old Timers Day Festival in Dickson will Obama privilege just as regularly as very bright and a quick study. doubtless be doing. the old. When subtracting, He is creative and, for the most The Old Timers Day Festival, celebrating his results have been part, works well with others. He its 51st anniversary, will begin Friday, May 1 unsatisfactory. (Suspected is determined and industrious. He and crank into high gear on Saturday the 2nd, in terrorists the government shows a good deal of promise, beautiful downtown Dickson. Food, fun, fireworks wishes to apprehend and and he has borne up well under a and lots of free activities promise to make this year’s torture are no longer “enemy heavy course load. extravaganza a fair to remember. combatants,” but their But because of that very “Our festival has expanded to two complete abduction and removal to schedule he has undertaken, perhaps he has, so to blocks, offering entertainment for the whole family,” faraway prisons, most notably in Afghanistan, proceeds speak, spread himself too thin—which may account said Chairman David Baggett. “I’d like to thank apace.) His inconsistency in these areas has divided for his highly spotty performance thus far. and honor the members of the Old Timers Day his supporters and greatly multiplied the number of his This is how we assess his progress to date: Committee for their tireless effort all year long.” critics. Grade: D Warren Medley, who was part of the first Old Geography – Has shown curiosity and a Timers Day, is still on the committee. “When he and Civics – Dismal. Having stored up capital by willingness to learn, conspicuously about Cuba and others organized this event 51 years ago, it was to be condemning the paranoid secrecy and subterfuges of the Iran. Grade: B+ one that combined the culture of our community and previous administration, Barack has perpetuated that our state with more activities than ever before seen model. He has given lip service to the democratic ideal Science – Has embraced the subject, giving in Dickson,” Baggett said. And that tradition has that government exists, not to oversee the people, but speeches on such topics as the dire reality of global continued every year. to be overseen by them. He has carried forth the notion warming, the importance of stem cell research, the “This year our festival offers music for that the people do not always have the right to know. He necessity to separate science and ideology, and the everyone—bluegrass, country, blues, rock-and-roll, has upheld the Orwellian—the Kafkaesque—doctrine of legitimacy of teaching evolution over creationism. down-home gospel,” said Baggett. Along with the “sovereign immunity” – the idea that the state cannot be Grade: A+ traditional Civitan Club pancake breakfast, there’ll sued unless it consents to the suit. He has misconstrued be a Ms. Old Timers Pageant, a liars contest, a the principle of full disclosure, maintaining, as did the English – Excellent diction and grammar. parade, a 5K walk/run, crafts, inflatables, quilt previous administration, that it sometimes need not apply Superior pronunciation skills, from common shows, a kids fashion show, antique car and tractor (when security may be at stake, for example). Grade: F but tricky words (nuclear) to difficult ones displays, games, carnival rides, pony rides, a bucking (Ahmadinejad). At the same time, however, a bull, large outside concerts, fireworks, and a variety (Adjustment to grade: As extra credit, last week Barack lamentable affinity for euphemisms (overseas of foods. contingency operation instead of war) and a continued on page 9 continued on page 15 2 Pack the seats to Check out these stories get new ones on our Website at www.thenashvillefreepress.com The Belcourt Theatre presents the Creature OUR VALUES Comforts concert Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m., featuring singer/songwriters Matraca Berg, We believe our first responsibility Don Williams reviews Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss, Maura O’Connell, is to truth. We’ll strive to bring to the Ty Herndon, Hunter Davis and special guests The Millionaires, performing in the round. Proceeds from the concert community the information it needs to a new novel by Johnny Majors’ will go toward the purchase of much-needed new make sound and informed decisions nephew that sends up seats for the theatre in Hillsboro Village. in all matters that affect our lives. We Tennessee millionaires. A Seat for a Song ticket package for $200— won’t shy away from reporting news which equals the cost of one new theatre seat— and information that may be unsettling treats two guests to a pre-concert party, VIP reserved or unwelcome. Truth demands this, concert seats and a Belcourt poster autographed by the performers. Each $200 ticket package sold and it is of utmost importance that we And Chemical Eye on Songs pushes the Belcourt one seat closer to its goal. always act in service to the truth. of Innocence and Experience... (Note: The same ticket package can be purchased in recognition of National for $100 for one guest.) And, for those who want to We’ll be responsible to the community Poetry Month. support the cause and enjoy the music, concert-only in which we live and work and to the tickets are available for $33.20 each—a nod to the world community, as well. We’ll be 332 seats that will be replaced. The prospect of finding a comfortable seat good citizens, support good works and in the theatre has become a game that loyal Belcourt help the community become stronger patrons endearingly refer to as “Belcourt roulette”: and more cohesive. We’ll encourage hopping from seat to seat until finally landing on an civic involvement and civic action. We’ll acceptable perch. The current seating has been in provide competent management and our place since the 1970s. actions will always be just and ethical. “The Belcourt is an historic part of Nashville and a much-valued part of our community, presenting the best of cinema, live music, children’s We’ll be responsible to our readers programming and much more,” says songwriter -- the men and women (and children) and film music supervisor Hunter Davis, Belcourt -- of the community, and treat each as Theatre board member who recruited songwriters an individual. We’ll respect their dignity for the event. “These incredibly talented songwriters and recognize their merit. And we’ll are giving a wonderful gift to us with their support.” The concert will feature two “in the round” look them in the eye and answer for our sets. First, critically acclaimed award-winners work, if necessary, openly and honestly. Suzy Bogguss, Gretchen Peters and 2008 Nashville The Department of Defense recently lifted the ban on Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Matraca Berg photographing America’s fallen when they are returned home to will perform individual hits and ensemble songs. the United States at Dover Airbase in Delaware. Their Belcourt appearance will be one of their last stateside, before the trio embarks on their Wine, Women and Song tour throughout the UK. The evening’s second set features Irish-born folk singer Maura O’Connell, Ty Herndon, Hunter Davis and special guests. O’Connell, a Nashville audience favorite, sings a variety of musical styles from traditional Irish tunes to Nashville country. Herndon has charted a total of 17 singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three number ones. Davis, whose songs have been recorded by Kim Carnes, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson and others, wrote “On My Way Here,” the current Clay Aiken single. Many of Davis’ songs have been featured in films and television. More info: 615.383.9140; www.belcourt.org.

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