Bringing a Smile to a Rich Man's Face

A surprising number of friends have been in my ear recently singing the praises of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and this up-and-coming country singer Oliver Anthony, for largely the same reasons. Mostly because they both give voice to pain and anger so many Americans are feeling. I’ve given each a careful listen.

Another Substack author sums up my feelings about Oliver Anthony and the song of his that’s blowing up across the country. Anthony’s quite a talent and what comes pouring out of him seems to come from a sincere and authentic place. Some of what he sings resonates strongly with me, but too much of it is misdirected. He loses me when his own struggles lead him to kick others who are suffering too. He pokes the strong. He savages the weak.

The song’s powerful, no doubt about it. But when he demonizes others who are down rather than keeping his aim directed up, he does the gilded a great favor. For his trouble, and against his wishes, he’s being enlisted in one of the armies in the weak-o…