Undoubtedly, “Rich Men North of Richmond” has struck a chord. (Pun intended.) An unsigned singer/songwriter from the South is topping the iTunes chart with a tune that many can identify with, since the lyrics accurately reflect middle/working class sentiment about the worsening trajectory of the country due, in part, to political corruption. I think it a bellwether moment in the US partly because of the reaction certain outlets on the Left have had to the song and the popularity it has garnered.
To wit, Wikipedia was caught stealth editing commentary which originally stated that Anthony’s “…lyrics revolve around common right wing talking points such as inflation (“dollar ain’t s**t”), high taxes (“taxed to no end”), child trafficking (“minors on an island”) and welfare abuse (“and the obese milkin’ welfare”). Additionally, the Los Angeles Times made it a point to particularly highlight the sentiments of leftists about the song as they classify it an “alt-right anthem” which is “offensive” and “fatphobic”. (Being scared of fat people might have just become peak absurdity.)
Obviously, this effort to shame the song and Anthony reeks of a coordinated discouragement campaign. As the gatekeepers notice that the public awakens to their gate keeping, the more vicious their efforts to suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
All this said, it is important to take heed not to idolize Mr. Anthony as many on the Right are doing. A few have scoured the Interwebs so as to background check the now popular troubadour and have found that he describes himself as a centrist, has regurgitated the leftist trope that the US’ strength lies in its diversity in a Fox News interview and a year old post celebrating Joe Biden as a good man. Some have taken this to mean that Anthony is nothing more than a clever plant or a charlatan. Others are calling for toleration because he is slowly improving his existence based on his declarations wherein he claims to have embraced Christianity very recently.
This hearkens to the most recent podcast episode we published. In it I criticize those who are looking for saviors apart from Christ. Conserative’s eventual disillusionment with Elon Musk is proof positive. Anthony’s sudden sainthood status among the same ilk also proves the same point. Rich Men North of Richmond is a good song. That’s that. If Anthony turns out to be an exploiter of conservative sentiment, those of us who attempt to discern all things would have avoided the cult of personality deception that Conservative Inc. helps peddle.
