Podhoretz’s Attack On Springsteen’

I have to agree completely with Podhoretz’s contention that Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” was taken as an anthem by people who are unaware of the lyrical content. Our disagreement concerns whether the song or indeed Springsteen himself is patriotic. I do not revere Bruce, nor do I particularly care for his music. I do, however, admire the man (at least the media-perceived man).

I see him as an excellent example of real Americanism; not the chest-beating bravado of Rambo--the love-it-or-leave-it variety. He represents the America that is lying deep within many of us, saying we should stand by our principles and morals at any cost. This real America stands for everyone’s rights, poor and rich, and extends this concern beyond our borders to South Africa and other areas of oppression (Vietnam?).

Springsteen says to me, “My country right or wrong; but if it’s wrong, damn it, let’s get it fixed.”

MELISSA KLINE-KOENIG

Anaheim