I’m grateful for music and regularly seize every opportunity to attend as many live music performances as my budget/schedule allows. That said, in light of actions perpetrated by ICE, Etc that are happening within the borders of the USA I’m surprised that any musical acts from overseas are set to visit the US.
I have tickets for several upcoming concerts featuring bands from Europe and elsewhere, and while watching the skies metaphorically speaking, I’m currently hedging my bets that these concerts will actually occur. As these bands enter our borders, will they make it to any/all of their scheduled dates without harassment from various government agencies? Time will tell.
These are scary, dark times. As I walk the streets in my city, I see national guard troops patrolling with sidearms at their hip. Several months ago, two of them were shot, one fatally near The White House National Guard Member Dies, Other in Critical Condition After Shooting | TIME Moreover, as reported via The Hill news came today that National Guard troops will remain deployed in DC through 2029 Pentagon plans to keep National Guard in DC into 2029
Neither myself, nor many of my fellow DC residents with whom I come in regular contact with consider the presence of armed soldiers roaming our streets and mass transit facilities to be a welcoming presence. Regardless of whether or not I was in a touring band from overseas I would think long and hard about entering the US at this time.
Hell, anytime I leave my house I think long and hard about where I’m going and I’m watchful of my surroundings. Additionally, I’ve grown increasingly apprehensive whenever I see SUV ‘s driving/parked on my city’s streets. Particularly if they have tinted windows. Are they driven by civilians, or are they used by any number of acronymed government agencies who have been violently snatching both citizens and non-citizens throughout the USA (some of whom are elementary school students)?
Back to my initial point- in these times, music is a balm that soothes the soul, and listening to it in a communal setting such as a concert is among the best things one can do. If there’s an upcoming concert near you by a band whose output you enjoy, please do attend and buy their merch.
Exsk8pnk 