“Rich Men North of Richmond” singer mocks GOP’s use of his song at debate: “I wrote that song about those people” – National & International News – FRI 25Aug2023

“Rich Men North of Richmond” singer mocks GOP’s use of his song at debate: “I wrote that song about those people”.

Auto workers at GM, Ford and Stellantis authorize strike.

Concerns about Japan’s release of radioactive water into ocean.

NATIONAL NEWS

“Rich Men North of Richmond” singer mocks GOP’s use of his song at debate: “I wrote that song about those people”

The working-class ballad “Rich Men North of Richmond” has become a cultural phenomenon in recent weeks, and a very polarizing one. Oliver Anthony, the song’s author and performer, has remained largely silent as the debate has raged over the merits of the song’s message. Conservatives have been quick to latch onto it and claim Anthony and the millions of people who identify with the song as their own. Liberals have condemned lyrics in the song that seem to be “punching down” at welfare recipients and people using food stamps. Now, Anthony has broken his silence to say that both sides got him wrong.

In a video filmed in the cab of a truck, Anthony says he’s learned a lot in the last couple of weeks, and that a lot has change. He remarks with amusement at how his song was used in Wednesday night’s GOP primary debate. “I wrote that song about those people, ya know? So for them to have to sit there and listen to that, that cracks me up,” he says laughing. “But it was funny kind of seeing the response to it. That song has nothing to do with Joe Biden, ya know? It’s a lot bigger than Joe Biden,” Anthony says, apparently referring to remarks from Ron DeSantis during the debate. “That song is written about the people on that stage. And a lot more too, not just them, but definitely them.”

Anthony goes on to say that he feels his lyrics about welfare and food stamps were misunderstood, and that he considers himself a champion on the poor. He says it’s hard to convey one’s worldview in “three minutes and some change”.

You can watch the full video (10mins, 30 seconds) by clicking here (opens in new tab).

Auto workers at GM, Ford and Stellantis authorize strike

The overwhelming majority (97%) of United Auto Workers members have authorized their union to call a strike in the event they do not reach a favorable contract with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Union contracts with all three companies expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 14.

UAW President Shawn Fain says the 97% vote indicates that, “Our union’s membership is clearly fed up with living paycheck to paycheck while the corporate elite and billionaire class continue to make out like bandits”.

The union hopes to come to a deal with the automakers that will make up ground that members lost with deep concessions 15 years ago. In 2007, the US auto industry was in deep trouble. All major companies were posting massive losses and just two years later, several declared bankruptcy before receiving a massive federal bailout.

Since then, US automakers have seen their profits soar, but workers haven’t reaped nearly as much of the benefits. Since 2007, new hires have had lower wage-scales than veteran workers. There were also massive cuts to retiree benefits that haven’t been restored since the industry bounced back.

As the industry makes the transition to electric vehicles, the union also wants to make sure that its members aren’t left behind.

If a strike happens, car buyers could see higher prices or longer wait times for new cars, even after the strike is resolved.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Expert raises concerns about Japan’s release of radioactive water into ocean

Japan has started to release more than a million tons of contaminated water into the ocean. The water has been used to cool the damaged reactor at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was struck by a powerful tsunami in 20111. The water is contaminated with radioactive particles and Japanese authorities debated for years about how to dispose of it. Ultimately, they decided they would treat and dilute the water and release it into the ocean over about 30 years.

Japanese officials insist that the water is safe, and even the UN has approved the plan. However, experts elsewhere in Asia and across the world have criticized Japan’s lack of transparency in their testing. In particular, there are worries that the radioactive material could settle on the floor of the ocean near the dump site.

Japan’s neighbors China and South Korea have also protested the plan, fearing it would contaminate sea life. Japan is a major supplier of fish and other seafood to both China and South Korea was well as many other Asian countries. China has responded by imposing a total ban on seafood imports from Japan.

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