Antone's Nightclub
Texans Shouldn't Be Upset by Kinky
RECEIVED Wed., Nov. 1, 2006
Dear Texans,
Why do many of you seem to be so upset about the independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman? Is it just my specific European and German point of view that makes me think that all Texans should be happy with a candidate like him?
Well, I’m not impartial: Two weeks ago I came to Austin to volunteer for the Kinky Friedman campaign. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that the American past and present is based on the belief in individuality as well as social freedom and independence. Obviously Kinky Friedman always needed and lived his individual freedom, and at the same time he is honestly concerned about the future of his country and its people.
Is this a contradiction? Is this a reason to call him a two-dimensional character? I’d like to see this turned into a positive meaning: He is not a one-dimensional slave to lobbyists. As a multidimensional character, combining individual and political independence with social commitment and human empathy, he appears to me to be an American to the core. As a man with a real and rich biography, which is not one of those “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” careers, he would be one of few reliable and grown-up persons in politics – worldwide.
He stands for what he is: honest and independent. I hope Texans will stay true for how they are known worldwide; clever enough to recognize the political frauds, courageous enough to kick them in the … and stubborn enough not to listen to anyone telling you that even one single individual and independent vote could ever be a wasted vote.
Why do many of you seem to be so upset about the independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman? Is it just my specific European and German point of view that makes me think that all Texans should be happy with a candidate like him?
Well, I’m not impartial: Two weeks ago I came to Austin to volunteer for the Kinky Friedman campaign. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that the American past and present is based on the belief in individuality as well as social freedom and independence. Obviously Kinky Friedman always needed and lived his individual freedom, and at the same time he is honestly concerned about the future of his country and its people.
Is this a contradiction? Is this a reason to call him a two-dimensional character? I’d like to see this turned into a positive meaning: He is not a one-dimensional slave to lobbyists. As a multidimensional character, combining individual and political independence with social commitment and human empathy, he appears to me to be an American to the core. As a man with a real and rich biography, which is not one of those “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” careers, he would be one of few reliable and grown-up persons in politics – worldwide.
He stands for what he is: honest and independent. I hope Texans will stay true for how they are known worldwide; clever enough to recognize the political frauds, courageous enough to kick them in the … and stubborn enough not to listen to anyone telling you that even one single individual and independent vote could ever be a wasted vote.
Ulrike Rohde