Beneficiaries of socialism for the rich hate to be called on it, especially while vacationing in their playgrounds.
On his 2003 album “Recycle,” Aspen singer-songwriter Dan Sheridan included a song of his, “Big Money,” that took aim at the damaging effects that wealth has had on Aspen: mini-castles protected by impenetrable fences, the pushing out of the working class. After patron requested he sing “Big Money”, Sheridan was summarily dismissed from his job as an après-ski entertainer at Sneaky’s Tavern, a Snowmass Village spot owned by the Aspen Skiing Co. It just so happened, an executive of Ski Co. was in the audience and he didn’t appreciate the sentiment of the song. [The Aspen Times]
Mr. Sheridan was fired for singing about a truth that cannot be denied. Anyone who has spent longer than a week in a mountain town knows how devastating wealth is to the local population. And, it should come as no surprise to any big spender how much locals love to hate how the beauty of their natural surroundings is also the cross they have to bear. However much wealth supports the very basic lives most ski town people live, wealth takes away far more in higher property taxes, higher costs of living, destruction of the environment, restricted access to formerly public land, and community. In Aspen, real estate has become so expensive that the city provides subsidized housing for people who work regular jobs in town. Nonetheless, it’s a cycle that will never be broken. Money will always be welcomed by local governments and the simple needs of their citizens will always play second fiddle to the almighty dollar… [emphasis original]
Inserted from <The Vile Plutocrat>
Dan can be reached here, and here is the song that raised the furor.
The last time I was in Aspen was the early 1970s. I was never a ski buff, but it was a great place for hiking, fishing and enjoying magnificent scenery. In those days, the rich were beginning to take over Vail, but Aspen was still available for common folks. I suppose it will be again, when the rich finish destroying it and move on.
Dan committed the unforgivable sin in a corporate plutocracy. He told the truth.
One Response to “Big Money: An Anthem for Our Time”
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I’ve never been to Aspen, but this same thing is happening in scenic parts of Montana and northern Idaho (among other places). It sucks. We need more Dan Sheridans to tell everyone the truth.