I’m not registered with either party, but I’m there for the music, the artistic expression. Artists in general lean left, so you know that going in. I can enjoy a well crafted song, or book, or any form of expression that tells a great story or makes me think or moves me, even if I don’t agree with the message. My views on many things have evolved over the years, so I hope I am open to other points of view. I think any of these artists from either side are more effective when telling a story with their gift, their talent and their art, and not by ranting or using a platform like twitter to tell one side they are wrong or seek validation from like minded followers. I wish I had the talent as a storyteller to craft a narrative or verse and be able to subtly weave a message into the art.
The band has every right to say their liberal schtick. Regardless of the buzz kill to the show. It is the celebrity thing to do it seems. But, I see it as quite arrogant. Like I am too stupid to make up my own mind, views, etc. My political info doesn’t come from some sloshed singer in a band. And how does that person think his view is in line with mine? How would he know my plight? If he would like to address it with me personally I am confident I would ‘win’ that discussion.
It is just an arrogant thing to do to make themselves feel better. And a good time for me to check my emails while I think.....you are a bit thick in the head Eddie.
My political info doesn’t come from some sloshed singer in a band. And how does that person think his view is in line with mine? How would he know my plight? If he would like to address it with me personally I am confident I would ‘win’ that discussion.
It is just an arrogant thing to do to make themselves feel better. And a good time for me to check my emails while I think.....you are a bit thick in the head Eddie.
How does he think his view is in line with yours? Maybe because you paid money to see him sing the songs he wrote expressing his point of view. Seems like a reasonable assumption to me for artists who express political ideas in their songs. If I went to see an Adele concert and she started pontificating about Brexit or something in between her beautifully sung love songs, it would be weird. For Eddie to go on a rant in the middle of a set of Pearl Jam songs, many of which are about social and political issues, seems natural to me, even if "sometimes I cringe" at the way he expresses his opinions about those issues.
By the way, I'm impressed by how you went from expressing confidence you would "win" an imaginary discussion to, in the next sentence, decrying another person's arrogance. That's ironic.
Having said all this, an artist who chooses to share political opinions between songs should do so aware that he or she runs the risk of alienating some of their paying customers. I go back to a point I made earlier, which is that it is often not the point being made that rankles, but the manner in which the point is made. I probably share quite a few of Eddie Vedder's opinions on political and social issues but, often when I hear him talk about them, I think "you're doing more harm than good" or "you're preaching to the choir and not winning any converts."
Full disclosure: left wing socialist, Bernie backer, progressive, gay dude here. Flirted with Nader & Stien, but ultimately voted Gore/ Clinton
Two years ago, it was my birthday, nothing to do, Kid Rock in town, cheap tix, went, brought some friends. Great live performer, politically, persoally don't like him. It was a better experience than I thought it would be. Had great political discussion with the guy behind me, he was a conservative trump guy, but we kept it respectful, talked in between songs, not during, and both came away thinking more alike, than different in many ways! Even if not on core issues! He labeled me more of a libertarian, and I him a never Trumper, even if both labels meant nothing to either of us. I booed Kid where I felt appropriate, and cheered him otherwise, most did the same, they applauded his performance, but booed is political rant. I think Ed does a much more tactful and poetic version of this, Kids was a shitshow, pre meditated podium in my opinion ! Hence the cheap tickets for him, and a sold out $2700 GA tix on stub hub for Pearl Jam in the same venue imo! Denver such it is! Not to mention the better quality music! Haha! That said, Kid is a good live act, despite all his downfalls, and I enjoyed seeing him, even if I was on the defensive politically that night! I came away feeling I made a difference to at least one conservative, and he came away an honest figure as well, not the Nazi I anticipated! I think social media has made it easy to vilify one another, when in reality we are more alike than different in many areas, even if not in the way we would like! I will gladly cheer Ed, or Kid, and their free speech, as well as our own, to either boo, cheer, piss, abstain, boycott or whatever, in any of those scenarios, just don't get hurtful or violent! I myself am looking forward to a new Ed rant! Can't wait to here the evolution from 2003 Denver Ed, til current 2020 Ed! Be it said! Enjoy the show's, Repulifans or Jamicrats or in between!.
I'm going to enjoy the music no matter what. The fellow fans and live music make the shows interesting, not the political discussion. Hopefully we all have a good time at the shows.
Same. And the band was part of the influence on that choice for me.
I have no issue with the band talking politics, there are moments of inconsistency or selective amnesia particularly on Ed's part, but I full well know where they stand and I've accepted that for years.
The "shut up and sing" people confuse me. To me it is "shut up and listen" and then people would realize that from day one this band had political and societal viewpoints that were abundantly clear.
So my wife and I were in Missoula as well and we do not align politically with the band but we're pretty open minded (no snide comments please lol) and decided to check out the pre-show political events at the stadium. We ended up having a long conversation with the animal rights group there about trapping, etc and it was great. So I'm fine with them being political. They've made me think about my political beliefs a lot and whether I agree with them on everything or not isn't the point, it's the fact that I've thought about it.
Its safe to say this album and tour are going to have a political tone. For me personally the artists I like are politically aligned to my values and PJ counts as one of those acts.
But some people like the tunes but may not like the tones. I ran into a couple of such people at the last show in Missoula. They were genuine PJ music fans but they were not aligned with the messaging and the inference of support for a Democratic Senator. Before the show started, they engaged their seat neighbors in a conversation which then evolved into a debate about "shut up and sing". It went downhill super quickly. I actually had to get both parties to shut up because it was so annoying and uncomfortable.
It fascinates me that someone might enter that arena prepared to boo a vocal artist who is obviously politically aligned one way or the other. What's the expectation?
So my question to the forum is for vocally brave Republifans. Does the music just over ride the underpinning message? Did a little bit of you come to protest?
Lets see how long we can keep this going with out it going south.
This is really a close minded question on a lot of levels.
One of the biggest being that people hear what they want out of music. Besides one or two very obvious songs, I don't generally hear politics in their songs. I'm there much more for the music than the lyrics.
The only people we should try to get even with...
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Full disclosure: left wing socialist, Bernie backer, progressive, gay dude here. Flirted with Nader & Stien, but ultimately voted Gore/ Clinton
Two years ago, it was my birthday, nothing to do, Kid Rock in town, cheap tix, went, brought some friends. Great live performer, politically, persoally don't like him. It was a better experience than I thought it would be. Had great political discussion with the guy behind me, he was a conservative trump guy, but we kept it respectful, talked in between songs, not during, and both came away thinking more alike, than different in many ways! Even if not on core issues! He labeled me more of a libertarian, and I him a never Trumper, even if both labels meant nothing to either of us. I booed Kid where I felt appropriate, and cheered him otherwise, most did the same, they applauded his performance, but booed is political rant. I think Ed does a much more tactful and poetic version of this, Kids was a shitshow, pre meditated podium in my opinion ! Hence the cheap tickets for him, and a sold out $2700 GA tix on stub hub for Pearl Jam in the same venue imo! Denver such it is! Not to mention the better quality music! Haha! That said, Kid is a good live act, despite all his downfalls, and I enjoyed seeing him, even if I was on the defensive politically that night! I came away feeling I made a difference to at least one conservative, and he came away an honest figure as well, not the Nazi I anticipated! I think social media has made it easy to vilify one another, when in reality we are more alike than different in many areas, even if not in the way we would like! I will gladly cheer Ed, or Kid, and their free speech, as well as our own, to either boo, cheer, piss, abstain, boycott or whatever, in any of those scenarios, just don't get hurtful or violent! I myself am looking forward to a new Ed rant! Can't wait to here the evolution from 2003 Denver Ed, til current 2020 Ed! Be it said! Enjoy the show's, Repulifans or Jamicrats or in between!.
Oh yeah, he's so tactful and poetic. Enjoy four minutes of drunken ranting about the word "fuck" until he gets to his political stylings about carbon emissions. But then, after four and half minutes of rambling on, they play a song!
I do otherwise like the story of your experience at the Kid Rock concert. And that's how it should be (you and that conservative guy getting along). And why not? Hell, Eddie and Kid Rock are friends.
i respect republicans and conservative views BUT i lose respect for anything that supports the current POTUS. I have a very hard time not losing respect for anyone who gives even an ounce support to such a terrible human being and leader. Sorry your conservative views are not more important to the world in general.
that being said i tolerate Ed's rants even if i agree with them. I'd prefer he not do it during a show but it's his platform not mine.
Why would anyone find it strange that people can be fans of someone they don’t agree with? Remember about a year ago when Ellen was see with GW Bush and all her celebrity friends and followers lashed out at her for being seen with him? I thought that was strange telling her who to be friends with.
Isn’t Denis Rodman a Trump supporter? i love their music, but I also would never boo at a concert. The number of people who actually yell out is very small. Also, the number of songs that are directly anti-republican are very small too. We aren’t against old people behind counters or using your rearview mirror. Even songs like Insignificance I don’t view as anti republican, because every president since I’ve been alive has dropped bombs and killed innocent. The vast majority of songs aren’t against Republicans. And the if they are, if it has a good sound to it I’ll enjoy it anyway.
i respect republicans and conservative views BUT i lose respect for anything that supports the current POTUS. I have a very hard time not losing respect for anyone who gives even an ounce support to such a terrible human being and leader. Sorry your conservative views are not more important to the world in general.
that being said i tolerate Ed's rants even if i agree with them. I'd prefer he not do it during a show but it's his platform not mine.
My opinion is Pearl Jam lives a very comfortable life in imagination land with most of California where funds are not limited and doing the right thing is a decision they can make. Most of us live in a world that is not a 0 sum game. I hate Trump, hes a bafoon, but I also spent my entire life saving and watching people propose to give away reserve funds, or change a system without successful math, is not too bright. I hope Bloomberg saves us from this madness.
The only thing I want to add here, is to commend everyone here. I honestly thought this thread would turn into a shit show And get locked fast. Nice job.
I’m a democrat. I really struggle when I see celebrities backing the current tangerine regime. I never look at them the same. I’d struggle to give my money to a performer who I knew was outwardly supporting policies that I find despicable.
As a Cubs fan, I’ve even found myself conflicted because of the ownership. Thankfully the Ricketts family has one Democrat I can support. The rest can pi$$ off.
Brings up an interesting question. If you were at a concert and the singer gave a pro-Trump speech between songs, what would you do? Boo? Walk out? Bite your lip and wait until it was over? Let's say it was one time and like 30-60 seconds.
I probably wouldn’t find myself at a show with a republican performing. But if I did, and I realized it after they started to rant, I’d leave.
If you want to talk fiscal policy with me as a Republican, I will listen. I’m open to some different thinking there. But that’s not the type of republican rant you will hear by the likes of Kid Rock.
But once you start humping your AR-15, ranting about controlling women’s reproductive rights or using religion as some sort of political compass, get me the f out of there.
Seattle 8-8-18 Chicago 8-18-18 Chicago 8-20-18 St. Louis 4-4-20 Denver 4-9-20 Denver 9-22-22 Noblesville 9-10-23 Vancouver 5-6-24 Seattle 5-30-24
Libertarian here (Fiscal conservative, socially liberal) who generally thinks BOTH the far left and right are mental. Both tend to be closed minded, use hyperbole and straw men to attack "the other team", and the rest of the country has to suffer as a result.
Ed and most other celebrities aren't forced to live in the real world, and thus preach in a manner disconnected with reality, all while living a life protected by armed security (while preaching against guns), and flying in private jets and riding in gas guzzling busses (while preaching about global warming).
They're hypocrites, but I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the music. I choose to walk away from any preachy fans, and at most shows Ed's ranting is kept pretty low-key. If Ed does get on a roll, it's always a nice time to tune him out, and go grab a beer and piss break.
IMO everyone should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting someone else (including speaking their mind), and government interference (fiscally & legislatively) should be kept to a bare minimum. Those who think healthcare and college education should be provided for those who can't afford it, nobody's stopping you from voluntarily setting aside a chunk of your salary to help make that happen. No need for a federal mandate.
Post edited by mattsavard on
Memphis '94 / Charlotte '96 / Birmingham '98 / Knoxville '98 / Memphis '00 / Nashville '00 / Nashville '03 / St. Louis '04 / Nashville Ryman N1 '09 (EV solo) / Nashville Ryman N2 '09 (EV solo) / Memphis '09 (EV solo) / New Orleans Jazzfest '10 / St Louis '10 / Memphis '12 (EV solo) / Memphis '14 / Boston Fenway N1 '16 / Boston Fenway N2 '16 / Chicago Wrigley N1 '18 / Chicago Wrigley N2 '18 / Ottawa '22 / Quebec City '22 / Nashville '22 / St Louis '22
Strong 2nd Amendment supporter and advocate targeted methods of reducing gun violence, sans-infringement.
I'm going to enjoy the music no matter what. The fellow fans and live music make the shows interesting, not the political discussion. Hopefully we all have a good time at the shows.
Libertarian here (Fiscal conservative, socially liberal) who generally thinks BOTH the far left and right are mental. Both tend to be closed minded, use hyperbole and straw men to attack "the other team", and the rest of the country has to suffer as a result.
Ed and most other celebrities aren't forced to live in the real world, and thus preach in a manner disconnected with reality, all while living a life protected by armed security (while preaching against guns), and flying in private jets and riding in gas guzzling busses (while preaching about global warming).
They're hypocrites, but I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the music. I choose to walk away from any preachy fans, and at most shows Ed's ranting is kept pretty low-key. If Ed does get on a roll, it's always a nice time to tune him out, and go grab a beer and piss break.
IMO everyone should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting someone else (including speaking their mind), and government interference (fiscally & legislatively) should be kept to a bare minimum. Those who think healthcare and college education should be provided for those who can't afford it, nobody's stopping you from voluntarily setting aside a chunk of your salary to help make that happen. No need for a federal mandate.
If you're a libertarian and you're not on the far right, you're doing it wrong.
I'm going to enjoy the music no matter what. The fellow fans and live music make the shows interesting, not the political discussion. Hopefully we all have a good time at the shows.
I’ve taken a hand full of the online political tests and I usually pop out as libertarian. I don’t really care what everyone does. And I like to be in control of my finances.
Obviously everyone has opinions. I’m in “film school” and it’s extremely liberal. Never had bothered me at all. Some of my best friends are far left. A few of my best friends are trump mega fans. I just don’t care to much
I’ve taken a hand full of the online political tests and I usually pop out as libertarian. I don’t really care what everyone does. And I like to be in control of my finances.
Obviously everyone has opinions. I’m in “film school” and it’s extremely liberal. Never had bothered me at all. Some of my best friends are far left. A few of my best friends are trump mega fans. I just don’t care to much
Ellen Degeneres was hanging out with George Bush. Both political opposites but respectful and friendly with each other. I can totally have friends who believe opposite of me. Keep the friendships, no problem. I'm not 100% politically in-line with the band. I respect their beliefs. I prefer the music over the political messaging. I like their music, even songs with political messages I don't agree with. I can disconnect that. I don't think actors and musicians are experts on world affairs, nor am I. When I want to get informed, I like to turn to experts on both side of an argument and form my own conclusion. When I go to a movie or a concert, I'm escaping for 2-3 hours. So I rather not have my nose rubbed in it.
Up here so high I start to shake, Up here so high the sky I scrape, I've no fear but for falling down, So look out below I am falling now, Falling down,...not staying down, Could’ve held me up, rather tear me down, Drown in the river
Ellen Degeneres was hanging out with George Bush. Both political opposites but respectful and friendly with each other. I can totally have friends who believe opposite of me. Keep the friendships, no problem. I'm not 100% politically in-line with the band. I respect their beliefs. I prefer the music over the political messaging. I like their music, even songs with political messages I don't agree with. I can disconnect that. I don't think actors and musicians are experts on world affairs, nor am I. When I want to get informed, I like to turn to experts on both side of an argument and form my own conclusion. When I go to a movie or a concert, I'm escaping for 2-3 hours. So I rather not have my nose rubbed in it.
See, I can't. If I were to stay friends with Trump supporters, my women friends, my friends of color, my queer friends would all wonder why I had friends who were making their lives markedly worse.
Libertarian here (Fiscal conservative, socially liberal) who generally thinks BOTH the far left and right are mental. Both tend to be closed minded, use hyperbole and straw men to attack "the other team", and the rest of the country has to suffer as a result.
Ed and most other celebrities aren't forced to live in the real world, and thus preach in a manner disconnected with reality, all while living a life protected by armed security (while preaching against guns), and flying in private jets and riding in gas guzzling busses (while preaching about global warming).
They're hypocrites, but I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the music. I choose to walk away from any preachy fans, and at most shows Ed's ranting is kept pretty low-key. If Ed does get on a roll, it's always a nice time to tune him out, and go grab a beer and piss break.
IMO everyone should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting someone else (including speaking their mind), and government interference (fiscally & legislatively) should be kept to a bare minimum. Those who think healthcare and college education should be provided for those who can't afford it, nobody's stopping you from voluntarily setting aside a chunk of your salary to help make that happen. No need for a federal mandate.
If you're a libertarian and you're not on the far right, you're doing it wrong.
pretty hard to be far right supporting open borders, drug legalization, criminal justice reform, among a million other things.
Libertarian here (Fiscal conservative, socially liberal) who generally thinks BOTH the far left and right are mental. Both tend to be closed minded, use hyperbole and straw men to attack "the other team", and the rest of the country has to suffer as a result.
If you're a libertarian and you're not on the far right, you're doing it wrong.
Incorrect.
You might want to brush up on what libertarians stand for.... many social policies of the right (immigration, abortion, Decriminalizing drugs and prostitution, etc) are way out of sync with the far right.
The far right leans on the legislation of morality far too much, often at the detriment of human rights of others. The far left relies upon theft by taxation of unwilling citizens to provide services via inherently inefficient government, (vs a superior free market system).
Post edited by mattsavard on
Memphis '94 / Charlotte '96 / Birmingham '98 / Knoxville '98 / Memphis '00 / Nashville '00 / Nashville '03 / St. Louis '04 / Nashville Ryman N1 '09 (EV solo) / Nashville Ryman N2 '09 (EV solo) / Memphis '09 (EV solo) / New Orleans Jazzfest '10 / St Louis '10 / Memphis '12 (EV solo) / Memphis '14 / Boston Fenway N1 '16 / Boston Fenway N2 '16 / Chicago Wrigley N1 '18 / Chicago Wrigley N2 '18 / Ottawa '22 / Quebec City '22 / Nashville '22 / St Louis '22
Strong 2nd Amendment supporter and advocate targeted methods of reducing gun violence, sans-infringement.
Libertarian here (Fiscal conservative, socially liberal) who generally thinks BOTH the far left and right are mental. Both tend to be closed minded, use hyperbole and straw men to attack "the other team", and the rest of the country has to suffer as a result.
Ed and most other celebrities aren't forced to live in the real world, and thus preach in a manner disconnected with reality, all while living a life protected by armed security (while preaching against guns), and flying in private jets and riding in gas guzzling busses (while preaching about global warming).
They're hypocrites, but I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the music. I choose to walk away from any preachy fans, and at most shows Ed's ranting is kept pretty low-key. If Ed does get on a roll, it's always a nice time to tune him out, and go grab a beer and piss break.
IMO everyone should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting someone else (including speaking their mind), and government interference (fiscally & legislatively) should be kept to a bare minimum. Those who think healthcare and college education should be provided for those who can't afford it, nobody's stopping you from voluntarily setting aside a chunk of your salary to help make that happen. No need for a federal mandate.
If you're a libertarian and you're not on the far right, you're doing it wrong.
pretty hard to be far right supporting open borders, drug legalization, criminal justice reform, among a million other things.
Not at all. That's exactly what libertarianism is.
Comments
too stupid to make up my own mind, views, etc. My political info doesn’t come from some sloshed singer in a band. And how does that person think his view is in line with mine? How would he know my plight? If he would like to address it with me personally I am confident I would ‘win’ that discussion.
Lots Lots Lots of shows.....
2018 - Seattle 2/Missoula
By the way, I'm impressed by how you went from expressing confidence you would "win" an imaginary discussion to, in the next sentence, decrying another person's arrogance. That's ironic.
Having said all this, an artist who chooses to share political opinions between songs should do so aware that he or she runs the risk of alienating some of their paying customers. I go back to a point I made earlier, which is that it is often not the point being made that rankles, but the manner in which the point is made. I probably share quite a few of Eddie Vedder's opinions on political and social issues but, often when I hear him talk about them, I think "you're doing more harm than good" or "you're preaching to the choir and not winning any converts."
Two years ago, it was my birthday, nothing to do, Kid Rock in town, cheap tix, went, brought some friends. Great live performer, politically, persoally don't like him. It was a better experience than I thought it would be. Had great political discussion with the guy behind me, he was a conservative trump guy, but we kept it respectful, talked in between songs, not during, and both came away thinking more alike, than different in many ways! Even if not on core issues! He labeled me more of a libertarian, and I him a never Trumper, even if both labels meant nothing to either of us. I booed Kid where I felt appropriate, and cheered him otherwise, most did the same, they applauded his performance, but booed is political rant. I think Ed does a much more tactful and poetic version of this, Kids was a shitshow, pre meditated podium in my opinion ! Hence the cheap tickets for him, and a sold out $2700 GA tix on stub hub for Pearl Jam in the same venue imo! Denver such it is! Not to mention the better quality music! Haha! That said, Kid is a good live act, despite all his downfalls, and I enjoyed seeing him, even if I was on the defensive politically that night! I came away feeling I made a difference to at least one conservative, and he came away an honest figure as well, not the Nazi I anticipated! I think social media has made it easy to vilify one another, when in reality we are more alike than different in many areas, even if not in the way we would like! I will gladly cheer Ed, or Kid, and their free speech, as well as our own, to either boo, cheer, piss, abstain, boycott or whatever, in any of those scenarios, just don't get hurtful or violent! I myself am looking forward to a new Ed rant! Can't wait to here the evolution from 2003 Denver Ed, til current 2020 Ed! Be it said! Enjoy the show's, Repulifans or Jamicrats or in between!.
I have no issue with the band talking politics, there are moments of inconsistency or selective amnesia particularly on Ed's part, but I full well know where they stand and I've accepted that for years.
The "shut up and sing" people confuse me. To me it is "shut up and listen" and then people would realize that from day one this band had political and societal viewpoints that were abundantly clear.
http://www.hi5sports.org/ (Sports Program for Kids with Disabilities)
http://www.livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=3652
One of the biggest being that people hear what they want out of music. Besides one or two very obvious songs, I don't generally hear politics in their songs. I'm there much more for the music than the lyrics.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
I do otherwise like the story of your experience at the Kid Rock concert. And that's how it should be (you and that conservative guy getting along). And why not? Hell, Eddie and Kid Rock are friends.
Pearl Jam bootlegs:
http://wegotshit.blogspot.com
that being said i tolerate Ed's rants even if i agree with them. I'd prefer he not do it during a show but it's his platform not mine.
i love their music, but I also would never boo at a concert. The number of people who actually yell out is very small.
Also, the number of songs that are directly anti-republican are very small too. We aren’t against old people behind counters or using your rearview mirror. Even songs like Insignificance I don’t view as anti republican, because every president since I’ve been alive has dropped bombs and killed innocent. The vast majority of songs aren’t against Republicans. And the if they are, if it has a good sound to it I’ll enjoy it anyway.
Most of us live in a world that is not a 0 sum game. I hate Trump, hes a bafoon, but I also spent my entire life saving and watching people propose to give away reserve funds, or change a system without successful math, is not too bright.
I hope Bloomberg saves us from this madness.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Chicago 8-18-18
Chicago 8-20-18
St. Louis 4-4-20
Denver 4-9-20
Denver 9-22-22
Noblesville 9-10-23
Vancouver 5-6-24
Seattle 5-30-24
EV
Chicago 2-9-22
Tempe 2-26-23
Ed and most other celebrities aren't forced to live in the real world, and thus preach in a manner disconnected with reality, all while living a life protected by armed security (while preaching against guns), and flying in private jets and riding in gas guzzling busses (while preaching about global warming).
They're hypocrites, but I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the music. I choose to walk away from any preachy fans, and at most shows Ed's ranting is kept pretty low-key. If Ed does get on a roll, it's always a nice time to tune him out, and go grab a beer and piss break.
IMO everyone should be able to do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting someone else (including speaking their mind), and government interference (fiscally & legislatively) should be kept to a bare minimum. Those who think healthcare and college education should be provided for those who can't afford it, nobody's stopping you from voluntarily setting aside a chunk of your salary to help make that happen. No need for a federal mandate.
Strong 2nd Amendment supporter and advocate targeted methods of reducing gun violence, sans-infringement.
http://www.hi5sports.org/ (Sports Program for Kids with Disabilities)
http://www.livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=3652
You might want to brush up on what libertarians stand for.... many social policies of the right (immigration, abortion, Decriminalizing drugs and prostitution, etc) are way out of sync with the far right.
The far right leans on the legislation of morality far too much, often at the detriment of human rights of others.
The far left relies upon theft by taxation of unwilling citizens to provide services via inherently inefficient government, (vs a superior free market system).
Strong 2nd Amendment supporter and advocate targeted methods of reducing gun violence, sans-infringement.