From: 2fvofloppy@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.metallica
Subject: Comment on the State of The Metallica Fan
Date: 21 Jan 93 17:48:04 CST
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services

In article <1993Jan20.143803.6144@dunix.drake.edu>, tel002@dunix.drake.edu (Tim "Spock" Larson) writes:
> In article <1993Jan20.030016.2334@ultb.isc.rit.edu> ejs6525@ultb.isc.rit.edu (E.J. Siewert) writes:
>>
> Actually, the way I heard it, Rodney King was most likely high on something
> at the time, and when the cops first stopped his car he totally refused
> to cooperate, and when he got out of the car he attacked the cops.  But of
> course the liberal media wants to make it look like they're defending an
> underdog, so they don't show the first couple minutes of the 'beating' video.
> 
> But your joke was pretty funny for all that.  Only Met-meisters would
> see the humor.
> 
> Tim
> 
> So come on. . .jump in the fire!

I, unfortunately, see no humor in your remarks at all.

Do you read this group often?  Do you listen to Metallica often?  I really 
don't think so, in fact I would not consider you a fan of Metallica fan, and 
let me tell you why:


Metallica music has always either dealt with the dark side of the individual 
(Fade To Black, Master Of Puppets, Dyer's Eve, Harvestor of Sorrow) or 
society (Blackened, Welcome Home, Disposable Heroes).  Even though Metallica 
focuses on the dark, they make real statements about the state of these 
condidtions.  Take Eye Of The Beholder, for instance.  The song talks about 
the freedoms that we have, sure, but it also make s the comment that these 
freedoms are really elusive and we are not free but controlled by those who 
make certain speech and actions acceptable.  Now, in order to really like 
this song, I think you have to recognize and see what the message is.  AND, 
to truly like the music, you have to agree with the message.  

Okay, now let's take a look at what you say above here, Tim, and in subsequent 
messages (I already read them, I just chose to respond to your first one).  
You say that Rodney King "deserved" to be beaten because he was high on 
something and that he refused to cooperate.  Now there are two sides to this 
issue.  One is whether or not the circumstances warranted King's beating 
(situational ethics for all you brainy types) and two, whether or not 
justice was actually subverted.

First, let's look at the facts of the case, which you abviously lack, Tim.  
There are no first few minutes of the tape.  His resistence is purely the 
testimony of the officers under question.  Okay, he was high, and he was 
speeding down the freeway, and he had prior convictions and he was arrested 
the week after the trial for a DUI, and if he was resisting arrest...does he 
still deserve to be beaten.  Some of you say sure, some no, some don't know. 
 Well, anytime that an unarmed man has to be beaten 57 times to be handled 
is excessive IMHO.  In fact, if you've seen the tape (have you, Tim?), then 
you would see that after about the tenth hit, he is in no way resisting 
arrest or acting in a threatening manner.  None, whatsoever.  

Second, was justice subverted?  Does anyone give up the right to be handled 
properly by law enforcement officials for any reason?  Or, did Rodney King 
violate a right that meant giving up a civil right?  Now, if you know 
nothing about rights and etc, then here's a lesson.  Constitutional rights 
are not guaranteed.  These are voting rights, for example, which can be 
revoked if you are a convicted felon.  Then, there are civil rights.  These 
cannot be taken away for any reason.  Refer to the Bill Of Rights, for 
examples of these.  Now, ask yourself, were King's rights violated?  You bet 
your ass, and that is wrong.  Now, go listen to ...And Justice For All 
(song, not the album).  Listen to the words.  This song is talking exactly 
about these kinds of rights which are given to us because we EXIST being 
violated by the powers at hand.  Now, if you are a true Metallica fan, you 
understand these things, but if you are not, you don't.

I submit, that you reevaluate your taste in music, especially this group.  
If you do not agree with the message of the group, why would you listen to 
it?  You are supporting something you do not believe in, which is stupid.  
Additionally, take a listen to Ride The Lightning (song, again--funny how 
these two examples are album titles AND songs, ain't it--makes you think 
that these two subjects are pretty important to the boys).  Anyway, you say 
in a following post that you believe in the death penalty.  This song is 
DIRECTLY OPPOSED TO THIS CONCEPT!!!  The song talks about how unfair it is 
for someone to play God and take someone's life based on his/her morals.  I 
don't understand how you could listen to this music when it is so diametric 
to your views.  Maybe I'm just crazy.  I doubt it.

Well, maybe some other people need to think about why they're Metallica 
fans.  If you are because of the new album , make sure it's for the music 
and not because it's been on MTV for the last year and a half.  Even the new 
album is making statements about life and death (The God That Failed--how 
many of you honestly understand what this song is about?).  Metallica is not 
about a bunch of chords being strung together, or about speed metal, or 
about Satan or death or headbanging.  Metallica is about anger of the way 
things are, and if you are a fan, you should appreciate them for that.

I am now stepping off my soapbox.

-- 
Jeffery D. Webb
2fvofloppy@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU

"Charlie Don't Surf!"
	--Kilgore
	  Apocalypse Now