Tom Becker reads Jay Bookman's blog post entitled "The epidemic of despair in white working class America is now revealed." It reveals shocking dysfunction (alcoholism, drug abuse) and unprecedented suicide rates leading to shortened life spans and deteriorating living conditions for this demographic group.
Following Tom’s reading is a song from 1949 that expresses a longing that is very real for all too many white, working class Americans. The song is “That Lucky Old Sun” (music by Beasley Smith and words by Haven Gillespie) performed here by Bob Dylan. As one critic has said, “you will hear versions of this song that are more technically correct, but you have never heard it sung with more soulfulness and profundity.” To hear the whole song, go here.
- KBOO