There is a war going on. This is a wartime album. The soul of America is at stake. This is our country, our government, and our responsibility. It is time to take a stand, raise a voice. These are hard songs for hard times, and by far the hardest album I have ever produced.
Janet Hinde, thank you for making me look so good on the cover of this album. Your hand touched this entire project, from conceptualization to delivery of the freight, and all you get is a photo credit. You are my soul mate and my strength, and a Saint for putting up with me; not just on this album, but for the past twenty-five years. I love you, and if you're up for it, I'll take another twenty-five, this time without the kids. Speaking of the kids . . . hey Katie, thanks for all the assistance you have given over the years, helping with songs, selling CDs at concerts, and making me laugh. Nate, thank you for running sound for me and educating me on hip-hop music. If you're up for it, and not too busy with your own project, we really must collaborate on that song for the next album. I love you both.
Instrumental in this production were, of course, the instrumentalists. Scott Law, you are a guitar artist, music professional, and a gentleman. You helped me with my first album, Freedom Road, and have been helping me in the studio and onstage ever since. Will Dowd, you are a master percussionist, musician, sound engineer, teacher, and a joy to work with. I can only attempt to describe you, Bob Crosby, as a Renaissance man; author, poet, scholar, mentor, philosopher, and tenor. I have been honored to sing with you for the past ten years, and this is the first time that our respective schedules have allowed us into the studio together. I cannot thank all of you guys enough.
As usual, songwriting consultation, encouragement, and just plain friendship was provided. While it may be nothin' but a chicken wing to you, Jim Page, it's the whole enchilada to me. Thank you, friend.
Dennis Delaney, my Vietnam brother, thank you for being there then, and ever since.
This album is dedicated to all of you, and to all of my fellow patriots, who know that the Patriot Act isn't, and are speaking out. If you are one of the millions of peace activists out there who worked so hard to keep this war from happening, and continue to stand the line, carry the sign, and contact your elected representatives, then this album is dedicated to you. If you are one of my fellow Vietnam Veterans who knew our war was a lie, and know that this one is too, and work to get our kids back . . . and welcome them home this time, then this album is dedicated to you. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are going to vote to stop this war, this album is dedicated to you, because together we can shout down the wind.
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