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Today in Charlottesville

from Ballad of a Wobbly by David Rovics

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Written after the death of Heather Heyer at a protest against white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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There was a massacre in church that got certain forces moving
Many towns are now at least superficially improving
Such as in Virginia, where a statue of General Lee
Stands as a reminder of the days of slavery
In the city center, an indelible mark
In the spot that's been renamed Emancipation Park
Slated for removal, when a judge intervened
Which might be the moment that most fully set the scene

(For) 19 injured, one killed today in Charlottesville

With their man in the White House, members of the Right
Marched through the university, torches alight
Chanting against immigrants, Africans and Jews
But it's not the flying bottles that put them in the news
So much as the bigot in the car, revving his engine loud
Speeding forward and then back, running down the crowd
Using the same tactic promoted by Islamic State
Maybe he was even shouting “God is great”

19 injured, one killed today in Charlottesville

More than half the city used to be in chains
Now their descendants who still remain
Are being forced to leave by gentrification
Just like poor white folks all across the nation
And with the presidential tweets and xenophobic rants
It's just a matter of time before some pawn takes the chance
To plow into a march with half a ton of steel
This is not fake news -- it's real

19 injured, one killed today in Charlottesville

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from Ballad of a Wobbly, released December 11, 2017

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David Rovics Portland, Oregon

Singer/songwriter, writer, podcaster (on Spotify, Substack & Patreon), anarchist, dad, lover of life.

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