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giveaways to the rich to stimulate economic growth. However, according to American for Responsible Taxes p. 1, Bush tax giveaways did not create jobs,
did not create economic growth, and put American into debt to give the wealthiest American a break at the expense of the middle class. para. 1
Most of the jobless were women. Women workers have lost over 300.000 jobs between the start of the recession in March, 2001
through the March, 2004, report. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the proportion of single mothers who
are employed fell in 2003 and the unemployment rate rose markedly among single mothers, from an already-high 9.5 percent
to a desperate 10.2 percent. Shiozaki, 2004, para. 4
In Bush presidency, poverty aroused. Lower middle class families were slowly slipping below the poverty line and the poorest were becoming even more
destitute; and most of these families are headed by women. para. 5 Women faced their economic hardships in Bush administration era. Child
care was no longer subsidized by government. For many poor families, child care may cost 20 percent or more of their annual income. The Bush administration had
cut funding for programs such as child care, which were essential to single parent households, in favor of expanded unproven programs such as marriage promotion.
para. 9 This policy inflicted single parent, especially women, and cut off their annual income.
C. American Socio Cultural Background
Lead by George W. Bush as the President, American people had to face difficult times in the early decade of 2000s. The condition at that time was far
from better than the previous era which was lead by Bill Clinton as the President. American People was overshadowed by the ineffective policies made by the
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President. Yet the difficult conditions at that time were noted by economical difficulties, fewer job opportunities, unemployment, high-price necessities, lower
wage income, and less affordable housing. There was no significant economic growth during Bush presidency. Moreover, for about 7.000.000 American people
lost their job. Despite the bush administrations rhetoric that an economic recovery is underway, there are abundant signs that for most working families,
their situations are no better-and in many cases are far worse. Vives, 2004, para. 1
One of the examples of his policies was tax giveaways to the rich. It was intended to stimulate economical growth. However, according to American for
Responsible taxes, Bush tax giveaways did not create jobs, did not create economic growth, but put American into debt n.d., para. 1. It was undeniable
truth that job losses and poverty finally aroused during Bush presidency. Moreover, tax giveaways also have widened the income gap between millionaires
and middle-class workers. Women were the one who suffered at that time. Most of the jobless were
headed by women. Women workers have lost over 300.000 jobs between the start of the recession in March 2001 through the March 2004, report. According to the
Institute for Womens Policy Research, the proportion of single mother who are employed fell in 2003 and the unemployment rate rose markedly among single
mothers, from an already-high 9.5 percent to a desperate 10.2 percent Shiozaki, 2004, para. 4
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In addition, child care was no longer subsidized by government. On the contrary, this program was replaced by unproven program that is known as
marriage promotion. para. 9. For single mother and poor families, child care is important. It may cost 20 percent or more of their annual income. Without doubt,
the omission of this policy inflicted single parent, especially women, and poor families.
Middle-class families also had to face less affordable and less secure life under Bush presidency. Because of his fiscal incompetence and mismanagement,
the lower wages and skyrocketing costs for basic necessities like gas, health care, and college tuition were unavoidable. Gas price have doubled, health care
premium have increased by over 80 percent, and the cost of a college education is rising faster than family income. Tuition, fees, room, and board charges at four-
year public colleges grew more rapidly. Unfortunately, instead of producing solutions to the problems facing the middle class, Bush Republicans have ignored
them and pushed for policies that would make matters even worse. http:dpc.senate.gov, 2008, para. 1-6 It is a fact that finally job losses,
homelessness, and skyrocketing costs were daily view in America during Bush Presidency.
Ignorance was closely related to George W. Bush as well. He did not only undermine the fiscal condition of the Nation, but he also allowed other problems
such as environmental problem, health care, and disaster response. Rather than made better condition for his Nation, George W. Bush made his condition worse
than before. His concern toward war outside America made him neglect the
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condition inside his Nation. Instead of financing his Country, the government was more concerned in funding the war. The money was spent much to the war started
by the government and consequently it affects the financial problems toward America itself.
The difficult time during Bush presidency caught the attention of musicians to speak up their mind to protest the government. Some protest songs aroused
during his presidency. War was not the only thing that inspired the songwriter in writing their protest song. Some broader themes such as President’s ignorance and
electoral fraud were captured as well in their works. Artists from any genre took part in protesting the government through their musical works; Dixie Chicks with
their country tune song Travellin’ Soldier, Green Day with their pop-punk American Idiot, Kanye West with his rap Bush Doesn’t Care About Black People,
and Bright Eyes with his Dylan-like folk music When the President Talks to God. In addition, pop music, represented by Madonna, also sang about protest in her
American Life. These phenomenon shows that the condition during Bush regime were very critical because it could attract numerous protest from any genre artists.
D. Folk Music as Protest Music
