58 Comments

Dylan’s anti war positions and words had enormous support with younger people during Vietnam era. Probably because young men paid the price being drafted and forced to fight in an unpopular war. I cringe at Putins support by some right wing leaning Americans. I do not understand. I fear the world will bear witness to the wholesale slaughter of Ukrainians and even though I don’t even know any Ukrainians I feel devastated. In my opinion Dylan is the voice of humanity.

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Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Good article Ari- I am hoping Putin's thirst for power and apparent insanity will finally be put out as he underestimated the worlds, Ukraine's and his own citizens response. His speech is very much like trump's- erratic and makes little sense. I appreciate the good coverage of this but look forward to other newsworthy items being covered again. I know it is tough on commentators keeping up with everything. Make time for yourself too.

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Feb 25, 2022·edited Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

I’m with Dylan, in dismissing the argument that, “Experience or expertise are prerequisites to taking a position” during war. For me, If they’re not taking a “Battle Position,” then they’re only “Masters of Words.” This was evidenced on “Morning Joe” today, when Lt. Vindman was expressing a different viewpoint re: our “outdated” tactics, when dealing with Putin. His viewpoints were dismissed and not respected, even when he shared witnessed responses and reluctant reactions in meetings, by representatives of the Kremlin, during our war confrontations with Syria. The panel just didn’t get it. After all, THEY knew more than the KID…

”POSITIONS!”

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Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Dylan is always relevant ( unfortunately his messages have fallen on deaf ears for too long )

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Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Amen! Nothing more to be said

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Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

Thanks for bringing Dylan to us today. It's been such a rough week, and in looking for hope, I've been listening to John Lennon's Imagine. Now it's time to dig around for all those heartfelt protest songs of the 60s. ✌

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Hi Ari, Thanks for posting this sad and touching piece. I am a boomer. And quoting Bob Dylan at this moment in time, makes your words all the more poignant.

On many levels I feel as if we’ve been here before? Fighting in the Ukraine feels like the conflicts of the Cold War era, and Russia’s ability to infiltrate the radical right with support from Bannon and Fox’s on camera fools is on the one hand embarrassing, and on the other heartbreaking. Since entertainment seems a replacement for history, perhaps Re-runs of THE AMERICANS might be a good idea right now? If those Americans who support Putin are to be awakened from their mind-numbing ignorance it will have to come in a form they embrace. A speech at a prayer breakfast perhaps, by someone they admire even more than Trump?

I hope that the Ukraine’s resolve and resilience along with the firepower we have yet to provide, will save their independence? Where is their Iron Dome?

My mother was born in Czernovitzi a town that was once a part of Romania, but today is part of the Ukraine. It was once part of the Austro Hungarian Empire, and later occupied by the Nazis, and then the Russians during WWII. The people are tough and resourceful, the winters brutal. My prayers are with them, and us, as we maneuver through these rough waters. May God help us all. JZ

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Feb 25, 2022Liked by Ari Melber

When words fail, listen to music. I used to listen to Van Morrison, and he would always cheer me up. He's too grumpy now. Beethoven's Moonlight was on repeat yesterday.

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“If you’re gonna sing meaningful songs, you have to be committed to living a life that backs that up”. - Joan Baez. She knew him well.

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Feb 25, 2022·edited Feb 25, 2022

Hi Ari, thank you for always bringing us such thought provoking topics. They seem to bring feelings of desperation and defeat at times, because sometimes we feel helplessness. But listening to songs that were written so many decades ago, and still resonates today, gives me some hope. If we got through those rough times before,we can do it again. God help us!!!🙏

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So who are the poets of today? The rappers, I think. Yesterday’s message rings true today, we haven’t moved on. Sad that the former president, Fox News, and some members of Congress admire and cheer Putin on. Your coverage on The Beat this week(and every week) has been illuminating, authentic, and comprehensive. Thanks for a great job always.

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Feb 25, 2022·edited Feb 25, 2022

Happy Fri-YAY, Ari😃

Despite all the diplomacies and all the meetings held to avoid this Ukraine invasion, Putin didn’t budge. He invaded Ukraine anyway…sad😔

Bob Dylan’s lyrics definitely applies to the current situation today and it reminds me of War by Edwin Starr (another great song for protesting war). War is never the solution to resolve conflict between countries. At the end, innocent people are the ones that suffer from this unnecessary war.

Have a nice weekend, Ari and Cheers 🥂

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Hi Ari Your so right. Many have sung about the horror s of war. It`s really sad. unfortunately we have not heeded the call for peace.

;

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Ukrainians don't want this war. Russians don't want this war. But it's never about the people, is it? It's the madman in charge and his revisionist history. This is only going to get worse before it gets better. I'm heartened by stories of civilians willing to take up arms to defend their country and praying for them. If only Putin could be taken down from the inside...

Have a good show tonight and a better weekend...

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Watching news right now about Russian bombing of childrens hospital. I can’t breathe it is so awful. What can Americans do?

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You can quote, Dylan and Stephen Stills and John Lennon the list goes on and on, but we hear and don’t listen.

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