After reading the very impressive letter by Todd Fredricks (in February 23's Post), I was tempted to write offering kudos and amen. Then two pages later, after overcoming the confusing, errant date atop the page (23 Feb. 2008), I was stricken by the irony and example of that which Mr. Fredricks had been pointing out: The lack of accurate facts and/or research into the subject matter at hand, rather than just a quick draw, shoot from the hip opinion based on impression drawn from imagination rather than actual history of the subject events.
I refer to the review of the Johnny Cash album; and having read the book version titled Man in Black - not just filling in the blanks by listening to the SONG of the same title, I find it so exemplary of Mr. Fredricks contention, that it is too tempting just to let it pass without comment.
This article is so fraught with errant assertions and opinions based thereon, one can only wonder just how many readers came away with the same, or similar, misinformation influenced by an opinion.
Your reviewer found perhaps the most disconcerting thing about the album was the peacefulness with which Mr. Cash approaches his death, writing he is inappropriately preachy and oddly calm
and going a little too gently into that good night. For shame. Perhaps we can forgive impetuous youth for such disconcertment, presuming it has not yet dawned on your reviewer that we all are eventually going the same route and destination; some sooner, some later, at some point in the future, in whatever fashion.
Nor does it seem accurate to say that Mr. Cash made his name as a counterculture rebel who always wore black while resisting any form of authority. As I recall, the book shows that Mr. Cash wrote the song and adapted his attire accordingly, long after his infamous outlaw days.
Mr. Cash's Man in Black came long after his outlaw rebel days were finally behind him, with the devoted support of his wife, family and friends who stood by him through his battles with booze, pills and prison. All of which had left a path of pain and destruction in his wake and by the wayside - almost to his own life - not unlike the proverbial bull in the china shop.
Your reviewer asserts that the Man in Black, now peacefully facing his fate, is no longer the alcohol and narcotic driven outlaw of his younger days before he fought his demons and finally won - and then attempted to make amends to those he had thoughtlessly, selfishly hurt and abused.
Your reviewer laments the fact that this Man in Black, offering an especially spiritual album while awaiting his inevitable fate with peaceful content, is not the same rebel-boy of those bad ol' outlaw days. I suggest that while your reviewer is in fact quite correct in this assertion, I might suggest that his getting this point correct was more accident than intent. In fact, I find such contrast is not cause for lament, but rather for admiration and celebration; which Mr. Cash would consider a compliment and would appreciate having it said of him.
Therein lies a valuable lesson by example, the finest legacy of the Man in Black, for all of us.
Charles Nelson resides in Athens County. 4
Opinion
Charles Nelson
