Amy Goodman: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org. I’m Amy Goodman, with Juan González.
We turn now to “The Boss” — that’s right, Bruce Springsteen. On Monday night, he made a surprise appearance at Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary celebration at the historic Riverside Church to sing his new song, “The Streets of Minneapolis.”
Intro to "Street Of Minneapolis"
"Happy Anniversary Democracy Now! Happy Anniversay…. It's so wonderful to be here, and happy birthday Patti, we love you. This past winter, the federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis. They picked the wrong city. Because the power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis was an inspiration to the entire country. Their strength and their commitment told us that this is still America and the reactionary nightmare and the invasion of an American city will not stand. Their strength gave us hope. It gave us courage. And for those who gave their lives, Rene Good, mother of three, brutally murdered, Alex Pretti, VA nurse, executed, shot in the back by ICE in the street, left to die, their bravery, their sacrifice, their names will not be forgotten. This is Streets Of Minneapolis"
Amy Goodman: Bruce. Bruce. Bruce. Bruce, you’re taking this on the road across the country, beginning in Minneapolis. Tell us about the tour.
Bruce Springsteen: Not much to tell. Starting in Minneapolis, then going on to Portland and Los Angeles, of course, to other cities where they had to deal with ICE, ICE’s terror. And then we’re going to end up in Washington, D.C., and with a few words to say in front of the White House.
Amy Goodman: And you’re saying where ICE is present. Does that mean you’re taking it to airports now?
Bruce Springsteen: I’ve been in plenty of them. Probably so, you know.
Amy Goodman: One other question. I mean, “41 Bullets,” “The Streets of Minneapolis.” Now you just made news again this morning, the ACLU launching a national ad campaign featuring your “Born in the U.S.A.,” highlighting the landmark birthright citizenship Supreme Court case that they’re going to be arguing on April 1st.
Bruce Springsteen: Right, right, right. Well, it’s our pleasure to be working with the ACLU, and they finally put “Born in the U.S.A.” to some good and righteous use, so I’m glad about that.
Amy Goodman: That’s Bruce Springsteen performing at Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary celebration Monday night at Riverside Church. To watch the full event, go to democracynow.org. This weekend, Bruce will be performing on Saturday at a No Kings protest in St. Paul, Minnesota.
