Public Enemy - "By The Time I Get To Arizona"

I've been thinking about this song a lot since last week.  Originally written in protest of Arizona not recognizing the federal Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, it could be renamed "By The Time I Get To South Carolina."

Just this morning, I was driving behind someone in a pickup truck with a confederate flag decal covering the entire back window, with the words "In God We Trust" written over it.  What values do you think your "God" is supporting when you display a symbol of slavery on your car?

This video only aired on MTV once - apparently some folks had an issue with the violent images of the PE crew killing the elected leaders who refused to recognize the holiday.  I'm not sure if those same people had as much of an issue with the images in the video of peaceful black protesters being attacked by the police.

Here's a great interview with Chuck D on the 20th anniversary of the song, where he discusses the violence.  U2ers will enjoy the part about performing this song in Arizona when opening for U2 on the ZooTV Tour: http://www.spin.com/2011/11/public-enemy-look-back-20-years-time-i-get-arizona/.

#YearlongMixtape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrFOb_f7ubw