Rebel Nation

The new year brings to light old wounds as an already divided nation has become even more divided since Election Day. Against a backdrop of panic, poverty, and the pandemic, our democracy faces a continued threat from the Communist Party of China, as well as internal challenges from the far left and the far right. But, the biggest challenge is coming from the President of the United States.

Happy Holidays from Johnny "the Xmas" Rebel.

The humorous summary of 2020 poses serious questions:

Does Live Music Matter?

Will Mitch McConnell be the Grinch who stole Xmas?

And does Santa Klaus really exist?

The new version includes a new music score, and a new closing segment which sheds light on 4 men who had a large hand in molding our nation into the melting pot it is today -- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Grant, & Abraham Lincoln.  The episode reflects upon the intimate relationship between Jefferson and Sally Hemings -- a woman whom he owned, as well as Grant's brief stint as a slave owner.000

Donald Trump's decision not to concede, and Robert E. Lee's last battle and his dignity in the face of defeat are the lynchpins of Episode 4. Trump may have lost the election; but, Trumpism will be around for a while -- for better or worse.

Episode 3 reflects on a tale of two cities -- NYC pre-pandemic and post-summer of protests. It also touches upon the NYC Draft Riots of 1863, this year's DNC, the presidential debate, NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, as well as fellow New Yorker, Donald Trump.

This introductory episode touches upon our humble beginnings as a band of rebels, the Civil War, the “invisible enemy” — Covid-19, the ongoing protests, and how a nation — on the 157th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) -- is still divided in two.