hmmmmmm

The Grateful Dead have played political fund raisers before, just not for the two party system. They have played benefits for the Black Panthers among others. You have to remember that the politics of the Black Panthers were far more divisive at the time than Obama vs. McCain today. Also the Rex foundation has at times supported causes that many would name "progressive" or even socialists causes. It's their gig and their music. They can do what they want and always have. And the heads have often been at odds with the band. Some heads have gone as far as to petition to have songs removed from the setlist. Seems crazy now but the community was divided over the release of victim or the crime.

Well said, indeed. While I'll not go to emotional extremes and burn my I-Pod or rename my daughter, whom I named after my favorite Dead song, I will now have to reflect on this silly political fundraiser each time I tune in and turn on.

{I will add that in a socialist-inspired police state such as Obama was groomed to lead, the Dead Heads will be among the first ones rounded up. Be careful what you wish for...}

"The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer." - Ken Kesey

...in what has gone on to what Obama will do if he is elected. He is a politician. Nothing more. He has injected MORE money into a political campaign than any human ever has. Why? Because he wants POWER, nothing less. To think somehow his election versus the other guy's will make a difference demonstrates an astounding lack of understanding of the power structures of this country (or any country) and Obama's own history. He is ESTABLISHMENT as much as anyone. To have any members of the Dead, and Deadheads in general, supporting a fund raising concert for someone like this who has raised MORE MONEY already than has ever been spent on a Presidential campaign should be written up and inserted in the dictionary under the entry for "irony".

If you're planning on flying to State College for the gig, here's some useful info. First, we do have a regional airport here called University Park (SCE). It has about 12 flights in a day on regional affiliates of Northwest, United, and USAir. These aircraft are all small (about 35 seats). So you can do the math...there's only about 400 seats per day. Fortunately, the football team plays at Wisconsin that weekend, so seats won't be taken up by the football fans. But the total number of available seats to fly directly into town is still pretty limited...book yours fast.

While you might fly into Pittsburgh, Philly, or NY and rent a car, I also recommend people check out flights to Harrisburg, PA. It's about 75 minutes to State College from the Harrisburg airport, and flights there are usually cheaper than directly to State College. This would be the second best choice if you're not flying directly here.

See ya at the show!