SHAWN CASEY O'BRIEN

Dear Friends, Fans and Supporters,

Welcome to my new website. Here you can find out all you want to know about the art and politics of me, disabled activist and songwriter, Shawn Casey O'Brien.

In a nutshell, my politics are simple: I believe in social justice and plenty for all. It seems to me that in California, the most affluent state in the richest country in the world, we ought be able to — at a minimum — educate our children and take care of the old and disabled.

We all know, or should know, that in the 5th largest economy in the world, it's not a question of money, but a question of priorities and I believe that for the most part we've got our priorities backwards. Helping the most fortunate among us at the expense of the middle class and low income people. I also believe that this is due to a bought off political class that has forgotten that the basic duty of government — in a healthy democracy — is to protect the average citizen from the excesses of concentrated wealth. But, it seems in today political climate, awash in so much corporate money and mediocre leadership, that the common citizen, as well as, common sense and decency, have all but been forgotten.

I hope not. And to that end, I will — when occasion and inclination demands — write and speak out on the issues of the day through this, my website blog, Truth To Power! I write in the hopes of enraging you just enough, to get you engaged, at least enough, to register and vote for those candidates and causes in 2006 (and beyond) that really want to use this great state's common wealth for the common good.

So much for the politics on to the art!

If you like your music provocative and passionate or you appreciate good social satire, you'll dig my bands: The Cripples, Spare Parts and Sweat Equity. All of which will eventually be available here. Starting, of course, with the mighty Cripples!

Downloads are cheap and a portion of my writer's royalties will be going into my grassroots efforts in 2006. So, in other words, enjoy the music and know that you are supporting a true progressive, for a song. By the same token, if you're an artist or band looking for songs with pathos, wit, energy and an edge please check out my catalog of songs at Pumpkin Seed Music/BMI and play on!

Because I believe so passionately in participatory democracy and the power of the vote — disabled and otherwise — I invite all Californians to register to vote by accessing their county Registrar of Voters through this website. Whenever I think of the potential power of our organized vote, I really do believe it's possible for the meek will inherit the earth ... and getting people registered and signed up for the Absentee (mail-in) Ballot is the first step in that process. So, please, spread the word! Get registered and get out to vote!

Well, dear friends, if you like your political insights and suggestions from the grassroots up or simply want to download or perform what many still consider cutting edge songs, enjoy the this website and let me thank you in advance.

I believe that, as the great Tom Paine said of the American Revolution, “We have it within our power to begin the world over again.” And today, with your help and support, I say: Let us begin!

All the best,
Shawn Casey O'Brien
Santa Monica, CA