< Back

ACE Tribute to Johnny Cash

September 3rd 2003 - NSW Democrat Leader, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans paid tribute to the great country and western singer Johnny Cash in Parliament this week.

“Johnny Cash was not only a legend in the country music scene, but also a great social justice campaigner. He supported the cause of land rights and reconciliation for Native Americans and was a champion for prisoners’ rights. He was the first singer of note to actually go into prisons to perform”

Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans said that Cash was also an opponent of the US involvement in the Vietnam War and more recently the invasion of Iraq.

“He recently opposed the United State's invasion of Iraq and proudly defended the right of his daughter, Rosanne Cash, to express her opposition to the foreign policy of the Bush Administration when country radio stations banned her songs and tagged her as un-American for criticising George Bush.”

Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans read the lyrics of the Cash song “The Man in Black” in his speech to the House.

“It would enrich this Parliament and benefit the people of New South Wales greatly if all members took note of those lyrics when making decisions in this House” Dr Chesterfield-Evans concluded.