| Rush – The Trees Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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Remembering that Peart was (and may still be) a Libertarian, an Ayn Rand follower and self-admitted “individualist,” it is clear that the song The Trees is an allegory of comparative political philosophy: the dangerously oppressive effects of a socialistic system visa vi the prosperous nature of a true free market, liberty minded system. Peart’s parable occurs in a world represented by the forest. In this forest there are two different trees that represent the two aforementioned opposing political views. While some may assert that Peart was comparing his homeland of Canada (i.e., the Maple Trees reference), known for its socialistic healthcare and welfare systems, to America (i.e., Oak Trees), and he probably was, it is immaterial to the parable. As the song continues there is trouble between the two groups—the Maples, who believe everything should be equal (including equality of outcomes), and the Oaks, who believe that success is predicated on the ones abilities, self-interest and motivation. As in all socialist systems, the individual is secondary to the collective. This means that if one person, or in this case a group of Oak Trees, has more than another person or group, then it is government’s responsibility to “level” level the playing field so that everyone is the same—this doesn't only include equality in tangible things, but oftentimes equal outcomes. Perceiving the inequity of outcome, the Maple Trees, angry and envious of the Maple’s ability to grab up sun light, unite and impose a new “noble” law that ensures equality of outcome for all trees (i.e., people) in the forest (world). In the final verse, Peart laments that the “trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw.” If this kind of stuff interests you, I recommend reading the short story, Harrison Bergeron, by Kurt Vonnegut, or watching the short film, 2081. Both of these mediums illustrate the dangers of collectivism, which is a component part of socialistic systems of government. |
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| Rush – The Trees Lyrics | 12 years ago |
| I respect your attempt, Skarpro, but I believe you are way off the mark. | |
| Rush – The Trees Lyrics | 12 years ago |
| I think you are generally correct, but its far deeper. | |
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