Dead Kennedys – I Fought The Law

General CommentThis version of the Bobby Fuller song is about Dan White, a right-wing San Francisco politician who killed Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay politician elected to political office. His lawyers used what would be known as the twinkie defense. White had been in a state of teporary insanity as a result of eating too much junk food. The jury apparently bought it, and he recieved a lighter verdict than probably deserved. The police were on his side and they helped him out.

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  @posterwithnoname

General Commentthere is another correction, Dan White did not serve the full seven years of his sentence. he was paroled after five. the dead kennedys were greatly inspired by the revolutionary ideas of the gay liberation movement of the 70s which turned into the reformist ideas of the modern gay rights movement.

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  @libertarianleft

General Commentnever knew that story, thanks for that bit of trivia... Love this song...

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  @TimBuck2

General CommentWow,, awesome song,,

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  @LulusXe

General CommentThe best explanation of this song and the entire Dan White story is here: backdoor.com/CASTRO/milk/…

It's just like the previous poster said, except it also involved some politics, not just the gay issue. White was about to resign his position as supervisor, due to lack of money, when the conservative police order offered financial assistance. The mayor, who knew White was a major conservative roadblock to his re-election and liberal policies, decided to not let White take back his decision. Enraged, White broke into City Hall and shot both the mayor and Milk execution style. Upon hearing the news, the SF cops cheered. The prosecution presented a weak case and the Twinkie Defense got White only 7 years jail on a manslaughter charge. Upon doing his full sentence in jail, he was released, and comitted suicide shortly thereafter.

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  @twistah

General CommentIf I recall correctly, the Clash covered the original song -- I Fought the Law (And The Law Won) by The Crickets. The Dead Kennedys' version is heavily modified to explain the Dan White story.

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  @twistah

General CommentI didn't mean to imply that the murders were based on sexual orientation.

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  @posterwithnoname

General CommentI prefer this to the Clash version. More attitude. The Clash still kick ass though. Never heard the original.

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  @shadowwiththeeyes

General CommentAccording to the Give Me Convenience CD booklet, this song was released as a handout to protesters at Dan White's prison release.

Dan White should have been strung up.

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  @ubermax

General CommentI never heard the original, but I've always liked this version more than the Clash's. Although the Clash does kick serious ass. So I guess, same thing that shadow said.

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  @kmk_natasha