Where Is Frank Zappa When We Need Him?

"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." ---Frank Zappa

In 1986, Frank Zappa appeared on Crossfire to discuss rock lyrics and censorship with Robert Novak and the hideously-toupeed John Lofton. Relentlessly attacked by the arrogant and obnoxious Lofton, Zappa seemed barely able to contain his boredom and disdain, merely tolerating these fools in order to do his civic duty. These guys seemed very naive and weren't smart enough to phrase their questions right for Zappa. He didn't miss an opportunity to deliver a zinger, such as: "The biggest threat to America today is not communism; it's moving America toward a fascist theocracy."

Novak seemed surprisingly civil on this broadcast. An ironic moment (in light of his recent meltdown on CNN): When Zappa says profanity also belongs in politics, Novak says, "I don't understand that."

Listen to broadcast here.

"Americans like to talk about, or be told about, Democracy but, when put to the test, usually find it to be an "inconvenience". We have opted instead for an authoritarian system disguised as a Democracy. We pay through the nose for an enormous joke-of-a-government, let it push us around, and then wonder how all those assholes got in there." ---Frank Zappa