Kinky Friedman, known for his satirical and often provocative style, has passed away at 79. A post on his social media announced, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends.
Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit.
Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman earned a cult following for his unique take on country and Western music.
He released numerous albums, starting with “Sold American” in 1973, a record that laid the foundation for his career.
Known as the “governor of the heart of Texas,” he even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Friedman was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and contributed as a columnist for Texas Monthly.
He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” securing 12.6 percent of the votes among six candidates.
Born in Chicago and raised in Texas, Friedman studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
His passion for music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the latter as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Friedman once wrote, “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
Jim Jordan’s Major Announcement: What’s the Buzz?
Two Republican committee chairmen, James Comer of Kentucky and Jim Jordan of Ohio, have reinitiated their inquiry into President Joe Biden, alleging potential interference with his son Hunter Biden’s cooperation in the House’s impeachment investigation.
A statement from the White House impIied President Joe Biden was aware of Hunter’s intention to defy congressional subpoenas, prompting the investigation.
The statement read: “The Committees issued subpoenas to Hunter Biden for a deposition to be conducted on December 13, 2023. In correspondence with Mr. Biden’s attorney prior to the scheduled deposition, the Committees addressed and dismissed Mr. Biden’s justifications for non-compliance with the subpoenas, as well as his request for special treatment.”
In December, the United States House of Representatives voted to formally authorize an investigation into President Joe Biden’s potential impeachment.
With a party-line vote of 221-212, the Republican-controlled chamber endorsed the inquiry, probing whether Biden unlawfully benefited from his son Hunter Biden’s international business ventures. Hunter Biden had earlier declined an invitation to testify privately.
Newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson recently discussed the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden, asserting, “We have a duty to pursue it.”
“These are serious times and this is a very serious matter. Next to the Declaration of W*r, impeachment may be the most consequential power Congress holds. That constitutional responsibility rests with the House,” Johnson began at a press briefing.
“We must pursue the facts wherever they lead. Facts are stubborn things, as John Adams famously said. These facts are alarming to the American people and to us. While we take no pleasure in these proceedings, we have a duty to act. We are proud of the work of Chairmen Comer, Jordan, and Smith. They have diligently uncovered evident corru ption involving President Biden and the Biden family. We owe it to the American people to continue this process methodically and transparently,” Johnson added.
He continued, “To do this appropriately and uphold our constitutional duty, we need time and a sound process. Rushing is not an option if we are to remain faithful to the Constitution. The chairmen are committed to proceeding in this manner. We have heard from whistleblowers, Biden business associates, legal experts, and now it is crucial to hear from key witnesses.”
“The chairmen have issued subpoenas, and we expect them to be complied with promptly. We are not making any prejudgments. We will follow the facts wherever they lead. I fully support our chairmen in their efforts, and we will have more updates in the days ahead. Now, we will take some questions.”
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