My Dear John Letter to Rolling Stone Magazine

I am sure there are a number of folks who have had to write "Dear John" letters. This one goes out to a once-great music magazine. 

Dear Rolling Stone Magazine:

I understand that my subscription will be up very soon. I've been receiving notices letting me know that I will no longer receive Rolling Stone after a certain period of time. Well, I'm afraid it can't come too soon. We once had a really good relationship. I would read your articles on music, and even though there were some political topics that I didn't agree with, I usually bypassed them. Well, there are just a few things I can't ignore.

First of all, whose idea was it to publish a cover article featuring Dzhokar Tsarnaev, the surviving Boston terrorist? (Ref: August 2013 Editioni). Conservatives and liberals alike are shaking their heads at this rather bizarre decision. So, you were trying to create a sympathetic character for everyone to read about, how a "good kid went wrong" scenario. All this may seem cool in the minds of elitists who like to psychoanalize people, but tell that to the families of the dead in Boston who are still living with the nightmare. Tell that to the people who watched the gruesome events that took place at the finish line that day. 

And since when did a magazine that was once dedicated to the music industry decide to delve into politics? Yes, I have a conservative worldview. Not everyone views the world the same way. You seem to have this idea that everyone in the entertainment industry must be liberal. Some musicians don't get into politics and they prefer to keep their craft seperate from their politics. If you would ever like to see a subscription from me ever again, write your own political magazine and stick with the music industry. Save politics for people who actually know what they're talking about. 

I remember hearing musicians talk about how they would do everything to get themselves on the cover of Rolling Stone. Now, they say that they could care less anymore. Seems that music, television and movies seem to be connected into one entertainment media. They used to have their own identities at one time. Seems also that if you believe the right things, say the right things, fight for the same causes, you'll make the Rolling Stone cover for the next issue. I really can't go with that, and it's sad that the music industry doesn't have its own identity like it used to. Maybe it's because of shows like American Idol that have made the entertainment world seem like one big giant mess. 

But I will give you some credit where credit is due. You did a cover article on Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day after his recovery out of rehab. It sounds like he's staying off of drugs and getting better. That's a good thing. I wish Rolling Stone could do more articles like that. Yes, it had to come on the heels of his meltdown at the iHeart Radio Festival, but even he realized that he was losing it and needed help. He's still in my prayers even as we speak.

Unfortunately, our relationship has come to an end. I am sure there are many musicians who feel the same way. Years ago, Rolling Stone had a reason to brag. Now, you are just irrelevant. I hope you find what made you a once-great magazine, and stick to it.


Sincerely,
Lia (LadyRocker)