How to Dismantle an Atomic Internet

Warning! Sage Rock Star philosophizing at work!

Rocker John Mellencamp said on Tuesday that the Internet was the most dangerous invention since the atomic bomb, although new technology could paradoxically delay the inevitable demise of rock ‘n’ roll.

But before then, “some smart people, the China-Russians or something” may have already conquered America by hacking into the power grid and financial system, he warned during a public seminar at the Grammy Museum.

Mellencamp, 58, has established a reputation during his career as a bit of a loose cannon disdainful of music industry niceties. He still lives in his home state of Indiana, saying he never fit in elsewhere.

Famed for such hit songs as “Hurts So Good,” “Jack and Diane” and “Small Town,” he is also a political activist who campaigned for President Barack Obama. He has also helped Live Aid organizer Willie Nelson put on the annual Farm Aid charity concerts for small farmers.

His comments on the Internet coincided with the release — in stores and at digital retailers — of his new album, “No Better Than This.” While he said the Internet was useful on a personal level for communication, he worried about its destructive potential.

“I think the Internet is the most dangerous thing invented since the atomic bomb,” he said. “It’s destroyed the music business. It’s going to destroy the movie business.”

The atomic bomb was of course first used by the United States against the nation that attacked Pearl Harbor.

…Which nation that was, John isn’t quite sure.

(Besides, last year, John was telling us that the Gipper destroyed the music business. Did Reagan use the Internet to do the job in the 1980s? Who knew CompuServe was so powerful back then!)