Can Britney's endorsement be far behind?
Madonna posted her endorsement on her Web site News section dated 01/07/04. She writes:
Our greatest risk is not terrorism and it's not Iraq or the "Axis of Evil." Our greatest risk is a lack of leadership, a lack of honesty and a complete lack of consciousness. Unfortunately our current government cannot see the big picture. ... The simple truth is that the current administration has squandered incredible opportunities to bring the world together, to promote peace in regions that have only known war, to encourage health in places that are ravaged with disease, to make us more secure by living up to our principles at home and abroad. The simple truth is that the policies of our current administration do not reflect what is great about America. ...
We are a country with incredible promise. As Americans we enjoy ooportunities like no other. Unfortunately we take these opportunities for granted. You may not agree with everything I say or do, but wether you're rich or poor, young or old, black or white, gay or straight, I know you share my concern and recognize the need for change.
Celebrities endorsing candidates - or even becoming candidates - is nothing new. But the Republicans' attempt during the war to browbeat performers into cheering for the Iraq War, the war fought to eliminate "weapons of mass destruction" that didn't exist, has increased pressure for performers to take political stands - if only in self-defense of their ability to speak out freely when they choose.
4 comments:
I'm not a Madonna fan but respect her right to speak up. She, like every citizen, has a right to proclaim her political colors.
Both parties cultivate celebrities because of the attention they bring and their fund-raising potential. But Clear Channel and other radio companies used an especially heavy hand this year to try to discourage antiwar comments by musicians, especially in country music. That's why I'm glad to see so many of them - including Merle Haggard - speaking out anyway. A "company town" mentality is not what we need in the arts. (Or anywhere else!) - Bruce
I've been wondering how my dad feels about his favorite singer, Willie Nelson, dissing Bush these days. He's been curiously quiet about THAT. Of course, I love the celebrities who agree with me, and dismiss those who don't as idiots. I like their speaking out, but it doesn't affect MY decisions in the long run.
Generally, it doesn't bother that much if a performer I like takes a political stand with which I disagree, although I am inclined to notice. If you've seen any of my Chuckie Watch posts about Charlie Daniels, though, you'll know that sometimes they get so obnoxious I get thoroughly disgusted with them. But Chuckie is pretty far over the edge. - Bruce
Post a Comment