Read it and weep, Dixie Chicks. Shove it Bruce Springsteen. Put a sock in it Johnny Cougar Mellencamp. Because, in a refreshing change of pace for the entertainment industry, Kid Rock is telling CMT Insider via People Magazine that entertainers should stay quiet on matters political.
How many times have you seen the uninformed blather of some goof from Hollywood, or some crank from the music industry filling your TV screen or oozing from your radio? How many low brow maestros have had your eyes rolling when they imagine themselves to have some prescient insight into matters of politics? Apparently rock singer Kid Rock is signing onto your piquancy because he has said that singers should just shut up about politics.
"I truly believe that people like myself, who are in a position of entertainers in the limelight, should keep their mouth shut on politics," the rap-rock musician, 37, tells CMT Insider.
"Because at the end of the day," he goes on to say, "I'm good at writing songs and singing. What I'm not educated in is the field of political science. And so for me to be sharing my views and influencing people of who I think they should be voting for ... I think would be very irresponsible on my part."
That is quite an intelligent point of view. After all, a man needs to know his limitations. For instance, I don't talk about physics because I have absolutely no knowledge of the field. Similarly, these Hollyweird types should avoid talking about things they obviously have no idea about.
What is more pathetic than a Meryl Streep "testifying" before Congress concerning something she has no clue whatsoever about, for instance? Remember her self-assuredness about the chemical Alar on apples in the 1980s? turned out that whole thing was a scam. But she was so sure she was right... even though she had no personal knowledge upon which to base her conclusions. Revealing ignorance is not very flattering.
Naturally, these "beautiful people" spend their days being fawned over and they must grow to imagine that they are the height of human achievement, believing that they can do no wrong and that their every pronouncement should be looked upon as words from Mount Olympus.
So, it is certainly refreshing to see an entertainer admit that they have no expertise in politics. Good on Kid Rock for realizing his limitations.
(Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/ FOX/Getty)
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Well . . .
August 27, 2008 - 04:11 ET by DoktorFrankenMy wife has loved his music for years. As a musician, I did not like his initial 'rap'-type approach. I will now see him in a very different light.
Hehe, notice
August 27, 2008 - 03:37 ET by lumpyhow the TV viewers aren't seeing all those Hollywood types? And where is Michael Moore? Remember at the '04 convention when Moore and Carter were shown sitting side by side? Not only did Kerry not get a bounce after the convention, he actually went down several points. Highlighting entertainers would only enforce the 'celebrity' meme that McCain has successfully attached to The One. The Dems want the elitists' money, but they don't want their faces being shown.
Kid Rock keeps his fans.
August 27, 2008 - 03:40 ET by JWFWhy alienate half of your fan base by torquing them?
Helloooooo? Madonna?
You lose half of your audience for what? Another political loser. Great job!
now that's what i call
August 27, 2008 - 14:58 ET by TruthMongernow that's what i call "irresponsible"
and their financial backers are behind em 100% of the way!
entertainers just love to lose money these days
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
@JWF
August 27, 2008 - 19:51 ET by geoff.galeI'm not saying this to be critical, but have you seen who attends Madonna gigs? She risked nothing by ripping on McCain. Her income these days doesn't come from her body of recorded music but rather her touring and shows. The people who'd be interested in seeing her already suffer from Bush Derangement Syndrome, so she was just playing to her audience. The people who'd be offended, were already not her fans.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
- Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797)
www.conservativeboot...
Well said KR.
August 27, 2008 - 04:06 ET by dodecahedron"Bawitaba-da-bang-da-dang-diggy-diggy-diggy-said-the boogie-said-up-jump-the-boogie."
-Barrack Obama commenting on his recent drop in the polls
"They say I'm cocky and I say "what?" It ain't cocky if ya say it and ya back it up."
- John McCain
6 A.M.
August 27, 2008 - 06:21 ET by sentforth5....and you made me laugh out loud! Well said dodecahedron!
"Opium is the opiate of the masses." Rev. M.
Post-commentary report
August 27, 2008 - 08:00 ET by FoolicanWilliams: "Mr. Martin, would you agree that this is Obama's most... um... nuanced comment of the year?"
Martin: "Of course, I mean, look, nobody said you had to be clear and to the point in order to be president. Sometimes a little subtlety is necessary. And look, if you don't think that's true, you're obviously a racist."
Williams: "You're right, it is very thought-provoking. You know, in the Pavlovian sense."
Dick Clark
August 27, 2008 - 04:27 ET by timrfrench61Good to hear. It just adds to something I saw Dick Clark say, years ago: when asked what annoyed him about musicians he said "They have all these opinions about politics and most of them don't have sense enough to pour salt down a rat hole!"
Alice Cooper...
August 27, 2008 - 06:54 ET by on-the-rockssaid the same thing a few years ago.
Trippin like the K.I.D.
August 27, 2008 - 07:13 ET by E7-2521I love it when they 'threaten' to leave the country if the Dems aren't elected.
'Paging Ms. Streisand, paging Mr. Baldwin: Final boarding call'.
Guess The Party
August 27, 2008 - 08:01 ET by NoMoreClintonsCould it be that Ritchie is a Republican? Nahhh......
Just when I thought there
August 27, 2008 - 08:25 ET by lotrJust when I thought there was no hope for those in pop-entertainment, someone like this has to come along and display a modicum of intelligence and bravery. He's just gone up a notch in my book.
From visiting us in Iraq to
August 27, 2008 - 08:50 ET by AUUSNFrom visiting us in Iraq to this, Kid Rock is quickly becoming on of my favorites.
"Singing sweet home Alabama all Summer long."
Kid Rock?
August 27, 2008 - 09:28 ET by j. frank wilsonA guy who participates in a golf tournament wearing no shirt and overalls, toting a tall boy, is giving us advice?
If he really believed what he said he'd lead by example and just shut up, wouldn't he? Instead we're supposed to listen to him saying we're not suppose to listen to him. That makes a lot of sense.
However, in the spirit of what I think he's trying to say, I'll go along with it and ignore him...
Dude...
August 27, 2008 - 09:37 ET by Warner Todd HustonDude, that was the most warped reply I've seen yet!
Sweet!
August 27, 2008 - 13:02 ET by j. frank wilsonWhy, thank you very much.
common sense so very much
August 27, 2008 - 15:11 ET by TruthMongercommon sense so very much hurts the left
thanks for the confirmation jfrank:)
we should have clooney's congressman star in some movies and see what he thinks of that
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
gee frank
August 27, 2008 - 09:46 ET by candanceDo I detect a bit of elitism there? No matter how Kid Rock shows up on a golf course, he has managed to build a successful career and keep himself out of prison long enough to enjoy it. When you're as rich as he is, you can dress however you want.
Unless you plan on ridiculing Michael Moore for his disheveled appearance, I'll take this as a sign that you only insult those whom you disagree with. He makes a salient point that his job is to write music and it's not really fair to use his popularity to influence impressionable young minds. That takes an awful lot of maturity and restraint - something Madonna hasn't figured out yet.
For all we know Kid Rock could very well be a flaming liberal in disguise. But the point is that whatever he is, it's in disguise, which makes him just a little classier in my view.
Perhaps you can
August 27, 2008 - 13:16 ET by j. frank wilsondisengage the circular "logic" of listening to someone who says we shouldn't listen to him.I can't.In the meantime, still remaining in remote parts of this world are "manners." It's not elitism. It is polite when playing golf in public to (A.) Wear a shirt; and (B.) Wear a shirt with a collar. Memo to John D: Shoes are recommended, as well.If Kid Rock wants to walk around undressed with a heat on clinging to a 24 of Bud that's his life. But it's a poor show on the golf course. Period.
Speaking of poor shows - while he has managed to stay out of prison (you really set the bar high, don't you?) according to his Wikipedia entry:
Kid Rock is known for having multiple run-ins with law enforcement. In February 2005, Kid was arrested on assault charges for punching DJ Jay Campos in 'Christies Cabaret' strip club. Rock pled no contest and was sued for $575,000 by Campos.[16] Kid Rock was cited for assault on Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee on September 9th, 2007 at MTV's Video Music Awards.[17] In October 2007, Kid Rock was involved in a brawl at a Waffle House in Atlanta.[18] Kid is required to perform 80 hours of community service and must complete a course on anger management.[19]
I guess the conservative movement must take its role models where (and how) it finds them...
Gee whiz, Frank. Did Kid
August 27, 2008 - 13:45 ET by MassConservGee whiz, Frank. Did Kid Rock take a leak in the cup at the 7th hole of your country club or something? Forgive me, but you come off sounding like Thurston J Howell, III here.
Where do you find "circular 'logic'" in any of this? Where has KR opined on politics? If you're going to argue "circular 'logic'" you've got to prove anyone has heard him offer an opinion on politics, then say nobody should listen to celebrity opinions on politics. He IS a celebrity, are you saying he can't opine on other celebs?
As for your comment, "I guess the conservative movement must take its role models where (and how) it finds them..." Hee hee. You're funny. :-D
MassConserv:
August 27, 2008 - 14:39 ET by j. frank wilsonAren't you thinking of Judge Elihu Smails in Caddyshack? Much better example than Lovie.
Call me old school - when you play golf you wear a shirt. With a collar. And shoes.
The circular logic is listening to the opinion of a celebrity who says we shouldn't listen to the opinions of celebrities. Not to get too Tao here, but Kid Rock did offer a political opinion. Saying "tune out" is just as much an opinion as "tune it." As Secretary Rumsfeld should have said, "It is what it isn't."
As to entertainers' political opinions, what about The Boss? Probably not too many Dylan fans on NB (including me, actually). Or singing "We Shall Overcome?" How about Alan Jackson's song about the World Trade Center bombing, or "Have You Forgotten?" - didn't Toby Keith record one of those? Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the U.S.A.?" Sheer Insannity endlessly plays the song about spousal abuse "Independence Day" - apparently he never listened to the words and he thinks it's about something else.
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" helped win the Civil War. The songs of WWI and WWII are often referred to as key props of the homefront. Were all those a bad idea?
Or is it that singers can express a political opinion as long as they sing it but don't just say it?
J. Frank,
August 27, 2008 - 15:00 ET by MassConservNo, I was not thinking of Caddie Shack or Ted Knight. Never was a huge fan of the movie anyway. IMO, nothing screams stuffy elitism like Jim Backus' characterization of Thurston J Howell, III. That's just the voice I heard in my head while reading your graphic castigation of Kid Rock.
OK, "You're old school." Sorry, couldn't resist. ;-)
No, Kid Rock did not offer a political opinion. Nor are any of the songs you mention in any way political. They are merely patriotic. Of the ones you mention that I've heard, none ever told the listener who they should vote for. As such, equating the two is a weak argument, even coming from you.
Again, Rock opined on other celebs, nothing he said was political.
MassConserv:
August 27, 2008 - 15:22 ET by j. frank wilsonWas the voice you heard in your head Mr. Magoo?
Politics is patriotism in action. The most patriotic thing almost every American can do is vote. It took guts to vote for Old Abe (although I guess he was Middle Aged Abe at the time) in 1859. Personally, I'm very glad so many Americans did so.
How many Americans volunteer and serve - on school boards, local commissions, agencies, councils, and the rest? No where near enough. Local, regional, state and yes, even our national, governments can not function without citizen participation. That's politics - being part of the process and making a difference.
Half the people eligible don't register. And half the people who register don't vote. That's unpatriotic. Remember those photos of people in Haiti shot dead with their arms around the ballot box?
Politics is patriotism with its sleeves rolled up and going to work.
Somewhere along the line public service became politics and we are not the better for it. Public service is an honorable profession - and we couldn't run this country without people willing to do it.
Serving in the military is obviously patriotic. I state that because I believe it and because I want to avoid the frothing at the mouth comments that will follow if I don't. But not everybody can do that. They can vote, however (most of 'em anyway).
Finally, I still maintain Kid Rock took a political position. Saying "don't listen" is the same as saying "do listen" in terms of the position. Again, it is what it isn't.
wow frank. just wow.
August 27, 2008 - 15:46 ET by candanceOnly with liberal logic does serving on the PTA = using your celebrity to push a partisan message.
I'm sorry, but giving such political messages as "the president is stupid" or "Bush hates black people" is NOT the same as singing God Bless America. Your attempt to combine them clearly shows that you believe partisan attacks and smears are actually doing a valuable service to society.
And he isnt saying "don't listen to me." He's asking people to heed his advice about staying away from a particular can of worms. Again that's not the same thing, but whatever helps you feel better.
Oh, and as for your remarks about looking nice when playing golf, as I said in my first post, when you complain about lefty celebrities who look like white trash, then I'll believe you're being sincere.
why is it that as soon as a
August 27, 2008 - 16:25 ET by patmac49why is it that as soon as a president ,whether he or she be democrat or republican is criticized,it is "hate syndrome".i have been following politics for years and all of a sudden,you speak out about something that you strongly feel was not handled right by the president,you are automatically "partisan"and you hate the president.that is the kind of job i would like.the things you do right ,you brag about.the things you do wrong,oh,they hate me.
wrong pat
August 27, 2008 - 16:50 ET by candanceFeel free to criticize away. I criticize Bush all the time. And yes I agree with you, pointing out flaws in the government is our civic duty.
But it's quite another thing to say Bush tried to exterminate black people in New Orleans or that he doesn't care about poor people because he's an oil man. Those aren't criticisms - those are smears.
"white trash?"
August 27, 2008 - 16:27 ET by j. frank wilsonThat's not playing very nice...
You call it "liberal logic" but you missed a step. Why is it ok for entertainers to sing "patriotic" songs but not to express "political" opinions? One of the most patriotic things an American citizen can do is criticize the government when it's wrong. Read the TR quote on respecting our President. We don't need any more brain dead, lockstep, "Yep that's it" responses to the errors made by those elected to do much better.
I guess I agree with you that Kid Rock isn't saying "don't listen to me." He's saying "Listen to me tell you not to listen to me."
Personally, I find that as funny as it is silly.
One thing I've never figured out: Who would want a can of worms?
And just to be helpful - you don't have to be rich to dress the way you want. I do it every day. I also attempt to pay others the compliment of not dressing competely inappropriately for a public event. I don't wear white to a wedding. I don't wear a yellow tie before Memorial Day. And I don't dress like an idiot when I play golf. It's a respect thing - for other people.
You didn't mention Kid Rock's rap sheet - but then, as you pointed out, at least he's not in prison. Which we could say about - what? - 98% of the American population.
i think the issue is one
August 27, 2008 - 16:31 ET by TruthMongeri think the issue is one of expertise
conservative musicians are experts on patriotism - so they can sing about that, but they stay out of detailed politics - not being their area of profession
and they would never tour overseas during a liberal administration and proclaim their embarassment of the president
that's pretty deplorable stuff in flyover country
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
Of course conservative
August 27, 2008 - 16:40 ET by balboaOf course conservative musicians are "experts on patriotism" for this country. As Jon Stewart pointed out, it's just that they hate half the people in this country.
not so much bal
August 27, 2008 - 16:58 ET by candanceIf someone wants to sing a patriotic song, that's one thing. And just because someone is patriotic doesn't mean they're conservatives - kinda like Toby Keith.
You don't hear Republican celebrities calling Hillary Clinton a monster or saying Obama hates white people. They don't go around doing videos chanting "McCain, McCain" like it's some magic spell. Republican celebrities are not nearly as focal as their conterparts.
In fact, as Republican celebrities go, I can think of 3. Liberal celebrities? I'd run out of fingers and toes.
they don't hate half the
August 27, 2008 - 17:09 ET by TruthMongerthey don't hate half the people in this country, bal:)
they just really love the patriots
they may hate libs but that's really only a few million elites - mainly in NYC and LA
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
I'm done with you frank
August 27, 2008 - 16:54 ET by candanceTons of lefties have rap sheets a mile long. He has built a successful career and has managed to enjoy the fruits of it. That was my only point - you made it about who has a longer rap sheet.
And since you still won't criticize lefties for dressing inappropriately, my comment still stands that you only mentioned his appearance to score an easy point.
Wow, J. Frank. Preach much?
August 27, 2008 - 15:54 ET by MassConservWow, J. Frank.
Preach much? Convolute much?
You question other posters' logic, but you somehow managed to tie all that together with Kid Rock saying celebs should keep their politics to themselves.
You're entitled to your opinion. However, getting back to the original topic, I disagree with your premise that what Rock did was offer a political opinion. It's been fun, but your dizzying intellect is giving me a headache.
By your leave…
P.S. Mr. Magoo... Cute.
MC:
August 27, 2008 - 16:14 ET by j. frank wilsonIt's been a pleasant conversation, indeed. How about we agree to disagree on Kid Rock? And we agree to agree on the great Jim Backus. Wasn't he in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? [along with everybody else in Hollywood, of course].
J. Frank, Those are two
August 27, 2008 - 16:19 ET by MassConservJ. Frank, Those are two things I can agree with you on.
Indeed he was, a classic movie.
A shirt with a collar and
August 27, 2008 - 16:46 ET by motherbeltA shirt with a collar and shoes??
Where do you get one of those??
Motherbelt:
August 27, 2008 - 18:17 ET by j. frank wilsonAt the risk of explaining a joke - John Daley went out after a tournament rain delay and finished his round barefoot and at least half in the bag, with John Gruden as his caddy. He'd spent the delay in the Hooters hospitality tent.
In my book, that's a very poor public performance.
Candance apparently feels playing golf shirtless and nursing a tall boy is a good show. Later, of course, Mr. Daley hit at least one golf ball off the can.
Entertaining? Not to me.
It has nothing to do with politics. Just manners.
Michael Moore wears a hat (baseball cap, actually) indoors. Poor form. Old BlunderRush was tossed off network tv for wearing that dog's breakfast of a tie (most people think it was because of his black quarterback remarks - just not so!). Justice was done.
j frank
August 27, 2008 - 18:24 ET by BlondeNo one cares about your sartorial comments, Old Sport.
Yawn.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I always get a kick out of
August 27, 2008 - 18:46 ET by j. frank wilsonthe "I don't care" comments. If you don't care, why comment?
Guess you are from what is now officially known as the "Kid Rock School" - listen to me tell you not to listen to me!
Calling Your Bluster
August 27, 2008 - 21:03 ET by stratmanJFWilson:
Quote where Kid Rock said you or anyone else should not listen to entertainers discuss politics.
Your argument is based on a false premise.
Never thought words of
August 27, 2008 - 10:31 ET by mitchsnNever thought words of profound wisdom would come from Kid Rock. This is kind of what Ben Stillers Movie Tropic Thunder says throughout.
Just because you go to a Army boot camp to prepare for making a war movie doesn't make you an expert on war. Going on a 1 week visit to Iraq doesn't make you an expert on whats going on over there (hello Sean Penn?)
Make movies, Sing your songs, entertain us. Then shut the F up.
The Studio System
August 27, 2008 - 11:20 ET by Red JeepMakes one long for the good old days of the "Studio System" where stars were protected from themselves, ruining their marketability.
Kid Rock
August 27, 2008 - 11:37 ET by lhbarnesFinally! A beacon of hope in a crowd of dim bulbs!
Kid Rock Redux
August 27, 2008 - 11:42 ET by Dr_LibertyAlthough a haircut, shave and shower would be in order.
<insert witty signature here>
Unless you're Chuck Norris
August 27, 2008 - 11:41 ET by Dr_LibertyLet's enroll Chuck Norris to enforce the "shut up and sing" rule.
Most Harvard graduates think they are smarter than Chuck Norris. The only reason they still think at all is because Chuck Norris isn't finished with the Princeton graduates who thought the same thing.
<insert witty signature here>
With the Kkkk kid Rock Sh*t
August 27, 2008 - 12:07 ET by Melodic_MetalI have always had a special place in my collection for KR. I HATE rap, but his style is cool.
"Some people talkin' what they gonna do. THey must want their face to maybe taste my shoe.." Kid Rock LOVE IT
"To beat Violence, You must ignore the focus groups. You must send in the Mossad, turn off the BBC, CNN, and don't look back."
Finally, a celebrity with
August 27, 2008 - 12:26 ET by wiwfFinally, a celebrity with common sense.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Sure celebrities should
August 27, 2008 - 13:03 ET by balboaSure celebrities should shut up...unless they have a conservative viewpoint. Then, by all means, speak away.
No.
August 27, 2008 - 13:09 ET by sarcasmoCountry music star (but clueless) Republicans are just as annoying as the movie star (but clueless) Democrats. They ALL need to stfu, except for Penn & Teller, who are both objectively correct regarding politics. :)
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
lol
August 27, 2008 - 17:20 ET by well99Let me take a wild guess.They are libertarians.I did like the deal they did on getting signatures to get water banned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi3erdgVVTw
They should ALL shut up about things they don't know
August 27, 2008 - 19:14 ET by Indiana JoeEvery last one of them. But the silence would be much more noticeable on the left.
I find it very telling that a simple statement like "shut up and sing" is attacked from the left, first by j. frank, and now by you, bal. Using the fact that your job gives you exposure to spout any view you happen to have is obviously going to be defended by those who benefit the most from the practice.
Let's see: Streisand, Baldwin, Moore (Michael), Sarandon, Robbins, Madonna, one, two, three Dixie Chicks, Moore (Demi), Roberts, Springsteen, Glover, Mellancamp, and a plethora I can't think of right off the bat.
As opposed to: ... umm... well, Heston was a conservative... didn't pontificate much... got ambushed a few times... same goes for Selleck... and... hmmm....
Of course, now Kid Rock must be a conservative just because he states an obvious fact, I guess. How dare he believe that our "betters" don't know any more about politics than the rest of us? Holding and expressing political views is not the same as ramming them down people's throats.
Face it, we here like to hear the rare conservative entertainer speak up simply because it is so rare. A grain of sand on our side of the scale, versus all those bricks on the other side.
I didn't attack his
August 28, 2008 - 21:02 ET by balboaI didn't attack his statement, IJ. I was stating what I think some conservatives believe.
I'm not a big fan of celebrities getting political, especially at the wrong moment, like when giving a speech at an awards show.
i believe he is
August 27, 2008 - 13:52 ET by patmac49i believe he is correct...although ALL citizens of this beautiful and wonderful country have a right to any political belief they choose and the right to voice it ,i would love to go to a show with out some artist telling me how bad my country is or on the other side,how american it is to wage war and bomb the daylights out of people who just don t agree with us or do as we order.
You're only entitled to an
August 27, 2008 - 14:39 ET by greenfairieYou're only entitled to an informed opinion and very few entertainers are truly informed.
informed by whom???...left
August 27, 2008 - 15:18 ET by patmac49informed by whom???...left wingers??right wingers??
I think the meaning
August 27, 2008 - 17:07 ET by Hunter12I think the meaning "educated" is what was intended. We have limo liberals with a strong feeling of guilt trying to apply social solutions to problems they will never experience. Hillary or Teddy will never go on a waiting list for health care, their travel expenses are paid for by the government or by their campaign funds. And when you bank $20 million for playacting, after two or three roles you should be set or it's your own fault. I think the point Kid Rock is trying to make is shut up and sing, or act. A lot of these people, by their own admissions, aren't that bright. They have pulpits to espouse a cause from, but not the intellect to drive a cogent conversation. Babs Striesand for example, "President Bush stinks, hey, get off my beach!"
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
"You're only entitled to an informed opinion."
August 27, 2008 - 18:31 ET by j. frank wilsonThat's an interesting thought. Since half the American population is of below-average intelligence, do they not have the right of opinion? To vote? Do the Opinion Police decide which opinions are correct?
I'd rather put my faith in the open marketplace of ideas. Toss all the available opinions in there and let the people decide which - if any - make sense... After all, some folks out there are apparently willing to listen to Kid Rock.
Say what?
August 27, 2008 - 18:42 ET by well99"Since half the American population is of below-average intelligence, do they not have the right of opinion?"
How did you get that?Why dont you post your links proving that assumption.I agree everyone has a right to their opinion.It is the way you put it.
well99:
August 28, 2008 - 09:38 ET by j. frank wilsonIt's a joke! By definition half of any population is below average - and half is above.
[Yes, I know there are several "averages" - I'm using it the way most people do.]
Frank
August 28, 2008 - 18:58 ET by well99Dont give up your day job.Ok attempt at humor.I hope you arent sitting by the phone waiting for comedy central to call.
well99:
August 29, 2008 - 00:40 ET by j. frank wilsonYou falling for it is more than enough reward for me.
"Why dont you post your links proving that assumption." - Priceless!
Well to be frank
August 29, 2008 - 01:14 ET by well99"That's an interesting thought. Since half the American population is of below-average intelligence, do they not have the right of opinion? To vote? Do the Opinion Police decide which opinions are correct?"
You should send that to The Daily Show.I sure Jon will bust a gut.I dont know how I could miss such a humorous remark.
Great idea
August 27, 2008 - 19:20 ET by Indiana Joe"Toss all the available opinions in there and let the people decide which - if any - make sense."
Tell it to MSNBC. And CBS. And CNN. And the NYT. And Dreamworks. Spread the word.
Can I get an "Amen?"
Amen!
August 27, 2008 - 19:55 ET by well99Good point.
Life in The Land of Green Fairies
August 27, 2008 - 22:28 ET by"You're only entitled to an informed opinion" -greenfairie
So that's the law in The Land of Green Fairies? Well, here in the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, we have this thing called the First Amendment- The Right of Free Speech, and it's worked very well for over 300 years. EVERYONE has the right to their opinion and to voice it. No matter how informed or educated the opinion. No matter if it's left, right, or wrong.
But, tell us, how did that law play out in The Land of Green Fairies. Did you elect Adolf The Green Fairie to lead the decision makers on what qualified as "informed"? How long did it take to go from deciding who would be denied free speech- to vote- to being denied any rights or property- to decide they shouldn't exist? Did you go after any particular colors or types because they represented counter-thoughts to the well being of the State- white ones, black ones, pink ones, Jewish, Muslim? Please.. Tell us how utopia came about in The Land of Green Fairies?
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” - Sinclair Lewis, origin- Huey Long
Kid Rock
August 27, 2008 - 17:07 ET by SchnikeysKid Rock is a total burnout. He had one or two good songs, but the rest of his music catalogue is not worthy of listening. But I will say that the position he took with this quote is not the same as other celebrities/musicians who take positions on "typical" issues...you know, "war is wrong," "don't eat meat" "Barbara Boxer can suck on my machine gun"...yada yada yada.
I don't think the point Kid Rock was trying to make was directed specifically at U.S. government or policies, but instead, at his colleagues in the entertainment industry who use their fame in attempts to persuade the public with regard to something that is not pertinent to what they are known for. He wasn't saying that his opinion should be turned into law, he wasn't saying that he doesn't have opinions on other issues, and he wasn't saying that celebrities should not have opinions at all. The subject of his statement was political relations, but the concept behind his statement was apolitical. No hypocrisy there.
------------------------------------------------------------
"My morality is your morality."
Nice post!
August 27, 2008 - 18:42 ET by j. frank wilsonYour comments are reasoned and well presented. I continue to believe his comment was political - however I will grant there is a certain trend among most of the other commentors here and it isn't exactly in favor of that position.
It was an opinion, frank.
August 27, 2008 - 19:25 ET by Indiana JoeIt was an opinion, frank. Not all opinions are political.
If you must classify it, fit it into a neat little niche, I'd say it's more of a social opinion. But I can see that your trend wouldn't be exactly in favor of that position.
Now I've got to chime
August 28, 2008 - 10:15 ET by lotrNow I've got to chime here. The above posts comments were reasoned and well presented. But j. frank wilson still doesn't seem to get it that KR's observation was not aimed at us, the political audience, but rather his peers. Entertainers (e.g., actors, comedians, musicians, athletes, etc.) gain their fame and access to the mass media through the entertainment industry. When they reach stardom, many misuse their fame (and mass media power) to unduly influence a large audience of non-entertainers (as well as their fellow entertainers) and advance a particular political point of view, when they are not qualified, nor paid, to provide insight or opinion on matters political. KR has merely point this out, and he's right. He did not use his fame to advance a political point of view, endorse a candidate, lambast a political party, raise money for a political party, the list goes on... And, he did not solicit us to "not pay attention to entertainers" (this last would constitute the circular reasoning that j. frank wilson insists upon). But j. frank wilson need not fear: The Hollywood elite aren't about to let anybody, let alone one of their peers, tell them otherwise, so Rosie, Alec, George, Madonna, Ben, Meryl, Bill, Jon, et al. shall continue to spew their Leftist propaganda upon us, the lowly masses.
On a side note: I do agree with j. frank wilson that, to my knowledge, the dress code for golf is smart casual -- no shirt, no game; period.
lotr:
August 28, 2008 - 11:00 ET by j. frank wilsonYou make an excellent point. Reading it your way does make a great deal of sense. Although it does take the fun out of my position.
What about the patriotic songs? Are those ok as long as they are not political? What about protest songs? Are those political because they challenge authority?
No shirt - no shoes - no game.
Glad to hear that you
August 28, 2008 - 13:26 ET by lotrGlad to hear that you found the above "tirade" somewhat sensible -- to be honest, I did have to carefully consider your point. I watched the thread from yesterday and chose to ignore it because I'm no Kid Rock fan and didn't want to invest the effort.
There's certainly some gray area on this. Songs with political content have been around for quite a while. Songs may have some leeway because of "artistic license," provided we are still talking about "art." But as with other forms of art, if they get too "preachy," people get turned off.
Reply
August 28, 2008 - 14:00 ET by SchnikeysHi Frank,
I appreciate that comment. You and I are probably going to disagree on a lot of things (as is probably the case between you and several other users here), but it's good to see that there is not always an adversarial nature about you. I'm sure you will find (if you haven't found already) that the same is true with many of the conservative users on this site. :-)
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"My morality is your morality."
Schnikeys:
August 28, 2008 - 16:19 ET by j. frank wilsonThank you for the kind words.
Here's the way I see it. In two months we're going to have an important election (not the most important one in our history - I can think of at least half a dozen that were more important - but clearly important, nonetheless).
Roughly half the nation supports one party and roughly half the other. The election itself is too close to call. Anybody who says today how this thing is going to turn out in November is full of it. Just too close for that.
So the day after we vote half our country is pretty pleased and half pretty sad. But the winner still has to govern. And no matter which side you're on, it's tough to argue that we don't have major problems - at home and around the world.
The best thing right now is to agree to disagree. We'll fight hard but we'll also fight fair. And whomever wins it, everybody has got to get behind him. Tip our caps to the winner if we lose; be gracious in victory if our side manages to pull it out.
The most important outcome for this election is that America wins.
Incorrect
August 28, 2008 - 20:57 ET by Warner Todd HustonThis is incorrect:
No, it ISN'T "roughly half the nation..." It is roughly half the electorate. THAT is not half the nation!
Mr. Huston:
August 29, 2008 - 00:48 ET by j. frank wilsonThose who don't vote have no opinion? That's hard to believe. Many people who would like to vote have been disenfranchised - legally and illegally. Remember when Florida took away the right to vote from people who were going to commit crimes in the future? Surely you've seen the documented evidence on that.
I am fully aware that roughly half of those who are eligible don't register and half of those who register don't vote. But that doesn't mean those who do not participate don't have a viewpoint on the election. I'm sure you've met those who have strident opinions - yet do nothing to back them up (such as participate in the process). Indeed, sometimes those folks are the most vocal.
Our nation is fairly evenly divided. If you have evidence to the contrary I'd welcome the opportunity to review it.