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Re: SHOULD ARTISTS CAMPAIGN?

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Posted by David M. McLean (from: ) on August 20, 2004 at 05:58:18:

In Reply to: SHOULD ARTISTS CAMPAIGN? posted by Geoff on August 15, 2004 at 18:37:18:

I just received the newsletter and have decided to respond BEFORE I view any other responses, so this is in no way a reply to anyone else (though I may do that later, opinionated **** that I am).

Should artists campaign, and are they qualified?

Everyone is qualified to have an opinion, which is why everyone (at least those over 18 who are registered) can vote. The question is really, "Should they make their opinion public?", since when they make a statement all the non-famous hear it. In answer to that question, they should do whatever they feel comfortable with, which is the answer to the first question, also.

The listening public, on the other hand, must be smart enough to have REASONED opinions and not allow themselves to be unduly influenced by an UNreasoned opinion...though they need to keep an open mind in case Bruce (or others) have something reasonable to say.

Artists throwing support to a specific candidate is an old tradition; much older than the 1960s, when it was commonplace.

I think a more relevant question is: Why don't more artists who are politically concerned be even more active and vocal about their views? Ani diFranco opposes Mr. Bush, for example, but who does she support? Another example are all the famous folks who support the Libertarian movement (Staind, Drew Carey, Clint Eastwood, etc.) but never make an issue of coming forward in support of the Libertarian candidate. What about those who support Nader or the Greens, but don't ask their fans to at least sign ballot access petitions to allow voters more options?

I believe it was Socrates who said (paraphrased): If you don't become politically involved, you will ultimately be governed by your inferiors.

--
David M. McLean
Skinny Devil Music Lab
http://www.skinnydevil.com

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: I just received the newsletter and have decided to respond BEFORE I view any other responses, so this is in no way a reply to anyone else (though I may do that later, opinionated **** that I am). : Should artists campaign, and are they qualified? : Everyone is qualified to have an opinion, which is why everyone (at least those over 18 who are registered) can vote. The question is really, "Should they make their opinion public?", since when they make a statement all the non-famous hear it. In answer to that question, they should do whatever they feel comfortable with, which is the answer to the first question, also. : The listening public, on the other hand, must be smart enough to have REASONED opinions and not allow themselves to be unduly influenced by an UNreasoned opinion...though they need to keep an open mind in case Bruce (or others) have something reasonable to say. : Artists throwing support to a specific candidate is an old tradition; much older than the 1960s, when it was commonplace. : I think a more relevant question is: Why don't more artists who are politically concerned be even more active and vocal about their views? Ani diFranco opposes Mr. Bush, for example, but who does she support? Another example are all the famous folks who support the Libertarian movement (Staind, Drew Carey, Clint Eastwood, etc.) but never make an issue of coming forward in support of the Libertarian candidate. What about those who support Nader or the Greens, but don't ask their fans to at least sign ballot access petitions to allow voters more options? : I believe it was Socrates who said (paraphrased): If you don't become politically involved, you will ultimately be governed by your inferiors. : -- : David M. McLean : Skinny Devil Music Lab : http://www.skinnydevil.com

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