stevie's politics?

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by MikeBangle

Hey all,

The Dixie Chicks were in London, and what they said was not the "watered down" version that was reported by the media. The statement was a bit more involved and was quite vulgar in content.

I call that a lack of respect that beyond the issue of if they were for or against the war, you don't do that. What ever happened to respectfully disagreeing about anything? Nasty T-shirts, destroying property, making other peoples lives miserable does nothing to advance ANY cause. IMO, if the Dixie Chicks want to spout off like that, then they better be able to accept the consequences. (I.e. people burning CDs, not attending shows or buying their records. See, the consumer has the right to voice an opinion too. The death threats were a bit much however.)

Besides, a concert venue is NOT appropriate for artists who don't know JACK to start spouting off...

I go to concerts to be ENTERTAINED, not be lectured on an artists political beliefs. I go to concerts to get AWAY from that...

I think Stevie's decision to abstain from politics is right on the money. She is an entertainer, not a politician, and that goes for Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews and the rest of that ratpack. (And gee, Dave Matthews is so pro enviornmentalists that they went ahead and dumped several tons of sewage into a river in Ohio and are being sued by the state for it. Hmmmm.... )

It is fine to voice opposition, but do it with respect okay?

I apologize for the rant.

So how about Fleetwood Mac eh?

MikeBangle

How did they destroy property or make someone else' s life miserable? I wasn't aware of any of that. The death threats were a bit much? Well, I don't know...I guess. If Stevie is supposed to be an entertainer and not someone who is supposed to voice her political opinions, what about the fans you just said had every reason to express their views? I don't understand this idea that singers are not supposed to express their political beliefs. Shouldn't everyone's opinion be taken seriously, based on their knowledge of the subject and nothing else? Isn't that part of having an democracy (be it an indirect one), or a "rule by the people"? Aren't we all allowed to vote at a certain age? So shouldn't everyone be able to say how he or she feels about political issues?

Anyway, about Fleetwood Mac...they rock!

Hillary

[tynan88]

I suppose one of the worst parts about the whole incident for fans would be a level of dissolussionment and alientation it could cause to hear of your favourite artists political views that made contrast to your own, it could effect some peoples enjoyment (not saying it would effect mine though)

Tynan

[MikeBangle]

Actually,

I was referring the the thousands of people who protested in New York during the RNC. Alas, my mistake. And they did make peoples lives miserable, just ask the businesses that were trashed and the communters whose cars were egged on or people who were threatened and spit on as they just tried to get to work!

BTW - I never said celebs can't have political beliefs. What I said was they need to use sound judgement on where and how they voice them. At a political rally, okay. At a concert, NO WAY!

Shut up and sing, shut up and act.

MikeBangle

[teedee]

Originally Posted by GateandGarden

How did they destroy property or make someone else' s life miserable? I wasn't aware of any of that. The death threats were a bit much? Well, I don't know...I guess. If Stevie is supposed to be an entertainer and not someone who is supposed to voice her political opinions, what about the fans you just said had every reason to express their views? I don't understand this idea that singers are not supposed to express their political beliefs. Shouldn't everyone's opinion be taken seriously, based on their knowledge of the subject and nothing else? Isn't that part of having an democracy (be it an indirect one), or a "rule by the people"? Aren't we all allowed to vote at a certain age? So shouldn't everyone be able to say how he or she feels about political issues?

Anyway, about Fleetwood Mac...they rock!

Hillary

Of course everyone has a right to voice their opinion. But as an entertainer, they have to realize that any backlash is going to be dealt with on a greater level. You may not like that statement but it is true. Like mike said, a music concert is not the right place to do such a thing. The artist feels, all these people are here for me, which they are, but open your mouth about politics, religion, or abortion and you are throwing a match into a stream of gasoline, People are going to disagree. and they will react any way they feel fit. I strongly believe that Stevie doesnt get involve with politics in a public way because she knows she is an entertainer and not a politician. She cares to much about her career to make that kind of foolish mistake. What kills me about the DC, is if you say something, stand behind it. What would happen if all the people out their who stood for something backed down because of negative feed back. someone stated she got death threats, (thats enough to scare anyone, true, but do you think that politicians, or war protesters, or abortion rights protesters, or the President, themselves dont recieve the same kinds of threats). How would the world be if everyone who stood for something backdown because of fear. As soon as we open our mouths bout something, there is always going to be an oposition. But if you are a public figure, your gonna see it displayed in a public way, ( negative or positive) and they should of expected it.

[saradorna]

Originally Posted by MikeBangle

Actually,

I was referring the the thousands of people who protested in New York during the RNC. Alas, my mistake. And they did make peoples lives miserable, just ask the businesses that were trashed and the communters whose cars were egged on or people who were threatened and spit on as they just tried to get to work!

BTW - I never said celebs can't have political beliefs. What I said was they need to use sound judgement on where and how they voice them. At a political rally, okay. At a concert, NO WAY!

Shut up and sing, shut up and act.

MikeBangle

Artist are people too and they have the right to say there opinion whenever, however they want to. Some of them do it, some them don't. If an artist says something political you have the right to get out of the concert. You can speak out against the artist. But I find it funny because I bet if you were in a concert an artist said a political view that you agree with you would not protest or get out of the concert. In fact, I bet you would applaud the artist. Right? So if this is true, your statement would be very hipocritical and very un american. You're basically saying any artist who don't agree with you should shut up and sing. Sad very sad

Isabel

[teedee]

Originally Posted by saradorna

Artist are people too and they have the right to say there opinion whenever, however they want to. Some of them do it, some them don't. If an artist says something political you have the right to get out of the concert. You can speak out against the artist. But I find it funny because I bet if you were in a concert an artist said a political view that you agree with you would not protest or get out of the concert. In fact, I bet you would applaud the artist. Right? So if this is true, your statement would be very hipocritical and very un american. You're basically saying any artist who don't agree with you should shut up and sing. Sad very sad

Isabel

I dont think that is the point he or I am trying to make, I will only speak for my self, but i think the point being made is a concert is not the right place for a political statement. If this were a concert for say " artists against the war" then I think if I werent against the war, I wouldnt attend this concert. Artists have all the rights that we do, its just that when they do it in such a public forum, they should be aware that there are going to be some that disagree. Thats not to s ay that there isnt some who agree as well. but the problem is with those who do disagree. And if they( the artist) cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. My point is they said something, but they didnt stand behind it. IF you are worried about the safety of your children and your families and you make such a statement in public. think before you speak.

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by MikeBangle

Actually,

I was referring the the thousands of people who protested in New York during the RNC. Alas, my mistake. And they did make peoples lives miserable, just ask the businesses that were trashed and the communters whose cars were egged on or people who were threatened and spit on as they just tried to get to work!

BTW - I never said celebs can't have political beliefs. What I said was they need to use sound judgement on where and how they voice them. At a political rally, okay. At a concert, NO WAY!

Shut up and sing, shut up and act.

MikeBangle

I never said that you were implying that celebs couldn't have political beliefs. (Or if I did, that's not what I meant to say). I thought you were saying that they shouldn't express them as politicians do. Now you're saying that they shouldn't express them at a concert. I don't understand this. These issues affect all of us and it shows that an artist is at least somewhat in tune with the world if he or she actually discusses them. I really and truly don't understand this "shut and sing, shut up and act" concept, as I read Laura Ingraham's book and she was very quick to criticize any liberal or democractic celebrity who spoke his or her mind (those who new what they were talking about as well as those who didn't), but completely ignored the ignorant comments that have been made by Republican and/or conservative celebrities as well. Because, to her, it was okay for them to open their mouths, as long as they agreed with her.

Hillary

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by teedee

but the problem is with those who do disagree. And if they( the artist) cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. My point is they said something, but they didnt stand behind it.

I understand the other things you said, but I thought we estasblished that the Dixie Chicks did stand behind what Natalie said. They apologized, but that doesn't mean they took it back. The other two swore that they would stand behind her, and she actually said during the Diane Sawyer interview that would say something similar again. So, unless I missed some turn of events during which she did decide to take it all back, she has stood behind her comments about Bush.

Hillary

[saradorna]

Originally Posted by teedee

I dont think that is the point he or I am trying to make, I will only speak for my self, but i think the point being made is a concert is not the right place for a political statement. If this were a concert for say " artists against the war" then I think if I werent against the war, I wouldnt attend this concert.

Are you kidding? A concert is the best place to reach 10,000 or 20,000 people immediately about political views or any for that matter. For example, if the artist just said "please vote, is important that you vote", a concert is the perfect place to say it. Some artists would want to say more specifics things like "vote for this guy or that guy". It's their choice, opinion and is the american thing to do or is it not? Americans makes a hoopla saying they're the most free country because of it. Are you telling me it's a lie. What a Shock!!

Originally Posted by teedee

Artists have all the rights that we do, its just that when they do it in such a public forum, they should be aware that there are going to be some that disagree. Thats not to say that there isnt some who agree as well. but the problem is with those who do disagree. And if they( the artist) cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. My point is they said something, but they didnt stand behind it. IF you are worried about the safety of your children and your families and you make such a statement in public. think before you speak.

Oh my, that read like if we were talking about china. I mean, beware artists if you speak your mind, you could get killed.

WATCH OUT!!!

Again, everyone has the right to speak against each others views but they DO NOT have the right to harm ANYONE for them.

Isabel

[Kelly]

IMHO, it is not a stretch of the imagination to believe that PK is not a political/anti war, pro peace song considering that Lindsey himself stated that the song is a love song. His words, not mine. All his quotes about PK can be found on Nancy's site. He started commenting on the peace aspect after the record company chose PK as the first single because of the positive message that could be gleaned from the lyrics. The war had started and it was a comforting, positive message to send at the time it was released. However, Lindsey is the one who stated that was not his original intent, so I tend to give more weight to his view about his lyrics. PK was the perfect song to be released as a single in March of 2003 and I understand why Lindsey to chose explain his lyrics in the way he did...however his original feelings when writing the song are what is most important to me when trying to understand the song.

Although Stevie's comments do sound very naive, I think her intentions were good. Most likely she was saying that she didn't believe we should speak out against the war during the war because of the troops. I tend to think she was thinking about the soldiers and trying to say that we should not speak out against the war out of respect for the men and women who were over their fighting for us, putting themselves in harm's way to do what they were ordered to do. IMHO, I think that is what she meant. Stevie has always had a hard time expressing herself in interviews and tends to come across as naive or even flighty. Sometimes I think her message gets lost and that she doesnt express what she really means very well. I would bet that she "really" doesn't believe that people should not speak out about the war, even during wartime. I think she was probably thinking about how the anti war sentiments could affect the soldiers morale and how our support should be behind them while they were fighting. When they are home safe, well then speak out as much as you want. This is just my opinion and how I interpret what she said to mean...who knows what Stevie really feels about any of this.

[estranged4life]

I agree that musicians, Like the REST of the people on this green/blue orb called E-A-R-T-H, are entitled to their opinions (Remember opinions are like assholes; Everyone has one and they ALL smell!) But I could really give a "Jesus jumped up Christ" about their political opinions.

Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam & especially U2 have my respects due to their musical talent, Not their political views...NOTHING on this planet can change that, NOTHING!

Speaking of Bruce, I recently was regretfully shopping at a national retail chain store (Who will NOT get a name mention here due to their CENSORSHIP of music! Plus they control nearly 35% of the retail market here in OKLAHOMA, Can ya say M-O-N-O-P-O-L-Y?) when the lady behind the cash register said to me the following (After she noticed my Bruce "Summer Tour 2003" t-shirt) "I bet the next thing you will say is that you will want me to vote for Kerry", to which I replied the following "VOTE for whoever you WANT, I do NOT FORCE my political views on ANYONE...Nor should any other person, Be it musician or actors. Decide for yourself".

I think her jaw must've broke after my comment because it left her in a state of "befuddle-ment"

Brian "Still having chest pain, And still not dead yet" j.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by teedee

OMG . please, They were in a concert, and if it was in Texas as you stated, what the hell did they expect the reaction to be from an audience full of texans, cheers? well they sure found out that it was not well received. This is what I dont like about celebs that just use their status to think that everyone will agree with them cause of who they are. Altho we all have the right to say what we want, but we also have to accept the negativity that comes along with it.

Yet another case of people acting as if they know what they're talking about.

You obviously have not read the articles about the incident in question, which explicitly state the Texans howled with approval and applause. Again, all evidence suggests that it was an off-the-cuff remark, whether you want to believe it or not.

I also find your assertion that celebrities automatically think everyone will agree with them on politics to be incredulous at best. It's quite disingenuous; they have just as much right to say what they want as you do.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by Sugar

Actually I thought they were in London.

They were; it was a concert for Texan expatriates.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by teedee

I truly dont recall where they were, when DISS said they were in texas, i thought wow that was even more stupid to say it infront of thousands of texans. Well I shouldnt take what Diss says as facts, lol.

I didn't say they were in Texas. Read before you reply and put words in the mouths of others. But I guess that takes too much effort on your part.

[teedee]

Originally Posted by GateandGarden

I understand the other things you said, but I thought we estasblished that the Dixie Chicks did stand behind what Natalie said. They apologized, but that doesn't mean they took it back. The other two swore that they would stand behind her, and she actually said during the Diane Sawyer interview that would say something similar again. So, unless I missed some turn of events during which she did decide to take it all back, she has stood behind her comments about Bush.

Hillary

Firstly I was never Seperating any of the Dixie Chicks.

Secondly, If they did apologize, what did they apologize for, if they didnt take back what was originally said? \


Thirdly when i Was referring to the DC, I wasnt seperating either of them from the other. So please let me ask a question based on your above post ok, please clarify this for me. If you are stating that natalie went on stage at a DC concert and informed her other partners of whatshe was going to say, which would be the rigt thing to do because she is not standing on that stage alone, and they all agreed, fine, now the after effect happens and the other two bail out on natalie and apologize (for what, I'd like to know) well then i think thats sh*tty of them to take back what they originally believed in . I do feel that if you take action and then later apologize for that action, you are infact taking back what you stood up for. Whats the point in saying anything at all then. The fact is it was done with the wrong approach.

Now if you are telling me that natalie went on stage with the DC and didnt inform them of what she was planning on saying to "their" audience, then i can see the other 2 DC apologizing for something they had nothing to do with.


If the case is natalie thought they were behind her because she informed them and the other 2 apologized out of fear, but natalie herself didnt apologize for it , then so be it.