George Bush

[froy]

Just one more example of how everyone is willing to lay everything bad that's ever happened to anyone at the feet of George Bush.

Your right shake, GW has done so much good for this country and the world like.... or um like... well there's. hmmm shaka , I'm gonna need help on this one. I can't think of one good thing.

I guess you don't remember the response to 9/11. Or how about there has been no more terrorist attacks on the US since then. Or how about removing the Taliban and Sadam Hussein. Or how about 7 out of 8 years of economic prosperity. If you're going to lay all of the countries ills on him, then give him some of the credit.

Oh I remember, I remember the deer in headlights look after being told of the attack. I remember GW just sitting in that classroom instead of excusing himself and getting in touch with his cabinet immediately. I remember that he couldn't let it go with Iraq until after the mission in Afghanastan could be completed. I remember that he never found WMD's and please don't tell me they are hidden in Iran or Syria or with any other of Iraq's mortal enemies. I remember GW's your with us or against us. And I remember the way he loved to talk about people being anti-troop when all anyone ever was is anti-Iraq war. I remember that Bin laden is still out there. I remember that gas prices mysteriously seem to come down around election time. When I have more time I can continue the list of what I remember if you want.

Don't forget the bring it on call from Bush
4200 troops are dead because of it

[DeeJaySTYX]

The point is no President will stop bombings
So Bush gets no credit for no more attacks in America

OH, I thought the point is that smoke bombs don't count..

[hoagiepete]

Ah it will still be Bush's fault 3 years from now when shit goes bad. The left is frickin' nuts. If you say it enough times, it must be true, no matter how ridiculous it is.

Damnit. I had two bad beats at the poker table last night. F'n Bush. I lost, but someone should give me my chips back cause it just wasn't fair. My company was in the red this year. F'n Bush. Don't mind the fact that we budgeted it that way, still his fault. My wife overcooked the bisquits today, F'n Bush. I should be able to get new ones for free. Wasn't my fault, it was GW's. I didn't do my homework and flunked a test, F'n Bush. He should have given me the answers. My kid didn't practice very hard and lost the game, but still got a participation medal, F'n Bush. He really had nothing to do with this new PC society, but it's still his fault damn it.

I can't wait for the wealth spread. I am going to quit working 60 hours a week, sit at home, and wait for the wealth to come my way. Whoo hoo. D's in charge of both Houses and the Whitehouse. This is going to be good.

By the way, who would you rather have leading the country Pelosi or Palin? Free botox for everyone right Pelosi. I can't afford it, but you should give it to me don't you think?

[hoagiepete]

Oh and by the way...I saw Styx last month and they are still pretty damn entertaining. Worth the price of a ticket.

[LordofDaRing]

Well to get back to one of the points made at the beginning, no Jimmy Carter still stands as the worst all time president in my book. 21% misery index, hostages in Iran (released coincidently the day Regan took office), as long as we lay gas prices on the president (which I believe for the record is absurd) I remember waiting in long long lines for gas during the Peanut Farmer's admin, his catastrophic cuts in the military budget, then having the audacity to blame his intelligence/military leaders for not knowing that Russia was going to invade Afghanistan. He accompished this with no 911 attacks and no Hurricane Katrina to deal with. He had other bright ideas about the economy and space program which fortunately never saw the light of day. He gets credit for peace initiatives in the middle east....huh...wha...last I looked it looks like they are still killing each other over there.

[froy]

The point is no President will stop bombings
So Bush gets no credit for no more attacks in America

OH, I thought the point is that smoke bombs don't count..

Yep that's the point
They don't count for giving Bush credit for no more attacks

[Tanirocker]

Oh and by the way...I saw Styx last month and they are still pretty damn entertaining. Worth the price of a ticket.

You don't mind spending money on a band that qualifies (according to you) as "frickin' nuts?"

[hoagiepete]

Oh and by the way...I saw Styx last month and they are still pretty damn entertaining. Worth the price of a ticket.

You don't mind spending money on a band that qualifies (according to you) as "frickin' nuts?"

I don't pay them to give me a political speech. I pay them to be entertained. Bands, artists, actors, etc can say or think want they want, I just appreciate if they don't do it on my dime. In other words, if I buy a ticket for concert, I would hope to hear and see a performance, not to be preached at. Styx may be a little green. That is fine. Never heard them utter one liberal comment during a show though. If they promoted an agenda during a show, I'm done. Period.

It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out. They figure they'll lose more to criminal agents than uncle sam so they don't give a shit. Just because someone has good looks, can act a little or write a good song, doesn't qualify them for ambassador of the world. Actors make a living at being something they are not. Just keep it on the soundstage. Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message.

Thankfully Styx, Journey, REO Speedwagon, KISS, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent...just seeing if you were paying attention...etc, keep the politics off the stage. Fortunately, when I dropped a couple hundred on the Eagles a couple of years ago, they kept their lips buttoned. The ones that don't can't figure it out that they'll alienate half their fanbase, since that is about the split.

[chowhall]

Oh and by the way...I saw Styx last month and they are still pretty damn entertaining. Worth the price of a ticket.

You don't mind spending money on a band that qualifies (according to you) as "frickin' nuts?"

I don't pay them to give me a political speech. I pay them to be entertained. Bands, artists, actors, etc can say or think want they want, I just appreciate if they don't do it on my dime. In other words, if I buy a ticket for concert, I would hope to hear and see a performance, not to be preached at. Styx may be a little green. That is fine. Never heard them utter one liberal comment during a show though. If they promoted an agenda during a show, I'm done. Period.

It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out. They figure they'll lose more to criminal agents than uncle sam so they don't give a shit. Just because someone has good looks, can act a little or write a good song, doesn't qualify them for ambassador of the world. Actors make a living at being something they are not. Just keep it on the soundstage. Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message.

Thankfully Styx, Journey, REO Speedwagon, KISS, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent...just seeing if you were paying attention...etc, keep the politics off the stage. Fortunately, when I dropped a couple hundred on the Eagles a couple of years ago, they kept their lips buttoned. The ones that don't can't figure it out that they'll alienate half their fanbase, since that is about the split.

Tani,

I did not write that. BTW, REO does not keep their politics off the stage. You always get an earful from Kevin.

[LordofDaRing]

"It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out. They figure they'll lose more to criminal agents than uncle sam so they don't give a shit. Just because someone has good looks, can act a little or write a good song, doesn't qualify them for ambassador of the world. Actors make a living at being something they are not. Just keep it on the soundstage. Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message."

Nice post - stay away from Madonna concerts. But it sounds like you have good taste in music, so that would not be a problem.


"I did not write that. BTW, REO does not keep their politics off the stage. You always get an earful from Kevin."

I have seen REO about 12 times. KC does ramble on about health food and other things, i don't recall him telling me who to vote for. I plan on seeing them this month however, so we shall see. My wife is a life long REO fan, if he starts going on too much, we might leave too.

[hoagiepete]

"It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out. They figure they'll lose more to criminal agents than uncle sam so they don't give a shit. Just because someone has good looks, can act a little or write a good song, doesn't qualify them for ambassador of the world. Actors make a living at being something they are not. Just keep it on the soundstage. Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message."

Nice post - stay away from Madonna concerts. But it sounds like you have good taste in music, so that would not be a problem.


"I did not write that. BTW, REO does not keep their politics off the stage. You always get an earful from Kevin."

I have seen REO about 12 times. KC does ramble on about health food and other things, i don't recall him telling me who to vote for. I plan on seeing them this month however, so we shall see. My wife is a life long REO fan, if he starts going on too much, we might leave too.

I agree. I've seen them about the same number of times and KC has never mentioned politics...although there is always plenty of rambling.

Whatever happened to rock concerts that were an excuse to get loaded and have a great time. Bono, The Boss, Rolling Stones...they all got too big for their britches. Ruined the entire "rock n roll" thing for me.

[Ehwmatt]

"It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out. They figure they'll lose more to criminal agents than uncle sam so they don't give a shit. Just because someone has good looks, can act a little or write a good song, doesn't qualify them for ambassador of the world. Actors make a living at being something they are not. Just keep it on the soundstage. Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message."

Nice post - stay away from Madonna concerts. But it sounds like you have good taste in music, so that would not be a problem.


"I did not write that. BTW, REO does not keep their politics off the stage. You always get an earful from Kevin."

I have seen REO about 12 times. KC does ramble on about health food and other things, i don't recall him telling me who to vote for. I plan on seeing them this month however, so we shall see. My wife is a life long REO fan, if he starts going on too much, we might leave too.

I agree. I've seen them about the same number of times and KC has never mentioned politics...although there is always plenty of rambling.

Whatever happened to rock concerts that were an excuse to get loaded and have a great time. Bono, The Boss, Rolling Stones...they all got too big for their britches. Ruined the entire "rock n roll" thing for me.

I'll tell you one thing, it sure as shit ain't working class democrats shelling out $70+ a ticket to go see Bruce or Bono talk out of their asses instead of play their fuckin music. Not for the most part.

[LordofDaRing]

"I'll tell you one thing, it sure as shit ain't working class democrats shelling out $70+ a ticket to go see Bruce or Bono talk out of their asses instead of play their fuckin music. Not for the most part."

I agree with you my friend. There was nothing wrong with Nancy Wilson of Heart telling the McCain camp to stop playing Barrcuda at their rallies, however when she decides to go Don Henley and explain how in her mind Palin doesn't represent American Women and what not...it takes me back to the good old days of shelling out hard earned money for albums, T-Shirts, etc at these concerts. I happen to know a lot of those same Republicans who did the same, I guess they never wanted our money either did they? The Boss is a real piece of work, talented and energetic, but still...he went as far as to get on pepole who were refusing to attend Dixie Chick concerts or buy their CDs after that blow up years ago. As if, nobody outside the rock community has first ammendment rights? Their last DVD should have been re titled to just Shut Up instead of Shut Up and sing.

[Tanirocker]

I don't pay them to give me a political speech. I pay them to be entertained. Bands, artists, actors, etc can say or think want they want, I just appreciate if they don't do it on my dime. In other words, if I buy a ticket for concert, I would hope to hear and see a performance, not to be preached at. Styx may be a little green. That is fine. Never heard them utter one liberal comment during a show though. If they promoted an agenda during a show, I'm done. Period.

Did you miss Tommy's speech before Man in The Wilderness?

As for being "a little green," I can say with certainty that they're all staunch Democrats.

It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out.

I'm sorry, but that's absurd. I can understand saying that someone like Michael Jackson lives in a fantasy world, but working musicians live in the same world that you and I inhabit. Do you think Hollywood is on Mars? The fact that someone is in show business doesn't make them any more or less qualified to discuss issues. I'm so sick of hearing people who give their OWN opinions quite freely claiming that people in this business should just shut up.

Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message. Thankfully Styx, Journey, REO Speedwagon, KISS, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent...just seeing if you were paying attention...etc, keep the politics off the stage. Fortunately, when I dropped a couple hundred on the Eagles a couple of years ago, they kept their lips buttoned. The ones that don't can't figure it out that they'll alienate half their fanbase, since that is about the split.

I find it disturbing when anyone attempts to put restrictions on free speech. Telling an artist, "Don't make any comments on stage that might suggest a political stance" makes my blood run cold. Some artists write political songs. Should they be careful not to verbalize their views unless they're set to music? Should they refrain (pun sort of intended) from playing political songs? What about letting groups like Move On have booths at the show? Do they have to stop allowing that?

It's not hard to find out if a particular act makes political statements. If I don't want to hear what they have to say, I don't buy tickets. If you believe in a free market, let it work. I don't agree with much that Ted Nugent says, but I think he has a right to say whatever he pleases in his shows.

[LordofDaRing]

"Do you think Hollywood is on Mars?"
Further out, try Jupiter...

"The fact that someone is in show business doesn't make them any more or less qualified to discuss issues. I'm so sick of hearing people who give their OWN opinions quite freely claiming that people in this business should just shut up"

The bottom line is that these guys do not live in the same world as we do. They travel with armed body guards, but don't feel that we should own a hand gun to protect our families. These guys never have to stand in line for a ticket, a table at a restaurant, movie, nothing. Do you really think these guys are paying their fair share of taxes? Every where they go they are treated like kings, even the guys who are not so much in the spotlight any more. Check out those back stage flyers in smoking gun.com, lots of prima donna's out there. Madonna has a huge split screen behind her on stage with McCain and Hitler's faces side by side. Give me a break, that is a fair comparison. I think we take free speech to a new level here. I did not realize big Mac sent 6 million jews to concentration camps. How bout everyone else practice free speech and bombard her publicist with emails about how insulting that is to survivors of said concentration camps?

"I find it disturbing when anyone attempts to put restrictions on free speech. Telling an artist, "Don't make any comments on stage that might suggest a political stance" makes my blood run cold. Some artists write political songs. Should they be careful not to verbalize their views unless they're set to music? Should they refrain (pun sort of intended) from playing political songs? What about letting groups like Move On have booths at the show? Do they have to stop allowing that?
It's not hard to find out if a particular act makes political statements. If I don't want to hear what they have to say, I don't buy tickets. If you believe in a free market, let it work. I don't agree with much that Ted Nugent says, but I think he has a right to say whatever he pleases in his shows."

I think the point here, is you are paying to attend a concert not to get lectured regardless who it is. If Ted Nugent wants to preach NRA rights at his concert, I think he should announce that prior to his show as a warning to somebody who might be offended by that. Same goes for the rest of them.

[hoagiepete]

I don't pay them to give me a political speech. I pay them to be entertained. Bands, artists, actors, etc can say or think want they want, I just appreciate if they don't do it on my dime. In other words, if I buy a ticket for concert, I would hope to hear and see a performance, not to be preached at. Styx may be a little green. That is fine. Never heard them utter one liberal comment during a show though. If they promoted an agenda during a show, I'm done. Period.

Did you miss Tommy's speech before Man in The Wilderness?

As for being "a little green," I can say with certainty that they're all staunch Democrats.

It bothers the heck out of me when these artists make millions off us poor saps and then use the money to create a bully pulpit to pontificate on things of which they have no clue. They live in a fantasy world. It's not real and they can't figure that out.

I'm sorry, but that's absurd. I can understand saying that someone like Michael Jackson lives in a fantasy world, but working musicians live in the same world that you and I inhabit. Do you think Hollywood is on Mars? The fact that someone is in show business doesn't make them any more or less qualified to discuss issues. I'm so sick of hearing people who give their OWN opinions quite freely claiming that people in this business should just shut up.

Musicians...please just give me music. If not, they should put a warning on the website when you purchase tickets that part of the show include a political message. Thankfully Styx, Journey, REO Speedwagon, KISS, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent...just seeing if you were paying attention...etc, keep the politics off the stage. Fortunately, when I dropped a couple hundred on the Eagles a couple of years ago, they kept their lips buttoned. The ones that don't can't figure it out that they'll alienate half their fanbase, since that is about the split.

I find it disturbing when anyone attempts to put restrictions on free speech. Telling an artist, "Don't make any comments on stage that might suggest a political stance" makes my blood run cold. Some artists write political songs. Should they be careful not to verbalize their views unless they're set to music? Should they refrain (pun sort of intended) from playing political songs? What about letting groups like Move On have booths at the show? Do they have to stop allowing that?

It's not hard to find out if a particular act makes political statements. If I don't want to hear what they have to say, I don't buy tickets. If you believe in a free market, let it work. I don't agree with much that Ted Nugent says, but I think he has a right to say whatever he pleases in his shows.

Since I can't figure all the quote stuff like most of you... let me try to reply below...

First, I must of missed the Man in the Wilderness statement. I do recall...him saying it was about (his brother??) going off to war? I could have been drunk at the time...but I thought it was a statement as to what the song was about...it did not sound like preaching to me. Hence no offense taken by me...the ticket buying consumer.

Second, I don't mind the fact anyone is Democrat, Republican, Reform, whatever. Some of my best friends are Democrats. Seriously. I just don't pay them to preach to me. That's all.

Third, no offense, but many may argue that Hollywood is beyond Mars as far as being in touch with the rest of the country. It didn't get the name La La Land for nothing. Not trying to demean as there are surely many great folks out there. I can give my opinions, it pretty much don't mean shit. Give me a stage...and it suddenly means shit...even if I don't know shit.

By the way...I do not mean to paint with a broad brush...as I am sure there are many working musicians that are well read, articulate and do understand the issues (again, Ted Nugent for example...just kidding). I just think the Hollywood type were better protecting animals that trying to save the world. If it were possible to articulate the issues with valid points...without nastiness, name calling and utter hatred...then I may change my view.

Just my opinion. You'd have a hard time convincing me that many out there in the "business" have a clue about having to work 60 hours a week (all year long...not just during a movie production...recording of an album...etc), taking off work to run kids to doctor's appointments, missing work when kids are sick, going to ball games, paying bills, serving on civic and church boards and then dishing out a chunk of change to be "entertained!!"

I think the free market system will work this all out. Many were offended by the Dixie Chicks rant...they didn't buy their records. I personally chose not to buy a ticket to see Springsteen when in town because I wasn't thrilled about being preached to. It probably was more of a loss for me than him, since he still sold the tickets in this case. Thing is, I liked his stuff until he took his message outside his art. At least his message in song had a musical component that I happened to like.

I would not want to suggest restricting free speech. I think you are missing the "free" part of my point. Give it to me for free...I have no complaint. Just don't charge me to hear it. If concerts become trade shows for various movements...I'm done. Why would an artist want to divide their fan base? Seems pretty much ...ah... like a less than a sound economical approach...by doing such. Maybe they have soo frickin much money it don't matter.

I agree with you on Ted... and the others. No problem here...as long as people know what they are paying for when they buy a ticket...that's my point. I knew what I'd be in for at a Boss show, so I chose not to go. If Styx, Journey, REO or any of my other favs would suddenly unload on me with a political speech in the middle of a concert...I'd be pissed and probably lose interest in them. Tom Shultz's views are somewhat extreme...but it don't bother me...cause he ain't preachin'! He probably put in a little plug about PETA, but small enough most could roll their eyes and continue with the concert. I still like his music with Boston. Crusade if he wants...once it becomes offensive...the market will react.

In order to avoid any cold (or bad) blood...how about just giving a bunch of free concerts then???? I'd go for that.

I'm sorry this got so long... I gotta get back to work.

[hoagiepete]

"Do you think Hollywood is on Mars?"
Further out, try Jupiter...

"The fact that someone is in show business doesn't make them any more or less qualified to discuss issues. I'm so sick of hearing people who give their OWN opinions quite freely claiming that people in this business should just shut up"

The bottom line is that these guys do not live in the same world as we do. They travel with armed body guards, but don't feel that we should own a hand gun to protect our families. These guys never have to stand in line for a ticket, a table at a restaurant, movie, nothing. Do you really think these guys are paying their fair share of taxes? Every where they go they are treated like kings, even the guys who are not so much in the spotlight any more. Check out those back stage flyers in smoking gun.com, lots of prima donna's out there. Madonna has a huge split screen behind her on stage with McCain and Hitler's faces side by side. Give me a break, that is a fair comparison. I think we take free speech to a new level here. I did not realize big Mac sent 6 million jews to concentration camps. How bout everyone else practice free speech and bombard her publicist with emails about how insulting that is to survivors of said concentration camps?

"I find it disturbing when anyone attempts to put restrictions on free speech. Telling an artist, "Don't make any comments on stage that might suggest a political stance" makes my blood run cold. Some artists write political songs. Should they be careful not to verbalize their views unless they're set to music? Should they refrain (pun sort of intended) from playing political songs? What about letting groups like Move On have booths at the show? Do they have to stop allowing that?
It's not hard to find out if a particular act makes political statements. If I don't want to hear what they have to say, I don't buy tickets. If you believe in a free market, let it work. I don't agree with much that Ted Nugent says, but I think he has a right to say whatever he pleases in his shows."

I think the point here, is you are paying to attend a concert not to get lectured regardless who it is. If Ted Nugent wants to preach NRA rights at his concert, I think he should announce that prior to his show as a warning to somebody who might be offended by that. Same goes for the rest of them.

Shit...as I rambled on...you put it much better. Amen.

[yogi]

Shit....... If it wasnt for democrats we would all be right.

[Zan]

FWIW, I agree with a lot of the things people like Bono and Don Henley preach about, but I find it aggravating when I pay to see a show and get lectured on the issues as well. If they want a slot on 60 Minutes, let 'em have at it, but it burns my ass when artists take advantage of a captive paying audience to get their messages out there. If it's in the form of art, so be it. If it's talking and preaching, I don't agree with it regardless of what side they're on. Sorry tani, but I think it's lame (I do believe in freedom of speech, and I find your argument that those of us who get annoyed with performers using their stage time to promote an agenda are anti "free speech" to be a a little bit obtuse).

[Tanirocker]

FWIW, I agree with a lot of the things people like Bono and Don Henley preach about, but I find it aggravating when I pay to see a show and get lectured on the issues as well. If they want a slot on 60 Minutes, let 'em have at it, but it burns my ass when artists take advantage of a captive paying audience to get their messages out there. If it's in the form of art, so be it. If it's talking and preaching, I don't agree with it regardless of what side they're on. Sorry tani, but I think it's lame (I do believe in freedom of speech, and I find your argument that those of us who get annoyed with performers using their stage time to promote an agenda are anti "free speech" to be a a little bit obtuse).

Oh come on...I'm not talking about someone wasting valuable stage time. It IS abridging the artistic freedom of the artist if you tell them what they can and can't talk about, but if I showed up and got a lecture instead of a concert, yeah, that would be a bummer. In my experience, thats just not the reality. I can't think of a single time when a political comment wasn't part of a song intro. You hear a comment or two, and that's it.

Frankly, I don't think it's anything to sweat. If someone is spending a big chunk of concert time giving a speech instead of performing, the word WILL get out, and people won't go to the shows. Most venues have strict curfews and bands are having to cut out most of the chatter of any kind.

Personally, I have a fantasy about telling Ted Nugent what I think of his stage rants about politics. I'd just smile sweetly and say: "Oh, honey...it doesn't matter. I go to your concerts to hear your songs and to see your ass in tight pants. I don't really care what you think."

Think it would make him feel bad?

Me neither.

[Zan]

Oh come on...I'm not talking about someone wasting valuable stage time. It IS abridging the artistic freedom of the artist if you tell them what they can and can't talk about, but if I showed up and got a lecture instead of a concert, yeah, that would be a bummer. In my experience, thats just not the reality. I can't think of a single time when a political comment wasn't part of a song intro. You hear a comment or two, and that's it.

When I hear JY say something about "and regardless of where you stand on the War, I think we can all agree that we all need to wish our soldiers come home safe & sound," that, to me, is not political on one side or another, and IMO, is perfectly fine. But when an artist goes out of his or her way to single out a particular view to endorse or bash, I think it alienates people in the audience, people who paid good money to go be "entertained." I think that's wrong, even if it's "their right" to do it. I don't care if it's 3 words or 300. The result is the same. As someone said before, either sell your show as a political forum or STFU and entertain - that's what your audience paid for.

Frankly, I don't think it's anything to sweat. If someone is spending a big chunk of concert time giving a speech instead of performing, the word WILL get out, and people won't go to the shows. Most venues have strict curfews and bands are having to cut out most of the chatter of any kind.

Personally, I have a fantasy about telling Ted Nugent what I think of his stage rants about politics. I'd just smile sweetly and say: "Oh, honey...it doesn't matter. I go to your concerts to hear your songs and to see your ass in tight pants. I don't really care what you think."

Think it would make him feel bad?

Me neither.

Right, and some people will cry foul that the artists are being punished because they expressed themselves, and we are supposed to be a democracy, no fair, etc.

Whenever I hear Ted Nugent, Dixie Chicks, Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, ad nauseum go on about a pet issue they have when they're on stage or giving a public performance of some kind, I feel a pang in my chest regardless of whether I agree with them or not. Why? Because I just don't think it has any place there. Maybe you don't think it's anything to "sweat about," but I have a different reaction. What if joe_the_rockstar decided to say a few words fat people? or gay people? or black people? or a random religion? "fucking pigs should all be shot?" (Ice-T at a show I attended) The point is, it's going to offend *someone.* I have much more respect for the artist who has the strong opinions but is professional enough to keep them to his or herself when he's being paid to perform.

Of course ted wouldn't care. 1) He's a man. Men think from 2 different places, and usually the southernmost one gets the electoral votes. 2) He doesn't give a rat's hiney what a liberal thinks anyway.

[Hollywood]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

He had no choice but to sign it. The House and Senate had the majority to send it back if he used his veto. This was George HW Bush and congress' law. Bill Clinton softly voiced his opposition. Many people forget that Clinton's first year was rough.

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

[hoagiepete]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

He had no choice but to sign it. The House and Senate had the majority to send it back if he used his veto. This was George HW Bush and congress' law. Bill Clinton softly voiced his opposition. Many people forget that Clinton's first year was rough.

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

I guess it all comes around eventually. Clinton then took credit for the economy created by Reaganomics.

[Tanirocker]

Whenever I hear Ted Nugent, Dixie Chicks, Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, ad nauseum go on about a pet issue they have when they're on stage or giving a public performance of some kind, I feel a pang in my chest regardless of whether I agree with them or not. Why? Because I just don't think it has any place there. Maybe you don't think it's anything to "sweat about," but I have a different reaction. What if joe_the_rockstar decided to say a few words fat people? or gay people? or black people? or a random religion? "fucking pigs should all be shot?" (Ice-T at a show I attended) The point is, it's going to offend *someone.* I have much more respect for the artist who has the strong opinions but is professional enough to keep them to his or herself when he's being paid to perform.

Of course ted wouldn't care. 1) He's a man. Men think from 2 different places, and usually the southernmost one gets the electoral votes. 2) He doesn't give a rat's hiney what a liberal thinks anyway. [/color][/b]

Seriously, I just haven't seen that happening. I've seen a lot of concerts by people who are politically active, and the only time they've really talked about it was when it was at a fundraiser. I saw Ronstadt last summer...she made one reference to Bush and that was in passing. I just don't hear anyone going on about it.

If I witnessed someone saying that about "pigs," (meaning cops, I suppose), I might lose it. I lost someone I loved because he was a cop who was shot and killed in the line of duty, and I'm sensitive about it. I walked out of the movie 48 Hours because it showed cops being killed.

As for Ted, I just don't think you could offend him by treating him like a piece of meat. (And that goes for the other Ted that we know as well!) Oh, and BTW...I am SO stealing that comment about the southernmost part getting the most electoral votes.

[Tanirocker]

"Do you think Hollywood is on Mars?"
Further out, try Jupiter...

The bottom line is that these guys do not live in the same world as we do. They travel with armed body guards, but don't feel that we should own a hand gun to protect our families.

I think we must be thinking of different people. The guys in the bands I see don't generally have armed guards or any of that. You see them in the grocery store, in the mall and in one amusing case, at Jiffy-Lube. The guys in Styx, for instance, live pretty ordinary lives. Now, if you're talking about Michael Jackson or Madonna, yeah, they live a life I can't imagine and probably have lost touch with ordinary life.

I think the point here, is you are paying to attend a concert not to get lectured regardless who it is. If Ted Nugent wants to preach NRA rights at his concert, I think he should announce that prior to his show as a warning to somebody who might be offended by that. Same goes for the rest of them.

OK, agreed. If I want a lecture, I'll go to a lecture. Dedicating a song doesn't bother me, but yammering about any subject bores me. (coughcoughkevincronincoughcough) I don't think Ted needs to warn anyone that he'll talk about guns or whatever because everyone knows how Ted is.

I think the worst thing I've seen was a program that someone brought me from a Paul McCartney concert. I opened it to see the most disgusting photos of animal slaughter you can imagine. I know WHY he did it and how he's against eating animals and all that, but I found it offensive.

[elmotano]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

He had no choice but to sign it. The House and Senate had the majority to send it back if he used his veto. This was George HW Bush and congress' law. Bill Clinton softly voiced his opposition. Many people forget that Clinton's first year was rough.

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

I guess it all comes around eventually. Clinton then took credit for the economy created by Reaganomics.

Actually, Clinton saved us from Reaganomics.....aka trickle down economics. This worked well for the first 4 years of Reagan's time. But then rich people's sphincters got super tight and the cash stopped trickling. It took 2 years of Clinton policies to straighten the ship.

[elmotano]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

Actually, if Carter were still president, the hostages would still be in Iran. Iran let the hostages go immediately after Reagan became president because, Reagan had the rep of a cowboy we was ready to kick some ass and because Iran wanted to make Carter look week.

[LordofDaRing]

Look nobody is a bigger Paul McCartney fan than I am. I attended a show a few years back where he starts the concert with this great video of his life and career with great Beatle tunes, then suddenly it merges into this bizzare PETA video documenting these horrible medical tests and killing of animals. Its very hard to wathc as an adult, much less a child attending the show. Regardless of how you feel on the issue, it just was not approrpriate for that venue. Big Paul himself had to eat a little crow later when somebody confronted him about medical tests on monkeys to find a cure for Breast Cancer, which unfortunately took the life of Linda.

[hoagiepete]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

He had no choice but to sign it. The House and Senate had the majority to send it back if he used his veto. This was George HW Bush and congress' law. Bill Clinton softly voiced his opposition. Many people forget that Clinton's first year was rough.

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

I guess it all comes around eventually. Clinton then took credit for the economy created by Reaganomics.

Actually, Clinton saved us from Reaganomics.....aka trickle down economics. This worked well for the first 4 years of Reagan's time. But then rich people's sphincters got super tight and the cash stopped trickling. It took 2 years of Clinton policies to straighten the ship.

I don't agree. Better look back. The effects didn't fully kick in until the end of Reagan's term and through Clinton's. Enlighten me what Clinton did to right the ship.

[elmotano]

Stupid Me I thought Bill Clinton was The President that ushered in NAFTA???????????????

He had no choice but to sign it. The House and Senate had the majority to send it back if he used his veto. This was George HW Bush and congress' law. Bill Clinton softly voiced his opposition. Many people forget that Clinton's first year was rough.

Blaming Clinton for NAFTA is as bad as giving Reagan credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. The Carter administration had worked the whole thing out and Reagan takes office and claims credit.

Bush has done a lot wrong and unfortunately it will overshadow the positive thing he may have done. The worst president ever is a HUGE stretch. 9/11 was devastating to him, as it would have been to Gore. Iraq compounded this and his poor economic policies.

I guess it all comes around eventually. Clinton then took credit for the economy created by Reaganomics.

Actually, Clinton saved us from Reaganomics.....aka trickle down economics. This worked well for the first 4 years of Reagan's time. But then rich people's sphincters got super tight and the cash stopped trickling. It took 2 years of Clinton policies to straighten the ship.

I don't agree. Better look back. The effects didn't fully kick in until the end of Reagan's term and through Clinton's. Enlighten me what Clinton did to right the ship.

Don't need to look back, I lived through it. Actually voted for Reagan his first time around. Voted against him the second time around, trickle down economics was already starting to bring us down.
Clinton's policies took about 2 years to take affect, actually by the second year the economy started turning back around.
It usually takes a president's policies 2 years to take effect. Oh wait, are you trying to tell us that Clinton caused this mess we're in? Sorry, that is laughable.