The Boss takes A Stand

From Thinkprogress:

In a recent interview, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien asked Bruce Springsteen (aka “The Boss”) about criticism he has received for taking a stand on political issues. Springsteen responded sarcastically, “Yeah, they should let Ann Coulter do it instead.” He added that there are “idiots rambling on on cable television on any given night of the week,” and called the idea that musicians shouldn’t speak up, “insane” and “funny.” Watch it:

Transcript:

O’BRIEN: In 2004 you came out very strongly in support of John Kerry and performed with him - your fellow guitarist, I think is how you introduced him to the crowd. And some people gave you a lot of flack for being a musician who took a political stand. I remember…

SPRINGSTEEN: Yeah, they should let Ann Coulter do it instead.

O’BRIEN: There is a whole school of thought, as you well know, that says that musicians – I mean you see it with the Dixie Chicks - you know, go play your music and stop.

SPRINGSTEEN: Well, if you turn it on, present company included, the idiots rambling on on cable television on any given night of the week, and you’re saying that musicians shouldn’t speak up? It’s insane. It’s funny. expand post »

The tradition of Entertainers speaking out on the issus of the day goes back to Will Rogers and beyond. The fact is that anyone whose given the oppurtunity to go before the public has an obligation to use that time well and wisely. The idea that that entertainers someone lose their first amendment rights simply because they happen to speak in verse and song isn't just insane - it's fucking facist. It's anti-American. This is the kind of thing you would expect from the Soviet Union or in Communist China.

I think Springsteen let Soledad O'Full-of-it off the hook much too easily.

vyan