VIDEO: Springsteen Hits Coulter, Defends Right To Take A Stand On Political Issues
VIDEO: Springsteen Hits Coulter, Defends Right To Take A Stand On Political Issues
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.
O’BRIEN: As a musician though, I’d be curious to know if there is a concern that you start talking about politics, you came out at one point and said, I think in USA Today listen, the country would be better off if George Bush were replaced as President. Is there a worry where you start getting political and you could alienate your audience?
SPRINGSTEEN: Well that’s called common sense. I don’t even see that as politics at this point. So I mean that’s, you know, you can get me started, I’ll be glad to go. […] You don’t take a country like the United States into a major war on circumstantial evidence. You lose your job for that. That’s my opinion, and I have no problem voicing it. And some people like it and some people boo ya, you know?
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Good on ya, Boss!
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:51 amDemocrats have so much to learn from you, Bruce. Way to go.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:52 am“Well, if you turn it on, present company included, the idiots rambling on on cable television on any given night of the week”
So he just called O’brien an idiot to his face? Thats awesome.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:52 amWas O’Brien asleep when “Born in the USA” was playing from all the radios in America? I mean, I realize most idiots thouight it was a patriotic song, but it was was actually a strong political statement against war. Don’t act so shocked Soledad…
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:53 ami think you guys need to correct your springsteen quote.
thanks for the good reporting
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:53 amThey don’t tell right wing country singers to shut up, do they?
It should be a source of pride to all Americans that everyone is allowed to speak their minds. It is the right wing pundits who like to say “shut up,” but that is as un-American as it gets.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:54 amSo he just called O’brien an idiot to his face? Thats awesome.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 23, 2006 @ 10:52 am
Soledad is a woman.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:54 amAh yes……..The republican stance is to silence anything and everything not agreeing with their views……Nothing should be silenced and especiely not our music…..Yah! Boss………Blessings
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:55 amBorn In The U.S.A. Lyrics
by Bruce Springsteen
Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that’s been beat too much
‘Til you spend half your life just covering up
[chorus:]
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I got in a little hometown jam
And so they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man
[chorus]
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says “Son if it was up to me”
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said “Son don’t you understand”
[chorus]
I had a buddy at Khe Sahn
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They’re still there, he’s all gone
He had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I’m ten years down the road
Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go
I’m a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 amBorn in the U.S.A.
I’m a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
The Boss Rocks
More people should listen to there heart like he does.
And have the tenacity to voice there real feelings.
Rock on Mr Springsteen and Thank You on behalf of those like me who speak but are
ignored or never heard at all.
You have always been an inspiration to me.
Thank You from the depths of my heart and soul
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 am“Soledad is a woman.
Comment by unbelievable”
Oops.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:57 amSo he just called O’brien an idiot to his face? Thats awesome.
Comment by squegeeboo
She didn’t even seem aware of it, because she’s an idiot and a tool.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:57 amTranscript has a bug in it: the last statement was made by Bruce, not O’Brien.
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:59 am“Present company included….”
Genius.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:00 amOops.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 23, 2006 @ 10:57 am
But, you’re right - he did. I was impressed. Because, she is.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:00 amBruce has more class in his little finger than all the repugnant bloviating blowhards on all the major television networks put together.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:02 amFascism targets artists and free expression . Hate the music Boss, love the free expresion
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:03 am“Bruce has more class in his little finger than all the repugnant bloviating blowhards on all the major television networks put together. ”
He called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to much class to me.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:04 amThey don’t tell right wing country singers to shut up, do they?
Comment by Albert — June 23, 2006 @ 10:54 am
there ya go! right on…
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:08 amdosn’t sound like to much class to me.
Comment by squegeeboo
Oh stop, Squeegy, my sides are splitting from laughing. Oh my god, that was a good one. Coming from you, my dear, that statement means absolutely nothing. :-D
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:09 amI’ve been a fan of Bruce since 1984. He has a brain and speaks his mind unlike the cookie cutter manufactured cream puffs on American Idol. He and the Dixie Chicks as well as Neil Young, Steve Earle, Pink and Green Day are speaking the truth and the people are listening. But unfortunately, the media doesn’t listen, not even Soledad who I used to like. I guess that’s why the world depends on blogs.
Bruce should be on Jon Stewart’s program or on Keith Olbermann’s. That would really kick ass.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:11 am“Coming from you, my dear, that statement means absolutely nothing. :-D”
I’ve never claimed to have class, and odds are I never will. :)
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:12 amThis is the second time I’ve seen O’Brien parroting right wing talking points. The first was when Zarqawi was killed and Nick Berg’s father let the truth fly right back at her!
If she has an original thought in her head, I would like to hear it.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:13 amSince when does Anne discuss politics?
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:14 amPeople think that skinny skank running around wanting to poison and kill people is politics?
AT least Bruce has some talent, it takes zero talent to be a hateful propagandist, I mean look at Hitler then look at Anne, the same wild arm waving, the spittle, the false christian cloqking, the angry hatred of freedom [liberty] the deceptive eyes, the drug abuse, and that tiny little mustache Anne has all remind he exactly of Hitler in drag.
Only the truth tellers get swift boated, ….Springsteen, The dixie chicks and all others who speek out against this administration……Time to promote the other side, go out and buy their music, I have…….Blessings
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:14 amthis is the best:
O’BRIEN:…you came out at one point and said…the country would be better off if George Bush were replaced as President…
SPRINGSTEEN: Well that’s called common sense. I don’t even see that as politics at this point…
yep.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:15 amI’ve never claimed to have class, and odds are I never will. :)
Comment by squegeeboo
You could take a night course…
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:17 am“You could take a night course…
Comment by Zookeeper”
Maybe in a few years, but I’ve done enough of the work/school thing for now, gotta say it’s very nice to just have work.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:21 amHe called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to much class to me.
Comment by squegeeboo
—–
You’re right. That’s above and beyond class. That is truth.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:21 amJust fixed the transcript. Thanks for the input!
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:22 amOMFG, she must have been asleep when he said that. LOL, what a stupid bitch. That is just too funny.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:24 amMaybe in a few years, but I’ve done enough of the work/school thing for now, gotta say it’s very nice to just have work.
Comment by squegeeboo
So…no class for a few more years….
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:25 am*banging head on desk*
Oh, if only we could get someone in the White House that Hollywood would like and respect, because that’s what’s really important is if they like you. Clinton was adored by them and look where that got us.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:26 amI had originally had high hopes for Soladad.
She has turned out to be a vacuous tool. I’m happy Bruce called her an idiot.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:26 amMaybe in a few years, but I’ve done enough of the work/school thing for now, gotta say it’s very nice to just have work.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 23, 2006 @ 11:21 am
Does this mean you’ve grad-ye-ate-ted?
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:26 am“Bruce has more class in his little finger than all the repugnant bloviating blowhards on all the major television networks put together. â€
He called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to much class to me.
Springsteen was clearly referring to himself with that comment, in the self-deprecating manner he’s displayed for thirty-five years.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:26 amHe called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to much class to me.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 23, 2006 @ 11:04 am
Squegeeboo reminds me of on of those Hermenutics looking for meaning that dpesn’t exist;
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.
[So Boo where is this school of thought? that says, but know one knows about, except pundits apparently, that creates laws of who can discuss politics.]
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.
[Hes talking about the this ‘School of thought’ O’ Brien brings up as being ‘Iditotic’]
The ’school of thought’, the pundit media, that tries to create polticial rules is Idiotic and funny boo. Just like your posts.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:28 amTo reiterate what Springsteen said, it simply is common sense that Bush should be replaced as president, as well as Cheney as V.P. For Ms. O’Brien to question whether Springsteen can and should speak out, on anything, is beyond absurd. I only wished Springsteen would have asked O’Brien where it says in the U.S. Constitution that a musician is not allowed to voice his or her opinions on any subject if he or she desires to do so. That same question should also be directed at Coulter. But the problem that would occur there is that no intelligent reply would ever be forthcomiong.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:29 amsadly, I must say, we have become two nations within a nation.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:31 amSpringsteen was clearly referring to himself with that comment…
Comment by Scott — June 23, 2006 @ 11:26 am
yes, but i understood it as he was including himself…
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:31 amstill, she just giggled…
This weekend my right wing Kool-Aid drinking Limbaugh loving brother in law was over. He seemed to be pretty pleased to say that the Dixie Chicks were having to cancel shows. He made it sound like the whole tour was canceled when a few dates have been dropped. Anyhow it got down to this. He said that you can’t expect to bad mouth the United States and not expect to be hurt economically as a result. We had already established that they, Natalie actually, only discussed her disgust with GWB. So When he mentioned bad mouthing the United States I looked him in the eye and said George Bush is not America, the constitution is America. I got this quizzical Spock does not compute look from him that lasted what seemed like an eternity. He then repeated the same statement about bad mouthing America. So regurgitating talking points without thinking is an affliction shared by way too many people. At this point I thought it better not to bring up Bush, Delay, Karen Hughes, Hannity. Limbaugh and others criticizing Clinton during Bosnia and when he was bombing Iraq.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:33 am“So…no class for a few more years….
*banging head on desk*”
As you should for that one.
“Does this mean you’ve grad-ye-ate-ted?”
Yup
“Idiotic and funny boo. Just like your posts.”
Always glad to entertain.
“The ’school of thought’, the pundit media, that tries to create polticial rules is Idiotic and funny”
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:34 amThe school of thought is insane/funny, but the idiot comment was cleary about the commentators themselves,.
Yes. Remember Laura Ingraham with he “Shut-up and Sing” book? The Coulter Republicans don’t say that to Charlie Daniels or Lee Greenwood or Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Ben Stein or Ron Silva or Bim-Bo Derek.
Nope, like good authoritarians, they just want to silence dissent from their views.
-GSD
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:36 amThey ( the White House Cabal) just never give up do they. “As a musician do you think you should be speaking out” or some such from OBrien. Do you believe the idiocy of this? It is freaking ridiculous. As if being a musician takes away Springsteen’s American citizenship. They just try to keep framing our minds don’t they…..nothing but contempt for Americans from the good old Bush Crime family….which includes the MSM.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:37 amThis is still a free country and if Bruce wants to speak out against the Bush administration, he can do so. If most of the public wants to stop buying his albums, we can do that too. I love hearing how the left thinks Bush is taking away freedoms right and left. Things aren’t bad as you all seem to think they are.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:37 amoh my god, a musician taking a political stand?!?! what ever shall we do? thats never happened before! oh wait.
Its imbecilic to say that a musician shouldn’t be political. A lot of music is political (the aforementioned Born in the USA, American Woman - another song the right thinks is so patriotic - wrong!, fortunate son - which describes the entire Bush admin). Its obscene that there is now a “school of thought…that you should just shut up and sing” No, Soledad, THERE IS NOT such a school of thought, except amongst right wing blowhards who cannot stand to see someone speak against them that the media will pay attention to.
Be it the Dixie Chicks, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, or whoever, they have the right to say what they will. Even when Rush Limbaugh disagrees.
Right wingers-no sense of creativity, no sense of humor.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:38 amall this fuss over a has been rock singer. That’s why i don’t listen to these left “wingsingers” anymore. You want to write music and use lyrics to portray a POV fine but keep your politics to yourself.
always another excuse to moonbat out over Ann Coulter. Well guess what if I had my druthers I would much rather have Coulter dicating and defining policy thet protects America over Springsteen.
Funny in a liberal sort of way still no mention here of the arrests in Florida yesterday of terrorists. I guess Buce will keep us safe.
analoagous to the 60’s bumper sticker ” If you don’t like cops the next time you are in trouble call a hippy”
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:38 amwell I have updated it to this:
“If you don’t like the Bush administration the next time we are attacked by terrorists call the NY Times or better yet John Kerry” I realize that it is a little long for a bumper sticker but I make my point.
ready moonbats, attack
Finally!!! Someone called that Republican sock puppet what she is!
I am not a fan of his music (I admire the content, but the presentation is what bothers me), but he is so right! Talking about getting rid of the Bush Junta isn’t politics, it’s common sense!
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:38 amSPRINGSTEEN: 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.
I think “present company included” refers to cable television infotainment shows, like CNN and, even more so, Faux News. I don’t think he was refering to Soledad, who hosts more of a news show than Bill O’Lielly but that’s not so say she doesn’t have issues with balance or the truth or knowledge.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:42 amAs an american you are free to voice any opinion you like. I think it’s great that Springsteen took the talking heads to task.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:44 amI wonder when or if Ms. O’brien is going to have Toby Keith on and tell him to stop singing his “I love Bush and everything he does” songs. when he came to Mosul last year you would be surprised how many of us Soldiers DID NOT go to his concert. Hell we have a patrol in 2 hours for the next 3 days we don’t wanna hear how much you love the Bush Ministry.
So Soledad should get Toby on and tell him he needs to tone it down, and stop making money off of something you could or would NEVER be………………A Soldier.
RIP
SGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 Inf
KIA 3 Feb 05
Mosul Iraq
Or as Tony Snow and the rest of the Reppuetcans would say
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:44 am#1462
Funny in a liberal sort of way still no mention here of the arrests in Florida yesterday of terrorists. I guess Buce will keep us safe.
This is because most of them refuse to live in the real world where there are threats out there. Most of them have forgotten what happened to us on 9/11 and now consider the United States the “real terrorists”. How warped is that?
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:45 amYa know, if someone tells me they are from this ‘whole school of thought’ that is ‘well known’ be they pundit, lawyer, musician or politician, they are full of crap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_major_codes
Basically the pundits are playing word games…
Goldstein is a Hermenuetic writer, such is why the convoluted meaning, if there is any whatsoever, ‘encoded’, in his ‘writing’
Smoke and Mirrors Folks.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:45 amI don’t know… when you read the transcript it all sounds ok, but watching the clip and seeing Springsteen laughing through much of it diminishes the power of his words. Why was he laughing? What was funny about the questions she was asking him? They were idiotic and scary and he should have asked her “what country are you living in where you think there is an actual ’school of thought’ that musicians should not be political? Am I not an American? Don’t I have the right and the obligation to speak out? Aren’t those who try and silence dissenters totally un-American? What is wrong with you Soledad O’Brien?”
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:46 amCongrats SpongeBob on graduating college! And welcome to the Real World…
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:46 amFunny in a liberal sort of way still no mention here of the arrests in Florida yesterday of terrorists.
Gee In Bush Country? Floridian Terrorists? Go figger!
I guess Ol Jeb the governor isn’t keeping you safe then?
Did Jeb find the terrorists? Did George? Did Dick Cheney?
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:51 amNo no and no.
notice the way Bruce’s laughter helps to underscore the absurdity of conservative talking points? that’s the good tact to take. Using the “common sense” rhetoric, Bruce just decimates the pretensions. That’s the power of the plain-spoken artist who knows what he’s talking about. Watch out when that happens because then the “average american” might just get it. In fact, that’s part of opposition to entertainers who have the nerve to exercise their First Amendment rights; they’re perceived as a THREAT or reather COMPETITION to the official propagandists. Art is often subversive by its very nature, and art should engage all levels of life: to leave out politics is to demean art’s prerogative. Good stuff. Bruce S, John Cougar M., Willie Nelson, Neil Young, . . . it’s good that these mainstream classics of rocknroll and more recent numbers like Madonna, Dixie Chicks and Kanye West are speaking up. Time to make RAB: Rockers Against Bush or something.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:51 amOr as Tony Snow and the rest of the Reppuetcans would say
#1462
Comment by R U Serious — June 23, 2006 @ 11:44 am
Bush Ministry - I love it…
Sorry you’re over there. They don’t even seem to listen to what the American people want anymore. I saw a portion of an interview with Dick Cheney on CNN by accident. Cheney said that they do not pay attention to the polls. To me that says “We don’t care what you little people think, we’re doing what we think is best.” Guess he forgets that part about him being a public servant that is by the people and for the people, huh?
Stay safe.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:51 amUnbelievable
Thanks, maybe now that I’m in the ‘real world’ I’ll finally have some of these experiences you guys seem to think i need to make my heart grow and my party membership to change.
So if singers being political is bad, what about this: http://www.break.com/index/lazyramadi.html
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:53 amJigsaw, please don’t forget PearlJam in that list. There song World Wide Suicide is a great listen.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:54 amTo Moonbat Patrol and Grandpa Seth
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:56 amWhy do we HAVE to mention the arrests of the terrorists (thank God!) in Florida on this thread which is about freedom of speech? Another case of trying to limit all of us to what we SHOULD say, i.e. “ain’t Bush great?”.
So in a Republican state sort of way they allowed the terrorists to enter florida, yet it’s the liberal medias [Myth] fault that they didn’t report the terrorists?
And I suppose the liberal media [Myth] also forget to issue the news story of when they arrived in Florida and forgot to warn the Republicans!
The durn media forgot to tell Jeb that terrorists were in town?
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:58 amTalk about grasping at proverbial straws….
ROFL
squeegee, I don’t have time for the whole thing but that was funny.
June 23rd, 2006 at 11:58 am“So…no class for a few more years….
*banging head on desk*â€
As you should for that one.
Comment by squegeeboo
I know. ;)
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:00 pmCongrats on the graduation, Squeegy!
I would much rather have Coulter dicating and defining policy thet protects America over Springsteen.
Why would you, as a free person, allow a half ass lawyer or a musician dictate to you, a free person, defining policy?
Do you really think Anne dictates and defines policy?
LMAO this is too funny, you actually believe what Anne Coulter says? You would allow a another person, because of a book or a song, Dictate to you?
Thats just Sad.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:01 pmI guess the trolls always miss the point when it comes to freedom of speech and music. The lines between the two have been blurred for over a century. Listen to “This Land is Your Land,” “Subterreanean Homesick Blues,” “War,” “What’s Going On,” “You Haven’t Done Nothing,” etc.
Politically charged protest songs will continue as long as there is a need and we have a huge need now. Oh, and Soledad should listen to “Dirty Laundry” by Mr. Don Henley of Texas. The Eagle guy could teach her a few things about asking better questions.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:03 pm“Funny in a liberal sort of way still no mention here of the arrests in Florida yesterday of terrorists. I guess Buce will keep us safe. This is because most of them refuse to live in the real world where there are threats out there. Most of them have forgotten what happened to us on 9/11 and now consider the United States the “real terroristsâ€. How warped is that?”
Everyone knows there are threats out there. Your comment is a non sequitur. Bruce Springsteen was asserting his right to take a political stand–just like Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Nick Lachey and others who support the President have done.
There is an odd idea out there that criticizing the President means you support terrorism.
Many of us (I can’t speak for Bruce of course) who are angry that the President launched a war, based on lies, against a country that had nothing to do with 9/11 would LOVE to see a real war against the people who attacked us on 9/11, I lived in NYC then and believe me I have not forgotten what happened. What frustrates me is that, nearly five years later, we have not gotten Bin Laden and we tok our eye off the ball by sending troops and $ to Iraq, instead of focusing on Bin Laden and his followers. We’re not living in the real world? I think those who wanted to invade Iraq after a band of non-Iraqis led by non-Iraqi Osama Bin Laden and based in Pakistan and Afghanistan are the ones not living in the real world.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:04 pmthe entertainment world for the right wing must be getting smaller and smaller. Not even all country music is right wing. I am guessing that eventually they won’t watch TV, go to movies, or buy albums.
Maybe Fox should branch out and start a channel or two devoted to right wing entertainment, they can show the same 6 music vidoes over and over again.
Umm lets see the arrest of the guys in Florida was all over NBC nightly news, last night and this morning, so I am unsure what point you are trying to make.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:05 pmsorry: “I think those who wanted to invade Iraq after a band of non-Iraqis led by non-Iraqi Osama Bin Laden and based in Pakistan and Afghanistan are the ones not living in the real world.” should have been “I think those who wanted to invade Iraq after a band of non-Iraqis led by non-Iraqi Osama Bin Laden and based in Pakistan and Afghanistan ATTACKED US are the ones not living in the real world. “
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:06 pmRIP
SGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 Inf
KIA 3 Feb 05
Mosul Iraq
Or as Tony Snow and the rest of the Reppuetcans would say
#1462
Comment by R U Serious
I’m so sorry.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:06 pmDon’t forget funded by Saudi Money Eblair.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:06 pmWait a bit until the Florida terrorists pan out to nothing …as usual. Sounds like timely govt. provacatuers to me.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:07 pm#18He called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to much class to me.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:08 pmComment by squegeeboo
Well, when people are dying, is the least you have to concern with. He should have said f**ing murderers.
# 63, 70–well said PLC and Krazny
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:08 pmThanks, maybe now that I’m in the ‘real world’ I’ll finally have some of these experiences you guys seem to think i need to make my heart grow and my party membership to change
TV is not an experience. Its an Illusion.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:09 pmChange your membership? Didn’t your Lord tell you to be soverign?
Congrats on Graduation Squeegee, I will raise a beer too you tonight.
=)
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:09 pmAmen Boss!!!! He speaks the truth and Coulter…well who knows what the hell that four legged female dog speaks.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:12 pmAppreciation goes out to Stephen R. Sherman.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:17 pmpolitics = POV
What a moron.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:19 pmDon’t forget - Tim Mcgraw is progresive (for those of you who have been ling in outer space he is a country singer)
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:21 pmThe right doesn’t seem to concerned about Toby Keith keeping his POV to himself.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:22 pmWrong, we know that Osama bin Laden attacked the US on 9/11, not Iraq. We also know that George W. Bush “just doesn’t think about him that much”
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:22 pmSpudge don’t disillusion the trolls, they have a very carefully crafted reality. If they don’t believe anymore, then they might have to start thinking.
think about things like. If we knew where the WMD’s were, according to Rumsfeld, why were those sights not under survelliance to prevent the movement of those weapons out of the country?
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:26 pmWhere has anyone said that musician do not have the RIGHT to speak out against the war in Iraq? Does anyone here think that those who tell musicians like Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks that they need to shut up don’t have the RIGHT to do so?
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:27 pmDon’t forget - Tim Mcgraw is progresive (for those of you who have been ling in outer space he is a country singer)
Comment by Jules — June 23, 2006 @ 12:21 pm
Yeah, but he’ll always be Tug McGraw’s son to this lifelong Mets fan.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:28 pmI believe Ann Coulter was actually quoted as saying Musicians should shut up and play music, I know someone did, I remember the quote.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:29 pmDoes anyone here think that those who tell musicians like Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks that they need to shut up don’t have the RIGHT to do so?
Comment by Tracy — June 23, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Yes
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:30 pmGo Boss Go,
I’m not rabid over his music, but he’s good with me.
World Wide Suicide, new song by Pearl Jam is a great listen, I learned how to play it even. I will introduce it to my drummer buddy, he’s busy a lot.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:31 pmTruth,
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:33 pmmy wife and I are going to go see Pealjam on July 13th up in Santa Barbara, should a freaking great show. This will be the third time I have seen them in concert.
This concept is frightening on so many levels: “… some people gave you a lot of flack for being a musician who took a political stand.”
1. The idea behind artistic expression is to express. Obvioiusly, this concept is foreign to those whose talents are meager that they’re limited to rendering yet another, me-too song about hard livin, hard drinkin, hard luvin, and truck drivin.
2. Where in the Constitution are musicians exempt from freedom of expression?
3. Is the statement valid if we substitute “journalists” or novelists, bricklayers, bankers or physicians? Obviously, some feel it’s true for actors, Hollywood directors, Democratic ex-Presidents, and university professors, but I don’t see those mentioned in the Constitution either.
4. Often, it’s the artists who are on the leading edge of social change
I could go on, but anyone who thinks this way is just an idiot.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:35 pmWhere has anyone said that musician do not have the RIGHT to speak out against the war in Iraq? Does anyone here think that those who tell musicians like Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks that they need to shut up don’t have the RIGHT to do so?
Comment by Tracy — June 23, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Sure, dickweeds like Bill O’Reilly certainly have the right to say what they want, except that they are lying about why they are telling singers to shut up. They claim that it hurts the morale of our troops, as if getting shot at and blown up every day is making them happy. They claim that it undermines our Commander-in-Chief, as if his own actions don’t already undermine him. No, Tracy, the only reason idiots like O’Reilly (and, objectively speaking, he is an idiot) tell singers that they “need to shut up” is because he doesn’t like what they’re saying. But if he truly believed in free speech, he would just tell them that he disagrees. And if one of them is on your TV saying things you don’t like, the answer isn’t to tell them to STFU. The answer is to change the channel or turn it off. That’s what I do when O’Reilly or Hannity makes me want to wretch. I suggest the same for you.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:36 pmquoted as saying Musicians should shut up and play music, I know someone did, I remember the quote.
Comment by Krazny — June 23, 2006 @ 12:29 pm
i wondered that myself, krazny, so i googled it… without quotes, after 4 pages, found 9/10s of the hits were for frank zappa…
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:38 pmput it in quotes, quit looking after 2 pages - EVERYONE has said that evidently, one time or another! didn’t get to coulter though…
heh…
#94 Krazny, katy
Isn’t “Shut Up and Sing” the name of Laura Ingraham’s book? Could that be what you were thinking of?
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:44 pmIf this really is supposed to be a country that is by the people, for the people then anyone, ANYONE can speak their mind and express their views in any venue - including rock stars.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:45 pmthey can Jenna, and I can choose to listen or not depending on how I feel about it. But I think a musician has as much a right to express his/her opionion as a pundit on TV, or a blogger here.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:48 pmSorry if this has been posted already, but I don’t have the time to scan all posts. I whole heartedly support ANYBODY’s right to express their political views. However, unless a concert is advertised as a political event where the entertainer will be sharing his or her political views with the people attending the event, I would prefer the entertainer, left or right, stick to what I came to the event for, singing the songs I want to hear, telling the jokes I want to hear, etc. I think it unfair that I might have paid many $$ to listen to the entertainer do what they are supposed to be doing, but instead get a lesson in their political beliefs and feelings.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:49 pmMusicians have always had some degree of political say. Hell the Ratpack was reasonably political when you look back on it. Its just that the rightwing despises the fact that the good guys have a nasty habit of not agreeing with them.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:50 pmShould we take up a fund, so Squeegee can go to night class?
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:50 pmRick,
most entertainers don’t hide thier personal beliefs. If you don’t like what someone has to say don’t go. they have a right to say what they believe. The Dixie Chicks did, and they have paid a price for it, But they also don’t regret saying. Taking a stand is thier right.
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:52 pmDid anyone note that sponge bob seemed to enjoy SPringsteen calling O’Brien an idiot when he thought that is was Conan O’Brien, but once he learned it was conservative Soledad O’Brien, he chanegd his mind and thought it was classless? Can anyone say flip flop?
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:52 pm[…] The full transcript and video is available over at Think Progress. […]
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:54 pm“… I would prefer the entertainer, left or right, stick to what I came to the event for, singing the songs I want to hear, telling the jokes I want to hear, etc. I think it unfair…”blah blah blah…
Comment by rickd — June 23, 2006 @ 12:49 pm
imagine that…
June 23rd, 2006 at 12:57 pmGee, I’ve always enjoyed hearing the story behind the songs. I like finding out what influenced the musician to write a particular song. I suppose our friend rickd would have hated listening to Irving Berlin talk about why he wrote “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” or George M. Cohen explain why he wrote “You’re a Grand Old Flag”. If all you want is to hear the music, then stay home and listen to the CDs. And besides, why should the concert be about what you want?
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:02 pmCnn, msnbc, nbc, cbs, headline, fox . . . . etc. . . . . hack, cough, gag, spit.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:02 pmI went to Lalapalooza in 1992, lots of political statements there, I agreed with every one of them. The security became very anxious when Soundgarden played cop killer.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:05 pmClassless things can still be funny, to us low-brows at least hehe.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:05 pmfor Truch, nice when I saw Soundgarden in 95 they didn’t play cop killer, but damn that must have been fun. SoundGarden has always been one of my favorite bands.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:07 pmGosh well if the Boss is against it, it must be wrong! Hey Bruce: Shut up and sing! Ann didn’t say they (the Jersey witches) could not express an opinion, she just said they should also expect and are not above criticism from people whom disagree with their moon batty claims.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:08 pmWere not talking about the Jersey Girls RRS, thanks for running off topic so poorly. I see you are one for limiting free speach, how very naziash of you.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:11 pmI think it unfair that I might have paid many $$ to listen to the entertainer do what they are supposed to be doing
There is a difference between an entertainer and an artist. An entertainer is more likely to be there to dance and sing and look happy for you whereas an artist creates material that expresses their beliefs which could potentially spill over into or from the political arena of the day. If you don’t want to hear an artist’s ideas, then you should think twice before paying to go see them.
Of course, if one only stood there on a soapbox and preached their beliefs for an hour or two without playing songs (as opposed to speaking from the heart, in between songs, about something they feel is deeply important), you might have a point.
Otherwise, you may want to choose your “entertainment” a little more wisely…
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:12 pmKrazny, Zoo
thanks for the congrats.
I’ll also be raising a beer tonight, but then again, it is a day that ends in y.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:19 pmAnd it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere…Enjoy!
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:25 pm#114 - Cool, I always wondered how Spudge_Boy did that indent thing.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:35 pmSingers don’t expressing thoughts?
I guess that Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and a good couple others would be dissappointed. They’re were not singing at all the past 30 years. Or the Rolling Stones (Fade to black (?)) or many others.
The National Anthem is a song filled with politics. Must the music players and singers in the matches show, wave a hand and leave?
And, btw, if you go to a concert without knowing the group/s, you have what you were looking for.
Please.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:36 pm#111 - hey rrs! “shut up and sing”?
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:39 pmdidn’t you take an oath to uphold the constitution which guarantees the right to free speech when you started playing soldier? guess you had your fingers crossed behind your back eh? tosser.
#49, moonbat patrol, then you agree with Ann’s policy of “Invade their countries, kill their leaders, and convert them all to Christianity”?
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:44 pmI guess the trolls always miss the point when it comes to freedom of speech and music. The lines between the two have been blurred for over a century. Listen to “This Land is Your Land,†“Subterreanean Homesick Blues,†“War,†“What’s Going On,†“You Haven’t Done Nothing,†etc.
Politically charged protest songs will continue as long as there is a need and we have a huge need now. Oh, and Soledad should listen to “Dirty Laundry†by Mr. Don Henley of Texas. The Eagle guy could teach her a few things about asking better questions.
Comment by JIMBO
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:47 pm=========================
And there’s “Zombies”by the Cranberries–a song about terrorism in Northern Ireland.
and then there’s blowing up the new york times, poisoning a few supreme court judges, jane. links rechts links rechts….
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:48 pmBruce Springsteen strikes me as an idiot savant - brilliant in some narrow field, while slow / retarded in everything else. He speaks and behaves with the maturity / development of a 12 year old, yet he has composed some of the greatest lyrics / melodies / songs this country has ever produced.
His managers’ best moves were to keep Bruce OUT OF TV and magazine interviews, but liberals, desparate for an “influential” spokesperson, keep recruiting individuals that are popular in their respective industry (music, movies, TV, etc.), yet uninformed / uneducated about politics / government policies, so that they can parrot liberal talking points, in the hopes of recruiting others that libs couldn’t reach before.
He is probably wealthy enough not to care about the effects of his political statements, but he WILL lose fans, as the Dixie Chicks did. Funny how liberal musicians and Hollywood celebs sulk when they are no longer revered as they once were.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:50 pm#122 - jason - did you say something? nope, just projecting your own inadequacies onto someone else. pissant
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:54 pmI find it ironic that these people who think artists should shut up and play and keep their politics to themselves are here expressing their politics. Should these same people shut up and collect the garbage, or shut up and post to the ledgers? Or shut up and deliver the mail? After all their job is to collect garbage, do accounting, deliver the mail, build a house etc… not to express any political beliefs.
The only reason this is an issue now is because there is a rabid cult of personality surrounding George Bush. I for one think that is funny as he has never had a personality in his life, what we see is a manufactured image that is not at all in keeping with who he truly is. Anyhow the shut up and sing crowd did not tell Bruce or Neil Young to shut up and sing back in the 1980’s. Heck they loved it when Young professed his love of Reagan (it was a joke people, he was playing a character, remember he had Old Ways a C&W album out at the time. H e quickly reverted to normalcy though). The shut up and sing crowd has no problem when the entertainer professes love of the dear leader. They only get a kink in their panties when the dear leader is questioned.
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:54 pmJason
So basically you are against this whole “Freedom of speech” thing then?
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:55 pmimagine that…
Comment by katy
*snort*
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:58 pm#122 - jealousofjeff - note that I didn’t state that he shouldn’t voice his opinion, just stated that he isn’t a credible pundant, and that he will lose sales as a result of his statements. Springsteen can talk all he wants, I just won’t buy what he says nor what he sells.
Aside from a personal attack on me, do you have any direct arguements against my statements?
June 23rd, 2006 at 1:59 pmbut liberals, desparate for an “influential†spokesperson, keep recruiting individuals
We aren’t and don’t need to recruit anyone, they’re doing it of their own volition. It is the right who needs to recruit and pay individuals (often illegally) to spread their talking points.
You can’t be serious.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:01 pmYeah Jason and Toby Keith is just a wealth of intellect - not to mention ole lemon faced Coulter!!
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:02 pm#121 please explain how bruce is sulking? Any change to his fan base thus far has been purely his own doing. First after BITUSA he went low key and cut away about 60% of the band wagon hoppers, that was a delibrate move. Then he went solo and cut away a large bunch that only wants E-Street material. He brought back E-Street and sold millions of tickets and albums. Shed E-Street and went solo again. The guy can control his audience size with his own actions.
Also please explain how he has the development of a 12 year old?
Rememebr Bruce has been doing politics for nearly his entire career. He has been far more christian in his actions, than the president has. Remember he donates to charity constantly and has a genuine feel for real people. He does this without shouting look at me I’m a christian like the president continually does. Bruces actiosn speak far more than the presidents hollow words ever will.
BTW do you think two bit actors shoudl stick to acting? Or become politicians? I’m thinking, Reagan, Arnold, Sonny Bono, Gopher. How about athletes? Steve Largent? Tom Osborne? JC Watts? Jim Bunning? Should they shut up and do their thing and not bore us with their politics?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:04 pmThis is because most of them refuse to live in the real world where there are threats out there. Most of them have forgotten what happened to us on 9/11 and now consider the United States the “real terroristsâ€. How warped is that?
Comment by Grandpa Seth — June 23, 2006 @ 11:45 am
WTF?? I am so sick and tired of this BS statement. They seem to forget that the terrorist attack (which could so be false flagging), happened on THEIR WATCH. They seem to ignore that fact that the freakin’ repukes have refused a bill my senators in Washington State brought forth - SCREEN EVERY CONTAINER BEFORE THEY GET TO OUR PORTS. The repukes said that WOULD COST TOO MUCH MONEY.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:04 pm#127 - Jon, certainly, many liberals come forward on issues of their own volition, but when Michael Jordon was recently pressed to come forward with his views, he simply stated that “Republicans buy Nikes too”. I am not saying that Bruce Springsteen doesn’t believe what he says, just that liberals are all too happy to USE witless pawns like Bruce, who isn’t as, let’s say wise, as Michael Jordon, to refuse such obvious recruitment.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:06 pmOK, this is a self-feeding machine–entertainers get told to shut up when they express a political view, but the mainstream media won’t put anybody who makes a career out of studying policy and politics from a progressive position (i.e., those “evil” college professors and other intellectuals) or thinktank on their shows. In fact, the only people from the left that ever get invited on ARE entertainers, who are then slapped for not “knowing their place.” This is also a good strategy for marginalizing the left/progressive view because entertainers are easy to dismiss since they probably don’t have the educational/professional political background that right-wing pundits and commentators do.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:10 pmunsubstantiated statements made by jason pissant:
liberals …keep recruiting individuals..parrot liberal talking points
funny how liberal musicians…blah blah…
jason pissant assumes that bruce is recruited - thereby somehow benefitting from it…
jason pissant repeats his own talking points adding hypocrisy to his contribution and then tries to say he wasn’t dissing bruce’s opinion by comparing it to a talking point.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:11 pmhere’s another attack for you: liar and a pissant
As far as Springsteen goes - HE FILLS STADIUMS with his fans - PERIOD.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:12 pm#129 - Mark, don’t take my description of Bruce being an idoit savant as insult - just personal insight. I myself fall within the range of Autistic Spectral Disorders - Asperger Syndrome, and can recognize some of the symptoms. Bruces jarring speech patterns, simple sentence structure, non-cognizant point making, etc., all tell me that he is not very developed in those areas - it is NOT intended as an insult, just speaks to his credibility as a pundant on politics and government policy.
I WOULD listen intently, should he ever speaks about how he creates music, an area in which he IS brilliant.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:13 pmThank freedom individuals still have the right to express their opinions;or keep those opinions to themselves.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:15 pmMy desire is that the opinions advocating inclusion,compassion,and brother/sisterhood continue to make headway against those opinions advocating control(for our own good,many claim)elitism,and fear.
Jason
Springsteen is a political musician, has been for years. His music has clear political leanings, and always has had those leanings. That he chooses to stand on his principles rather then rake in the big profits is not a sign of stupidity, but a sign of integrity. Oh, but of course, the rightwing doesn’t actually know anything about that.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:15 pm#132 - Alyssa, that IS a good point. Can you please name a few of these great Progressive thinkers, who could / should step forward to make the Progressive arguements on various issues?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:16 pmLook just above your post, the liberal right before you appears to be a soldier who served or is serving in iraq. Do you think he is not living in a world of real threats? I think you are living in a world of soundbites and he is living in a world of real threats. Chickenhawks who throw human lives around carelessly need to wake up or shut up.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:17 pmmaybe bruce will trick everyone into showing up for a political speech, and then spend time talking about music.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:17 pmHell Jason you just described Bush pretty well in your post.
here let me quote.
any thougths?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:18 pm137 - Bruce Gorton, yes, you are correct. As long as Bruce is singing his opinions, he sells, but his inability to speak at a high school level KILLS any point he is trying to make. Again, he is free to say whatever he wants, but he hurts his cause and his sales with every spoken word.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:19 pmI am so sick and tired of the bullshit that artists should repress themselves and withhold their views about the world.
It is the artists calling and obligation to reveal their perceptions and insights and anyone that tells them not to is a bone-headed jackass that has no grasp of society or culture or history.
I wrote on this subject last month and called for artists to rise up.: Creativism And The Rise Of The Art Insurgency
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:20 pmbut he hurts his cause and his sales with every spoken word.
Now THAT comment made me laugh.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:21 pmFor you Jason - The Hitler vs. Coulter Quiz
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:22 pm#141 - Krazny - lol, touche ….
Bush knows that everything he says will be dissected and fired back at him, so he struggles to stay on well honed talking points or formulate answers on the fly that are equally bulletproof. In casual situations, he has shown great comedic wit and comradery with those he meets, so, fortunately, there is proof to the contrary.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:23 pmAt least he has the nads to make his comments in America. Gotta respect him for that
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:24 pmHe called his interviewer an idiot on nation television, dosn’t sound like to [sic] much class to me.
And you just called her a man. It’s very possible he too had a slip of the tongue and meant to say “present company EXcluded”. But she is an idiot, so he was just being honest if he intended it.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:26 pmFor you trolls-
Why is it wrong for an individual who believes strongly on a matter to use the platform that they have available to them?
You are right in that it may hurt sales of their albums, etc. but maybe not. I would never buy a Toby Keith CD even before I knew his politics. However, I have bought the last two Dixie Chicks CD’s. I never even listened to them prior to their taking a stand for their beliefs. So while those who choose to use their platform may suffer in the short term. They will probably more than make up for it in the long term.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:28 pm#144 & #145, madashell - I am currently reading GODLESS, by Ann Coulter, which states what I’ve long known about liberals from my time living in California. I thoroughly enjoy Ann pounding liberals after years of liberals calling men like me racist, sexist, homophobic, anti-semetic, etc. Liberals shouldn’t use a tactic against Reps if they don’t want it fired back at them, and Ann does it like know one I know - she is my hero!
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:29 pmI have to disagree Jason, I know that according to people who have met him, he is suposed to be very funny, and likable. Having never met the man, I don’t of his private side. Publically, you can generally tell when he is using a script, and when he is confronted with the unexpected. Having never heard Springsteen speak in public, I don’t have a direct answer for you on his maturity, and I am not in a position to listen to audio clip.
I for one prefer springsteen as a spokesman to be honest. He is a trusted musicain, and is generally liked by the american public. Hasn’t the complaint been that liberals are “elitists”? then springsteen would be a good start to undermining that meme.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:30 pmAnd just so you all know, we’re proud the Dixie Chicks are from Texas. And glad that George W. Bush and Ann Coulter and Joe Lieberman are all from Connecticut.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:30 pmSpringsteen can talk all he wants, I just won’t buy what he says nor what he sells.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — June 23, 2006 @ 1:59 pm
you don’t sound like the type who would EVER have bought Springsteen …
Michael Jordon…simply stated that “Republicans buy Nikes tooâ€
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — June 23, 2006 @ 2:06 pm
and that was his CHOICE… a statement in itself…
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:31 pm#149 - Jules, I have absolutely NO problem with Bruce speaking his opinions, I address his credibility as a political pundant, and whether on not he might have been pressed into voicing his opinions, because liberals are all too happy to USE celebrity for their ends (as opposed to reasoned arguements).
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:32 pmSo, Jason…
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:33 pmYour main point seems to be that money should be one’s sole motivation on whether to speak up or hold your tongue (ie, (paraphrasing) “they’ll lose sales”) That is an interesting take, I suppose. Unless, of course, you believe in an afterlife. If that is the case, then you should realize that all the riches of this world will not travel well to the next. However, what you DO and the stands you take - will. What are your priorities? Will those priorities improve your lot in the next life?
Jason
There is a HUGE difference between Bruce Springsteen’s and Michael Jordan’s circumstances. Bruce Springsteen is not a Corporate icon and does not represent the International Corporations that Michael does. I am willing to put money on an assertion that Jordan, even though I am not familiar with the incident, was simply looking out for the Corporate interests involved (Nike, Haynes, Gatorade etc…). It is probably even written as a clause in some of his contracts to stay away from speaking out about political issues.
Bruce Springsteen doesn’t share that affliction and can therefore speak, as you say, from the heart.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:34 pmIn casual situations, he has shown great comedic wit and comradery with those he meets, so, fortunately, there is proof to the contrary.
“I think — tide turning — see, as I remember — I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of — it’s easy to see a tide turn — did I say those words?” —George W. Bush, asked if the tide was turning in Iraq, Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:35 pmGoerge grew up in Maine, what doesn’t is he speaking of?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:37 pmLOL now I am the one with the speaking problem.
I meant to say what desert is he speaking of?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:38 pmbecause liberals are all too happy to USE celebrity for their ends (as opposed to reasoned arguements).
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — June 23, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
just curious about something, Mr. Hendler. Are you trying to imply from this statements that conservatives (such as O’Reilly - who is conservative, despite ehat he says - Hannity, Limbaugh, et al) only used reasoned arguments to make their points?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:39 pm“some people like it and some people boo ya”
there you go.
It’s SO damned refreshing to hear it as simply as that. Democratic Leaders have become such delicate little flowers in the Harsh Glaze of scolding pundits. Issue after issue, polling shows most people agree with Dems and yet..
they run the Big Media Gauntlet with hats in hands, afraid they will be scolded by the Stern, self appointed Gatekeepers of our National Discourse.
“some people like it and some people boo ya”
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:40 pmlet the pundits boo, most of them wont. they still mostly pretend they are impartial observers. How I’d love to see some democratic leaders as confident and good natured as Mr. Springsteen.
Ann does it like know one I know - she is my hero!
Now THIS says it all. No need to acknowledge his presence anymore. He is nothing more than everything he said we would call him.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:40 pmWise like Michael Jordan? Wise or scared?
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:40 pm#155, Shannon,
I am not making any statements other than addressing Bruce’s credibility as a political pundant and speculating as to how he ended up in front of the TV camera talking instead of singing.
#156, Jon
Both Bruce Springsteen’s and Michael Jordon’s names are a “brand”, and that brand’s value is a function of their image / standing with the public, so both can be tarnished by unpopular statements or actions. While Michael may be under contract not to speak, both would and will be harmed by any unpopular statements.
#157 - madashell - lol
Yes, you can find many, many examples of Bush’s mangled statements - again and fortunately, there are many examples of the contrary.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:42 pmsingers should be seen and not heard.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:43 pm.
Besides… Michael Jordan is a dick. He pulled a Dick Cheney on some kids asking for his autograph.
I’m not sure how “wise” that was.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:44 pmI will let it be known - I wear it as a badge of honor being called a “filthy” liberal. Anything is better than being called a repuklican; or conservative (which is nothing more than an oxymoron these days).
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:44 pmJason currently reading godless and agreeing with Anne Coulter? Nuff said.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:46 pmI think he included Soledad in the “idiots” category. Springsteen is pretty astute on TV personalities. She is a dingbat.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:48 pmHe slams Coulter - she should be slammed daily.
He said Bush should have lost his job - so many of us tried to fire him.
He’s right when he says musicians shouldn’t have to keep quiet. Neither should movie stars, etc. While we still can do so, as citizens, we are obliged to speak out when we see the wrongs in our government.
BTW, Did Tobey Keith get questioned?
jasaon pissant to sum up so far:
#122 - shut up and sing and if you sound stupid your opinion is worthleas
#132 - shut up and play basketball
#151 - pissant supports ‘invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to christianity’
now I guess you really are bigoted and racist
so here we go again: liar, bigot, racist, pissant
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:49 pmWhat nonsense. Liberals can’t even pressure Joe Lieberman into not being a shill for Bush, how the hell are they going to pressure a rock god? As for celebrity vs. reasoned argument, yeah right. This is from the people who want to replace science with “intelligent design” and Exxon-Mobil powerpoint presentations and replace the Constitution with torture and domestic spying.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:49 pm#168 Mark,
He probably paid for the book, too! Now, if any liberals want to read these books without having to pay for them, then I suggest you check it out at your local library. Coulter won’t get a dime of your money, and if your local librarian gets an NSL letter, your records will make them think you’re a “loyal American.”
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:50 pmJason,
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:51 pmre: 164 - surely you made more of a statement than you lead on in this entry. re-read your previous entries again… please don’t back away from your previous points. I would be glad to debate those…
At least when singers, movie stars and Anne Coulter speak, we know what weight to put on their comments. Soledad O’Brien is in a position of trust as a news anchor, and most people trust what she says, whether they ought to or not.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:51 pmFor all you trolls 42 years of age or younger - now here’s your chance to go down to the local recruitment office and enlist, go to Iraq, and relieve the soldiers who have been there countless times (STOP ORDERED).
Army raises maximum age again for new recruits; “…the second time this year the Army has boosted the maximum age for new volunteers.” It’s hard to recruit for a war based on lies. 6/22
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:52 pmnaturally this also means that gospel singers should not be singing about the gospel…oooops i forgot.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:53 pm.
both would and will be harmed by any unpopular statements.
Current polls show that Bruce Springsteen’s statements are not “unpopular”.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:53 pmNo there are not. Not speaking extemporaneously. He has read a few speeches written by professional speechwriters — a very few, as they are afraid to let him out in public without a nanny, or even to appear before the 9/11 Commission under oath (and without Dick Cheney to tell him what to say — not that Cheney is much more sensible or eloquent). But left to his own devices he is almost guaranteed to execute a gaffe-riot.
June 23rd, 2006 at 2:55 pm#170 - jealousofjeff,
My statement about Jordon was to refute the false notion that celebrities are NOT recruited by liberal activists to speak on behalf of liberal beliefs. Jordon stated that he has been pressed and refused, to protect his brand. I have absolutely NO problem with them stating their beliefs, and will then address their statements / arguements and their ability to convince those to whom they are speaking.
Your name calling only makes you look the fool, not me.
June 23rd, 2006 at 3:01 pmJason - GO SERVE YOUR MASTER AND ENLIST!
June 23rd, 2006 at 3:03 pmWhere exactly does it state that an attempt was made to recruit Jordan? by asking a question?
June 23rd, 2006 at 3:05 pm