Bruce Springsteen's Op-Ed Today in the NY Times

[Kendra17]

Originally posted by buddy&wooz
Kendra, we just have such different views on this... I could cite examples to refute each of yours, and I'm sure you could come back and refute mine...

In the case of Springsteen, I don't know him personally of course, but I do know enough about the people he lives among to believe he hasn't surrounded himself with people who always agree with him. The children his kids go to school with are generally the offspring of Wall Street execs, doctors and lawyers, groups not exactly known for being liberal. I can't fault him for taking advantage of his fame to try to make a difference and get his thoughts out to as many people as possible. He's not doing anything Ronald Reagan didn't do before him .

You are right; we could. You are right, again, about Reagan. But, he became President of SAG, started out as a democrat, and as he became aware of the issues surrounding him. ..including the threat of Soviet Espionage, he left acting and fully immersed himself in politics.

I am not against a celebrity making his views known. I am against the NYT printing his piece as a full-length op-ed feature, when I really think it deserved to be a letter to the editor, or a self-paid advertisement, or even an item in the Entertainment section. I am also saddened that so many (not you, necessarily) DO listen to their celebrity "heroes" and form views that mirror these celebrities. So, when Springsteen and others are given a forum such as the NYT editorial/opinion page, and his actual opinion piece--which in substance, was NOT news-- BECOMES news because of his fame/celebrity, I find that difficult to swallow.

 

[WillyJ]

Wvrevy,


You're right about Springsteen being upset at Reagan using his name and Born in the USA as part of his campaign. . . mainly because it was obvious he had no clue what the song was really about.


I will say though, I think it's a very patriotic song. . . I'm guessing from the quotes in your sig that you'll agree patriotism is not blind, unquestioning praise for the decisions of a bunch of politicians. Rather it's the courage and conviction to know what's being done in our name and holding those in power accountable, and praising the good while speaking out against the bad all in the hope of making our country the best it can be.

I think using your art to give a voice to the feelings and frustrations of many who served our country during that war is extremely patriotic.