Neil Young - Living With War

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

I don't see entertainers being any different from anyone else who is looked up to stating their opinions on politics. Music has and always will be a reflection on what is going on around us. I don't hear anybody getting all bent out of joint when a preacher sticks his finger into politics, but we're all damned if a singer sings about it. How many young adults give a damn about politics in this country anymore anyway. They don't care. They can soak up all the ideas entertainers are talking about and talk to their little friends about them and pass them off as their own, but what will they actually do? Nothing, they won't do a damn thing. It'll catch their interest for awhile, but then they'll move on to the next fad. Hell, the majority of America doesn't care anymore.

And Squint, by your logic, nobody can talk about politics except for politicos.

[BGarrett7]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Because people in their positions have no idea what goes on behind closed doors and why decisions are made for the best of our country.

So, based on that assessment alone, what right does any non-politician, be they an artist or not, have to say about political matters?

[SportsTop]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

And Squint, by your logic, nobody can talk about politics except for politicos.

Not true at all. Entertainers have the biggest and most wide-reaching medium with which to affect people. And for some reason they feel the need to use it so spout things they have absolutely no idea about. (e.g. Dixie Chicks, Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, and now Neil Young).

I think some of their actions are borderline treasonous, but that's me.

[BGarrett7]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Not true at all. Entertainers have the biggest and most wide-reaching medium with which to affect people. And for some reason they feel the need to use it so spout things they have absolutely no idea about. (e.g. Dixie Chicks, Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, and now Neil Young).

I think some of their actions are borderline treasonous, but that's me.

So, only people who are against our current regime should not be allowed to express their political views through their artistic medium? If Neil's new album were to be pro-Bush, it would be acceptable?

[SportsTop]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

So, based on that assessment alone, what right does any non-politician, be they an artist or not, have to say about political matters?

Again....I have no issue with people voicing the political beliefs, but my issue is when you start calling the President of the U.S. a liar and calling for his impeachment all because you are fed a few lines you have no idea about and then use your wide-reaching medium to impression young people.

[SportsTop]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

So, only people who are against our current regime should not be allowed to express their political views through their artistic medium? If Neil's new album were to be pro-Bush, it would be acceptable?

Round up all of those celebrities/entertainers that support our current "regime" and you couldn't fill a two bedroom apartment with them. There's ummm.....Toby Keith....and....uh.....

I could lie and tell you no, but the truth of the matter that it is refreshing to see someone back our leader and show a sense of unity.....right or wrong.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

I think some of their actions are borderline treasonous, but that's me.

I find this hysterical. Are you going to tell me next that Mr. Young is a terrorist and should be sent to Guantanamo Bay?

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

I could lie and tell you no, but the truth of the matter that it is refreshing to see someone back our leader and show a sense of unity.....right or wrong.

I'm going to vomit.

[SportsTop]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

I find this hysterical. Are you going to tell me next that Mr. Young is a terrorist and should be sent to Guantanamo Bay?

Yeah....he's a terrorist. Give me a break.

Move along little sheep....move along.....baaaaahhh.

[BGarrett7]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

I could lie and tell you no, but the truth of the matter that it is refreshing to see someone back our leader and show a sense of unity.....right or wrong.

Then it's simply a case of this being an artist whose views differ from your own, not an issue of an artist expressing their political views?

How does this relate to your "entertainers using their celebrity to force their political views/beliefs [is] weak" statement? If an artist were to be pushing pro-Bush sentiments on "impressionable young adults" you would be perfectly fine with it?

[SportsTop]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Then it's simply a case of this being an artist whose views differ from your own, not an issue of an artist expressing their political views?

How does this relate to your "entertainers using their celebrity to force their political views/beliefs [is] weak" statement? If an artist were to be pushing pro-Bush sentiments on "impressionable young adults" you would be perfectly fine with it?

That isn't (and won't ever be) the case, so we'll never know.

Like I stated before, there is something to be said about showing unity and solidarity as a nation ESPECIALLY during a time of war.

[Silverstring]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Like I stated before, there is something to be said about showing unity and solidarity as a nation ESPECIALLYduring a time of war.

Not trying to "debate", just trying to make sure I have this straight:

1. You dislike a "blind sheep" mentality, correct?

2. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a "sheep" or "blind sheep" could be described/defined as-A group of people/ a person who lacks the capacity for careful consideration, imagination, or individual thought, who thusly go with group

and/or

mindless following and proliferation of a popularly espoused thought, without personal determination/stance

3. It is a good thing if people deny an individual determination/stance for the sake of an outer display of unity, and here's the kicker-"good OR bad"

4. Again, you dislike a SHEEP mentality-to the point where you mock another poster for having one?

I can only assume you forgot to include some steps in your reasoning, so please, clarify.

Unless, wait....are all sheep created equal, or is there a sheep hierarchy? Are some herds better than others?

Damn, logic is pesky.

[roadman]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Is Rush Limbaugh and the Spin Factor entertainers that are paid to give and express their opinions like Mr. Young did?

[Jackdog]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

Is Rush Limbaugh and the Spin Factor entertainers that are paid to give and express their opinions like Mr. Young did?

What about Al Franken and his Air America family or Keith Oberman? Does your question only apply to people on the "Right"?

[Silverstring]

Re: Neil Young - Living With War

But how is an artist expressing his beliefs or views on religion technically any different from them expressing their beliefs or views on subjects like love/sex/relationships, religion, other artists, corporations, the industry, or any of the other range of topics that songs are written about? If you are going to say an artist expressing their thoughts on politics is lame, where do you draw the line for other subjects? Why are some things acceptable while others are not? An artist has a right to express themselves through their craft, just as you have a right to choose not to listen to it.

I have never agreed with you more. Damn Jimmy Buffett and his "pro-margerita, pro-cheeseburger" platform he's forcing down my throat. Same with the Beach Boys and their obvious bias toward "California Girls", as if "Montana Girls" aren't equally worthy of praise(if they don't have sufficent info on the girls of EVERY state, they are incapable of writing about ANY state's girls). Ditto Van Morrison. Keep your damn opinions about what constitutes a favorable eye color for women and just entertain me. Beatles, why should I HAVE to "Let It Be"?!?!? Perhaps I don't want to let it be, I want to make a change. Van Halen, why "Jump" and go to "Panama" when I could just as easily sit in Miami? Damn all of you for having opinions that are reflected in songs you wrote.