SPOLITICS....spotlights & politics

She's PROUD she's got Texas connections....

2004-11-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

Well, the race is over. President Bush prevailed. The slim grouping of celebrities supporting Bush chose the right guy.

And the Dixie Chicks are now struggling with their career (granted they made enough money prior to their outlandish lead singer's snipey "I'm ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas"), and stars like Sara Evans are rising in theirs.

That's right. Sara Evans is from Missouri, but closely tied to Texas- and one Texan she considers a dear friend is the president himself. She was invited to dinner one night, and Bush proudly exclaimed "I love the voice of Sara Evans!", after she delivered a country version of the classic gospel tune "Amazing Grace".

She also performed at the Republican National Convention, and she probably knows a thing or two about the political arena because her husband is a politician as well.

This year I have realized how proud I am to be a homegrown country girl. Thank goodness for country music and its ties to this nation's very own roots.

Like it or not people, God is tied there. "In God we Trust". This nation never told you that you had to believe in our God, so why complain after so many years of freedom. You ARE free. But the basis of this nation is with God, for without Him, nothing is possible. And if you do believe, you know that it rings the same with Allah, or Buddhist beliefs, or whatever you may believe. And if you are agnostic, I don't think it should mean a thing to you. If you don't believe in anything, then it shouldn't bother you that this nation was based on something. You have the freedom to not believe as well as the freedom to believe, and if you do not believe, then you know we "believers" are just "dummies who believe in something not real". Just relish in your superiority, that should be enough.

Country music understands the roots of the US. After all, that's where it was formulated from. And all music, no matter the genre, does in fact stem from Gospel and folk music. And most of these tunes do deal with divinity in some way, shape, or form. So basically, if you are a non-believer,then please don't listen to any music, for that is where music comes from. At least everything I've read, and learned from working in the industry.

Back to the Dixie Chicks. This is what I say to you: "I am ashamed Natalie Maines is a part of country music." You didn't like the repercussions, so why did you say what you said? Honestly, I would have a lot more respect for her had she made the comment in the US. Heck, make your comment right IN Texas.

Why didn't she? Well, she probably knew she would feel the backlash from a nation who obviously mostly supports Bush. And the backlash still came, even though the comment was made overseas. So she should have just shown a little gumption, IN MY OPINION (bolded for those of you unsure of the journalistic nature of this blog post).

Well, this rant is over and done with, at least for now.

I want to make one last thing clear, however. I am proud to be an American. I am glad I can have these editorials. I am glad I have the freedom to say what I feel, and I am glad that you that disagree do have the freedom to say as you wish. If you do not want anybody to smother your opinions, then please do not feel you have the right to smother someone else's. And this is for the really hard-edged conservatives as well.

Have a great day, everybody!

BUSH WINS!!!!!!!!!!! :)

2004-11-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I'd like to say: THANK YOU BLOGGER.COM FOR FINALLY WORKING AND ALLOWING ME TO MAKE THIS POST FOR CLASS.

Okay, now that that is out of the way, I can go on to the real post.

First of all, I'd like to give credit to all of those Republican entertainers, actors, artists, etc... out there who voted for and supported the big Dubya. And to those Democrats who made the right choice. Thank you. All of your hard work and your contributions paid off.

And a really big thank you goes out to the people of America who showed the nation who we really wanted in office. Vote for change? I hardly think so. George W. Bush won this election by a landslide, as far as I am concerned. And get this- he actually won both the popular AND the electorate.

But all of that aside- this year's voter turnout was spectacular (and I thank all of you young voters in my age group who are bleeding heart liberals for being unpassionate enough and just lazy enough to not go vote). Good job for those of you who voted.

Several entertainers sponsored programs getting people to vote, seriously directing them towards 18-25 year olds. "Rock the Vote" was sponsored by MTV, and the "Vote for Change Tour" sponsored by the MoveOn PAC.

And some entertainers just donned shirts with the words "VOTE OR DIE" emblazoned on their chest (ahem...Sean "P-Diddy" "Puffy" "Puffdaddy" Combs). And some (the aforementioned Combs, and the failing Dixie Chicks) opened their mouths with opinions obviously unheard by the people of the USA.

And now MTV is posting "news" online telling the youth of America how awful President Bush is, and what an awful job he has done in office. Let's condone the democrats, people!!

But all joking aside, the entertainers, all of them, did a great job at encouraging people to vote. Both parties had celebrities channelling their efforts daily, and we as Americans must commend them for this.

But thankfully for me, the entertainers for bush came out on top this year.

Musical Magicians

2004-10-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Their names are Darryl Worley and Toby Keith. What do they have in common other than both being country music heavyweights?

They both had hit songs in 2001 that struck a chord with everybody influenced by the events on9/11/2001.

After the release of these singles, post-9-11, they got lots of airplay, both in the states, and overseas with the troops.

They are getting explosive airplay once again. These songs are called "Have You Forgotten" and "The Angry American" respectively by these artists.

After that spine-tingling day, these two artists felt the shock and put their feelings to good use---on paper. Both made it to number one and stayed for aqhile. Both also found themselves amid lots of controversy.

But nobody felt the controversy more than Mr. Keith. He was supposed to sing on NBC's yearly Fourth of July Special, but the show's host, Canadian PeterJennings requested that he not sing his current hit. Toby fervently refused, therefore did not appear on the show.

For weeks after that, the song's popularity skyrocketed, much to Mr. Jennings' chagrin. It also spurred the Dixie Chicks to make comments towards Toby (more on them in a later blog).

Darryl's song mostly struck chords, creating a strong feeling of sadness and happiness, and an aggressiveness that was different than Toby.

Music is a strong force and I believe will be a strong force in this election year, just as it was in gaining popularity for the president back in 2001. I think that is one reason for the newfound airplay of these and songs similar to these.

Eminem goes BONKERS!

2004-10-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

"They tell us 'stop,' we say 'go'/ Rebel with a rebel yell, raise hell, we gonna let him know/ Stomp, push, shove, mush, f--- Bush!/ Until they bring our troops home/ Come on."

These are just a few of the lyrics on the high-energy, highly controversial hip-hop mogul's new song "Mosh". Em's new album, entitled "Encore" is filled with his usual witty, smart-mouthed anecdotes, and hardcore rhymes. The extent of his Bush-bashing on this particular song (Mosh), however, is just preposterous.

"F-- money/ I don't rap for dead presidents/ I'd rather see the president dead/ It's never been said, but I set precedents". These lyrics caused a ruckus in the White House, inciting a Secret Service investigation. And these lyrics aren't even from Em's song "Mosh". This song is called "We As Americans". Well, this American certainly doesn't feel that way.

Why live in a world filled with anarchy? I guess some people are just completely unhappy with this system. But one thing must be realized: part of a politician's job is to "lie". All of them do it, including Mr. Kerry. I'm not saying Eminem is totally for John Kerry, it is just that his extreme hatred of this nation's current leader is fervent, and has lost him a fan or two (from the grapevine.)

"Let the president answer on higher anarchy/ Strap him with an AK-47, let him go fight his own war/ Let him impress daddy that way/ ... No more blood for oil." This war wasn't even begun or entirely fought for oil. We have beef with more than just Iraq for oil, so to me, this theory is ridiculous.

So now Em is rallying hip-hop fans to register to vote- which is a good thing to do-- but here's the kicker: EMINEM CAN'T VOTE. In 2001 his right was taken away for a felony conviction in a weapon's case. He's not registered anyway. With lyrics like the ones I've seen, I can't help but wonder if this celebrity needs to have that right.

Okay, okay, so that was harsh and it defeats the purpose of a democracy. But it does frighten me that a man of his fame can say things so harsh and not get in trouble for it.

So this is America, indeed.

Hollywood's West Wing goes.....REPUBLICAN??

2004-10-15T08:15:00.001-07:00

Batten down the hatches, matey, the right side is coming to the "West Wing". Well, at least it could be. NBC's popular show started a year and a half into President Bartlet's (Martin Sheen) administration. Producers are thinking its a good idea to keep things realistic, so a year from January would be the end of Bartlet's journey as a U.S. president.

Alan Alda runs against Jimmy Smits as the GOP candidate. It should serve for an interesting season, especially if the script writes in Alda as the winner in the next election. One thing is for sure, this season will surely be interesting. It is just too bad it wasn't this season's show, since the election is on November 2.

I think decisions like this, on the producer's parts, are key in election years. Could the possibility of a Republican "West Wing" administration be foreshadowing another four years as a Republican run nation? Or could it prove to be just the opposite?

Whatever the outcome, I'm sure the producers have put a lot of thought into it. I've never really watched the show, but after reading CNN's article on the possible switch, I'm strongly considering tuning in this season.

To see Hollywood go Right, tune in to NBC on Wednesday, October 20, at 9:00p.m. EDT to see this hybrid season kick off.

On another note, a few more big name entertainers have added their names to the list of Entertainers for Bush.

One is huge boxing promoter, Don King. I feel this is a huge addition, since he is a strong-willed, outspoken African-American man.

Others include:

Brad Paisley, country singer
Chuck Norris, actor and martial arts guru
Kathie Lee Gifford, talk show host
Patricia Heaton, "Everybody Loves Raymond"

Left-wingers in Hollywood need to watch out, because the quiet RIGHT-ers are coming out of the closet!

Christina Aguilera Speaks

2004-10-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Aaaah...I love the voice of Christina Aguilera. It gets a little crazy at times, and sometimes she uses power when it should be soft, but overall, she's awesome VOCALLY. Well, now she is using that voice for more than just music. And no matter what she is rallying for or against, I am excited that she believes America's youth should vote, and see some huge issues that actually do affect this country's younger population. All of this is a part of MTV's "Choose or Lose" campaign, encouraging younger people to vote.

Let's talk about sex baby. That's right. Salt-n-Pepa popularized that line, but now that's what Ms. Aguilera is doing. She's talking about sex, politics, and how they really do fit together---especially in a huge voting year like this one.

The two presidential candidates have differing views on both abstinence, and the issue of abortion. President Bush says it is simple: "Just say no". His "abstinence or bust" philosophy basically says to say no to sex outside of marriage, a thing which all too many of we Americans (cough cough: 80%) are pretty darn guilty of doing. There's actually a little research from the Heritage Institute to support that it might be good for reducing sexual behavior among teens and give them a hand with emotional problems, depression, and even the inevitable failed relationship. In the past four years, Dubya has spent millions on this kind of program--$136 million in last year's budget alone---and if its approved, that number could jump up to $272 million in the next year. But the Heritage Institute and other groups like it are upset that these programs make up less than 10% of the money spent on contraception use promotions.

Senator Kerry does endorse such programs, but feels it needs to stress information on using protection, because just under half of all high schoolers are/have been sexually active. Christina Aguilera feels there's an extreme importance for young people to take their stance on this subject---in her program that aired lastnight on MTV, she spoke about personal experiences and the like and why it is crucial to know about these issues. She stresses that it is vital that we care about these issues.

Then we get to: ABORTION! I won't go into the presidents' stances on this except that (PARTIAL BIRTH AND LATE TERM ABORTION IS ABSOLUTELY 100% WRONG AND IF YOU BELIEVE IT IS OK, THEN I FEEL YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE UNBORN CHILD....THAT LATE IN THE TERM THEY ARE A HUMAN BEING AND DESERVE A CHANCE AT LIFE.....IF YOU CARRY THAT LONG, YOU NEED TO HAVE THE BABY....THAT'S MY STANCE ON THAT ONE) ---so now off of my political soapbox---voters do need to realize that essentially it is not the president who makes any of the decisions regarding abortion, rather, it is the Supreme Court (chosen by the president, yes). Four of the nine judges are over 70, so the next few years could bring about changes, but I don't know if that is a good thing.

I think it is fabulous to see big name stars like Christina out there talking about issues like this--the importance of these issues---regardless of her viewpoints. They are issues, important ones, and issues that sometimes the older population throw aside; because it affects them just a little less. When she recently appeared on MTV's Total Request Live, she donned a tank top reading "Stop bitching, start a revolution". She encourages women to get out and vote for their rights and to stop letting all those women who walked before down. We worked hard to get the opportunity to vote, so its silly to not register, and silly to not vote.

And to Dr. Sarkio.....yes, its sad that it was only $500.00 that the HCR raised, but in all fairness, it was their first year doing such a thing, and I'm sure they will gather up much more money this year, as their group has grown considerably!

Cali has a Congress of REPUBLICANS?

2004-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yes they do!! Led by their excellent governor, Mr. Arnold Schwarzzenegger too, I might add! He actually heads a group called the "Hollywood Congress of Republicans" , which is actually one of the chapters of the California Congress of Republicans. I guess over on the west coast, Republicans have to make sure they stick together! HaHa!

Anyway, this organization is quite interesting! It was formed in 2001 and is a grassroots organization promoting republican views and expressing those views throughout the area known as Hollywood! This particular chapter then focuses on these ideas and issues and the concerns that impact their line of work---the entertainment industry! Like I've said before, too many people in that industry are hardcore demmies.....and I think half of them are clueless as to what really may go on! But who knows...:)

They not only meet with their members, however. They are a networking organization that tries to bring people together both socially and politically....you do no thave to be a big name star to be a member---just live in Hollywood, and the Hollywood Congress of Republicans will embrace you as well if you are not!

They help support non-profit organizations, as well as for-profits; but one of the big ones is the United States Marine Core "Toys for Tots" program that takes place generally in the winter, holiday months! Last year they kicked off their participation in the program, making a contribution of $500-----a number they plan to beat into the ground this year.

The Hollywood Congress of Republicans have their next meeting on October 20, with special guest Laurie Coleman, actress and wife of U.S. Senator Norman Coleman (Minn.).

For more information on this organization for those of you out in silver screen town, you can contact the group at: 818-997-7515, or e-mail at mark@hollywoodrepublicans.com.

That's all for now! Stay tuned for more fun fun fun:)

PRO-BUSH CELEBS....yes, they exist ;-)

2004-09-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I’ve let you know about the huge tour in favor of that nasty old, wishy-washy John Kerry character! And by the magnitude of that, and the huge number of Hollywood fans that are brazenly for the Senator, you’d maybe wonder why I would even try to argue my case that plenty of artists and the like are in favor of our president. Well, SURPRISE! They ARE! Let’s see.

These are some of the celebrities who appeared at the Republican National Convention in New York City. Obviously if they were democrats or for Kerry, they wouldn’t have been at this convention, so these are definite!

The most successful duo in country music history, and one of the most famous in all musical genres, Brooks and Dunn performed for the president. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing them in concert, actually the summer after 9/11. They open with their “Only in America” song, use red, white, and blue glitz, have members of the military up on stage, and state their support for our troops and our country. But not a word about the president. They don’t have to. I think they are bigger, in the way they express their political feelings, than any artist on the anti-Bush tour I spoke about in the last entry. Why? They don't jam their thoughts down your throat!

New female country superstar Sara Evans is another who appeared at the Convention, along with the Gatlin Brothers, Darryl Worley (of the powerful “Have You Forgotten” fame), and Lee Ann Womack from the country music genre.
Add to the mix……..A FEW ROCKERS…….Third Day, a group who has garnered four gold albums, and Dexter Freebish, also award winners.
And those beloved Christian superstars like Jaci Velasquez, Michael W. Smith (all 16 of his albums have won at least one award!), Donnie McClurkin, and Gracie Rosenburger
Non-musical celebrities were also on hand to speak their mind. “The View” cohost Lisa Hasselback, Tony Award-winner Ron Silver, and the wonderful California Governor, aka Hollywood Superstar, Arnold Schwarrzenegger were also there to speak their mind on our president!

There were plenty of others there, like Angie Harmon and Kerri Strug, but many voiced their opinions outside of the Convention. They just use a little more class and aren’t as brash about their feelings as the democrats!

And Kelsey Grammer just recently "came out" on the Letterman show one night, to the shock and disgust of his Democratic Hollywood colleagues. Ohhh the shame. With his "coming out", he said "''Some of you may or may not know this. I've recently come out of the closet, actually, in Hollywood. I'm a Republican, you see. It's a dangerous thing to do in Hollywood because it means you are very isolated and lonely.'' Good job, Kelsey, my heart is out to you!

Here’s a short list of just a few of the famous Bush supporters:
Aaron Buerge (the Bachelor), Bo Derek, Brad Paisley,Britney Spears (that’s right, folks!!), Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Dennis Miller, Don King, Drew Carey, Erika Harold (2003 Miss America), Fred Thompson, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jessica Simpson, Jason Priestly, John Rhys-Davies (aka Gimli the dwarf), Jonny Lang, Johnny Ramone, Kathie Lee Gifford, Kelsey Grammar, Kid Rock, Lara Flynn-Boyle, Lynn Swann (NFL Hall of Fame), Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nick Lachey, Pat Sajak, Patricia Heaton, Ric Flair, Sean Hannity (new member of Entertainers for Bush, which I am a member of too! Good choice!), Shannen Doherty, Steve Tyler, Ted Nugent, Tony Sirico, Vincent Gallo

ENTERTAINERS AGAINST BUSH

2004-09-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

And they seem to be encouraging their entourage of fans as well. A concert can no longer be a simple show filled with fun for the fans. Noooo! But, like we've seen in the past, with Woodstock and such, entertainers do drag their political views into the framework by "campaigning" for or against candidates IN their shows. Sometimes, subtlety is used. Others, it is brash and straight to the point.

And the latter all comes together with an anti-Bush tour aptly named "Vote for Change". I guess that's what you do if you vote against the incumbant president, huh? Anyway, enough banter for now. This tour is actually quite massive, and, to my republican dismay, quite impressive. Outspoken artists have come together on a giant tour to promote John Kerry and to advise people at the concerts, which tend to attract younger crowds, to vote against Bush.....even if it means voting for Nader.

Proceeds from this top-notch show will go to a group called "America Coming Together" , a top advocacy group known as a "527". That fancy title just makes them a legal group. Most 527s seem to be groups trying to influence federal elections through voter mobilization and "issue" ads that might actually be disdainful towards the less-liked, or, in this case, despised "other" candidate.

Well, if voter mobilization is what they are after, gathering up a group of cohorts like this certainly should help the cause. ( My feelings= BLECH!) Anyway, these acts include, but, are NOT limited to, huge names like the Dixie Chicks, the Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow, Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen....(how can you disagree with a guy who calls himself "the boss"?? ;-) )

This tour, whether its intentions are working or not, has made at least $30 million so far! That's pretty impressive for a political/entertainment campaign.

What's even more impressive is that the top-notch acts like those listed above have even recruited some newer, fresher acts, like Yellowcard, for the tour, showing that their influence is not just on their non-music industry fans, but their musical counterparts all the same.

Quite impressive, guys! Even though I disagree and feel like youshould not tout your political beliefs at a concert. If I pay money, I know I want to get music and high energy excitement, not a political hullabaloo. I could just go to one of the conventions, or to a debate, if that's what I wanted. I don't preach my beliefs in my shows, and I just do not feel anyone should, unless it is for a political function. But hey, maybe that's just me.....

So what's this thing all about?

2004-09-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there! My name is Angela and I'm a twenty-one year old senior at the wonderful University of Florida. So, what is this blog all about? Well, actually it is for this cool class I'm currently taking, called Writing and Reporting for the Interactive Media. We are creating a real website where we can write on different issues and create our own blog that interests us...the catch? Well, it happens to be a big election year, so the focus is solely on the current presidential election......somehow.

You see, I am an entertainer...a singer... And I feel that entertainers certainly can play a strong role in the election process. The entertainment industry as a whole has so many followers that it could probably be the defining factor IN a presidential race. I think everybody has the right to say what they feel, as long as they can express themselves equally with an extremely critical crowd as well as a crowd foreshadowed to agree with them.

I am also a Republican, pro-Bush, proving that despite a common theory, not all entertainers are pesky Democrats. However, I am not a big name YET, and yes, it seems the loudest talkers in the political arena known as Hollywood are of the donkey party. Or at least are staunch supporters of that candidate, namely, John Kerry. Why? Well, this year it seems most all of anti-Bush feelings are just that--the "anti" entertainers are just against President George W. Bush himself, or what they feel he has done. Some of them can name the good things John Kerry has done, but most seem to be more vocal in their opposition to the war in Iraq or to our president himself, or sometimes, even the Republican party as a whole!

But.....Entertainment does not consist solely of Hollywood. Nor does every celebrity have anti-Bush sentiments. There are several forms of music...from Music City Nashville, to hip-hop LA and chic New York, and opinions differ from area to area. And they also differ from person to person, making these "god-like" figures no more than a mere person with an idea in their head. No more than one of us "regulars".

This blog is by no means goin going to be gung-ho for Dubya, because I will be discussing issues with those that are joining for Kerry as well. My goal is to show the spectrum of support from celebrities (meaning musicians/actors/athletes/etc.) in the world of politics.

So this, my friend, is what I call "Spolitics".