July 28, 2010, - 12:39 pm
My New Hero: Elton John Slams Arizona Boycotters
I used to dislike Elton John. But no more. Over the past several months, the man has really earned my respect. He’s shown courage and intestinal fortitude, first by refusing to get involved in the gay marriage issue in California (which is especially brave since he is openly gay and in a longtime gay relationship), then by refusing to boycott Israel and dissing those who do, and, now, by refusing to boycott Arizona and dissing the showbiz types who are doing that. (That’s not to mention his performance at Rush Limbaugh’s recent wedding. Reports say he got a cool mill for that one.)
This guy has cojones (and how he uses them in his private life is not my concern). He’s an independent, critical thinker who doesn’t just do what’s hip politically in the entertainment industry. That’s very admirable in our time of group-thinkism. And he deserves our support for that. Check out this report from his Thursday concert in Tucson, Arizona. Yup, Elton John has more guts on the immigration issue than Barack Obama and his ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Chief Moron, John Morton:
Elton John didn’t mince words in slamming his fellow musicians for boycotting Arizona over the controversial SB 1070 immigration law. From the stage at his sold-out Tucson Arena concert Thursday night, John savored a few choice, not-so-family-friendly words:
“We are all very pleased to be playing in Arizona. I have read that some of the artists won’t come here. They are (expletive) wits! Let’s face it: I still play in California, and as a gay man I have no legal rights whatsoever. So what’s the (expletive) with these people?”
Exactly. What’s the (expletive) with these people?!
And don’t forget what Elton John said at his concert in Israel, back in June:
He spoke for the first time [DS: at the Tel Aviv concert]- making reference to his musical brethren who have feared what they don’t understand, and wittingly or not, joined the cultural boycott of Israel.
“Shalom, we are so happy to be back here! Ain’t nothing gonna stop us from coming, baby,” spouted John with a pumped fist in the air. “Musicians spread love and peace, and bring people together. That’s what we do. We don’t cherry-pick our conscience.”
What he does behind closed doors is his business. What he does in public on a consistent basis–in not pandering to left-wing political pressure–has my support.
Right on, Elton John.
Tags: Arizona, Arizona immigration law, courage, Elton John, guts, Israel, kudos, Shut Up and Sing
Do you like Elton John’s music?
Matthew on July 28, 2010 at 12:50 pm