Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Dear Ms. Ronstadt,

I understand that you don’t enjoy performing when you know that Republicans and fundamental Christians are in your audience. Some might call you bigoted for your views, but I say you’re free to think as you choose. You’re even free to make known your views in a public forum, it’s your First Amendment right to free speech. It’s the beautiful thing about the American Constitution and our open society. All manner of people are free to think and say what they want when they want. I’m sure you have many fans that will agree with your statements. Good for you and them. Of course, when you say something like that it makes you look like a petty idiot, but you’re completely free to say it.

I’m willing to bet that with your petty remarks you lost easily half of your fans - fans who happen to be Republicans and Christians. I count myself in that number. That might translate to your wallet, too, so you might want to start saving for a rainy day (I hear thunder booming in the distance, by the way) since your ticket sales will be reduced. Oh, but wait, I hear you got fired from your latest gig. Seems that the rain has already started to hit.

In the immortal words of Laura Ingraham, shut up and sing. When will you people finally ge tthe point that we don’t buy tickets to your shows to hear you espouse your political opinions? If you sing, I’m buying a ticket to hear you sing. If you act, I’m buying a ticket to see you act. I say this to those whose political views I agree with as well - just shut it. If you want to be politically active, go for it, it’s the American way. But not in a forum where your audience has paid for you to do the one thing you do that’s not political, because that’s not what they’re paying for. It’s a simple concept.

Thanks for your attention. Good luck to you.