On Politics 7/2/09: One Person, One Voice; Regardless Of Occupation

So, it has come to pass that the U.S. Senate will welcome Mr. Al Franken as its' newest member, representing the frozen north otherwise known as Minnesota. Some look upon this event with undue consternation, perhaps forgetting that this is the same political constituency that gave us the immortal Jesse "The Body" Ventura as their Governor (Jesse was a much better performer in Mike Capozzoli's favorite movie, "Predator", than in his political career. Who the heck would have ever thought THAT movie would feature two future Governors in Jesse and Arnold? Think of that the next time you watch the alien wipe out Carl Weathers and the boys).

As I ponder this latest entertainer to make the transition to politician, I think of the common complaint that people normally make regarding celebrities - they do not want to hear from them on matter of politics. I always find this somewhat curious, since the entertainers are citizens as well. Laura Ingraham, the oft-fiery conservative political commentator, wrote a book in the past few years directing these people to "shut up and sing". I'm not sure about this, but I'll wager that Ms. Ingraham isn't sharing any of her royalties with these folks whose predilection to speak out made her richer than she already was.

Exactly what is the problem with people exercising their democratic right to speak out on a subject? Who hasn't sat next to the annoying person at a bar or social event who wants to chew your ear off about the latest theoretical political issue, be it local, national, or state? Isn't the real problem with our Democracy that, here in the land of 40-45% voting in Presidential elections, that we DON'T have enough people involved in our political process? Don't people understand that the only way some of the antics of our elected representatives are tolerated (such as the ongoing buffoonery in Albany) is directly because people do not speak up or scream out? Oh, by the way, here's my perpetual advice for those of you annoyed at artists or entertainers speaking their mind: Turn the channel, shut off the radio, don't by tickets to the concerts, put the paper down. I think you can figure it out people.

Here's a more annoying example of mass communication for me: On a daily basis, I receive many unsolicited e-mails from people, with their opinion of the latest crime of either the right or left, stories slanted to annoy or inflame a particular set of recipients. I'd much rather see a decrease of these than worrying about what some actor or singer had to say on a topic.

Here in America, everyone gets to have their opinion, like it or not. If you do not want to hear some entertainer's' views on things, keep that in mind the next time you're boring someone with yours'.