Dumb Celebrity Watch

Via Roger L. Simon, comes this fascinating story of incisive political and social commentary from the world of music. Apparently, Elton John is dismayed by the lack as he sees it of quality "anti-war" songs:
 
"That's not happening now. As of this spring, there have been virtually no anti-war concerts - or anti-war songs that catch on, for that matter," he said.
 
 
Sir Elton's explanation for this is, you guessed it, the chill wind of McCarthyite repression:
 
"There's an atmosphere of fear in America right now that is deadly. Everyone is too career-conscious," he told New York magazine, Interview.

Sir Elton said performers could be "frightened by the current administration's bullying tactics".
 
The singer likened the current "fear factor" to McCarthyism in the 1950s.
 
 
Ah, yes. Celebrities who want to bash Bush should be free to do so, but God forbid if anyone should exercise the right to take issue with their comments or decide not to patronize their music/films as a result. Plus, the standard refrain about the "climate of fear" generated by the Bush Administration, which is usually offered just before launching into a venomous, hate-filled tirade against said administration. I just hope Elton is able to flee the country before he ends up in one of John Ashcroft's labor camps.
 
Michele at A Small Victory has the perfect response to this tripe, while Damien Penny has some interesting thoughts as well.